Oil removal

[kap]

One of our friend's rentals' garage has a very large (the width of the garage) wooden workbench that is completely covered with oil grease and dirt. Who knows how long it's in state of filth. What is the best degreaser for this situation? Will Citrus cleaner and degreaser suffice? TiA

[Paul F.]

I'd start by making a paste of dry laundry detergent and water... a fairly dry mix.
Smear it on, let soak overnight, and scrape off with a putty knife. Dispose of the oily waste appropriately.

After that? Depends on what kind of wood.. how deep it's soaked in, etc.

You'll probably get it useable, but you'll NEVER get it all out.

[kap]

Paul,
It doesn't need to be in an immaculate condition but clean of greasy smudges because it will be used to temporarily lay aside rolls of area rugs.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Citrus cleaner will take some of the light oil and maybe some of the top layer of grease out but the stains will remain. Something like Formbys furniture refinisher might lighten the stains more than citrus cleaner but it will not take everything out (it can cause problems with glued joints though). I would recommend the latter and then sand or scrape it and refinish it. Depending on the wood it might be easier to just glue a layer of laminate down.

[BigGuynRusty]

The Fill de Muffinator is correct.
The oil us probably soaked in so far that it is part of the bench.
Thick mil plastic sheeting.

BGnR

[modelamac]

Get a commercial grease cutting liquid from a janitorial or restaurant supplier.

Haul the workbench out onto the drive, brush on the degreaser, and let it do its job for an hour or so. Hose off with plenty of water. Let dry. Return workbench to desired location & use as desired.

[kap]

modelmac,
I would certainly do what you suggested alas, one length of the workbench is attached to the frame of the garage. However, I could still use the industrial strength degreaser correct? Is it safe to use the degreaser inside the garage? Its fume will not annihilate my friend's family and the surrounding neighbors now will it?

[mikebw]

I would just scrape it off with a putty knife, then hit it up with some dawn dishwashing liquid. After that sand it down or cover it up.

Or you could just set the oil on fire, but you did mention something about a family and neighbors, so maybe not.

[samintx]

dishwasher detergent...not laundry detergent. Cuts hard grease better.

[OWC Jamie]

Kitty litter, let it sit overnite.

Dawn liquid dish detergent is what they use on birds after an oil spill.
Vessels also use in the bilge . (also helps when pumping over board, because of its dipersants - what makes the oil bead up/increase surface area to speed up evaporation)


Once oil has had a chance to get wicked into the wood fibers it's imposible to get out. The most you'll get is the surface clean.

There are some spectacular mill fires from all the oil soaked wood.