Cleaning Motor Oil Drain Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Motor oil drain pans are a handy tool for any DIY car owner, but they can be a hassle to clean. While some people choose to simply wipe their pans with a rag or paper towel, others opt for more heavy-duty cleaning solutions such as degreaser or brake cleaner. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly approach, you can try using a natural solvent like Goop hand cleaner or starting fluid (ether). To prevent spills and splashes in the first place, it's worth investing in a high-quality oil drain pan with features like an anti-splash lip, a secure spout, and an enclosed oil chamber.

Use a degreaser

Using a degreaser is an effective way to clean a motor oil drain pan. This method is particularly useful if you intend to reuse the drain pan for another purpose or if you want to ensure that all oil residue is removed before disposal.

First, collect the used oil from the drain pan and store it in a separate container. You can pour the oil back into the original oil containers or into a suitable bottle or jar. Allow the oil to drain thoroughly, leaving the pan for several hours or overnight to ensure that as much oil as possible has been collected.

Once the oil is drained, you can apply the degreaser. Choose a degreaser that is suitable for the material of your drain pan and follow the instructions on the product label for safe and effective use. Some degreasers may require dilution, while others can be used directly on the surface. Spray or wipe the degreaser liberally onto the drain pan, ensuring that all greasy areas are covered. Allow the degreaser to sit for a few minutes to penetrate and break down the oil residue.

After the degreaser has had time to work, you can wipe down the drain pan with clean rags or paper towels. The oil residue should come off easily, but you may need to apply some elbow grease for stubborn areas. If necessary, reapply the degreaser and scrub with a brush or scouring pad to remove any remaining oil. Finally, rinse the drain pan with clean water to remove any degreaser residue and dry it thoroughly before storing or reusing it.

Using a degreaser is a more thorough approach to cleaning a motor oil drain pan compared to simply wiping it down with rags or paper towels. It is important to dispose of the used oil and degreaser residue properly, as they can be harmful to the environment. Contact your local waste management facility or auto parts store to inquire about the safe disposal of these materials.

Wipe with paper towels

To clean a motor oil drain pan, some people suggest simply wiping it down with paper towels. This method is straightforward and doesn't require any additional cleaning products. You can also use old rags or towels that are about to be retired or thrown away. This way, you can remove most of the oil residue without creating additional waste that needs to be disposed of properly.

If you want to ensure a more thorough cleaning, you can use a paper towel soaked in a simple green solution or a mild detergent like Blue Dawn to wipe down the drain pan. This will help cut through any remaining grease or oil residue. Additionally, you can use cat litter to absorb any excess oil before wiping the pan with paper towels.

While some people choose to dispose of their oil-soaked paper towels and rags, others choose to keep them for future use in oil changes. If you choose to dispose of them, make sure to do so properly, as they are considered hazardous waste.

It is important to note that some people choose not to clean their motor oil drain pans at all, as they believe it is unnecessary since the pan will only be used for collecting dirty oil again.

Use old clothes as rags

When it comes to cleaning a motor oil drain pan, some people don't see the point and prefer to simply drain the oil and wipe the pan with rags, as it will just get oily again. However, if you want to give your drain pan a thorough clean, you can use a degreaser or brake cleaner, or even kerosene.

Now, when it comes to the rags you use for wiping up oil, you might be wondering if you can just throw them away. The answer is no—oil-soaked rags can be a fire hazard, so proper disposal is important. But rather than tossing them, you can turn them into handy cleaning rags for your home or workshop. Here's how:

Choosing the Right Clothes

The best clothes to use for oil-absorbent rags are those made from super-absorbent fabrics like 100% cotton. T-shirts, sweaters, and pyjamas are great options, while jeans or polyester/synthetics are not ideal. You want to look for clothes that are ripped, stained, or worn and ready for a new purpose.

Cutting the Clothes

Once you've selected the clothes you want to use, grab a good pair of scissors and start cutting. You can cut the clothes into even-sized squares or rectangles, or you can leave them in larger pieces, depending on your preference. If there are any zippers, strings, or elastic bands, remove them. You can also cut off seams if you like, but it's not necessary.

Storing Your New Rags

Keep your new rags in a bin near your workspace or anywhere you might need them. Having a stash of rags at hand means you'll always have something to wipe up spills or messes, and you can avoid using paper towels or other disposable options.

Cleaning Your Rags

Oily rags can be challenging to clean, and you may need to use a commercial grease remover or a product like Dawn liquid soap or borax to help break down the grease and oil. Soaking the rags in hot water with a grease-fighting agent before washing can also help. When it comes time to wash your rags, using a washing machine is an option, but be aware that the grease and oil can stick to the sides of the washer drum. If you're concerned about this, you might prefer to use a laundromat or a dedicated washing machine for your rags. Wash your rags with hot water and laundry detergent, and consider using a pressure washer to really get rid of any stubborn grease.

Drying Your Rags

Air-drying your rags is the best option, as it will help them stay absorbent and extend their lifespan. Machine drying can set stains and cause damage to the rag's fibres. If you must use a dryer, stick to low or medium heat and avoid high heat, especially if you've used the rags to wipe up flammable liquids.

Disposing of Oily Rags

If your rags are extremely oily and you don't want to reuse them, proper disposal is important. Oily rags should not be thrown in the trash, as they can pose a fire hazard. Instead, look for a local facility that accepts hazardous waste, or contact a local auto shop, as they may have a system for disposing of oily rags.

Use cat litter to absorb oil

Cat litter is an effective tool for absorbing excess oil. However, it is important to note that it does not actually absorb the oil, but rather, coats the surface of each particle. This means that the oil can seep back out and create another mess. Additionally, clay-based cat litter can be hazardous to your health when the dust is inhaled, and it can damage machinery and engines.

If you do decide to use cat litter, follow these steps:

• Blot up as much of the excess oil as possible with a heavy-duty paper towel or paint scraper.
• Cover the stain with cat litter and use a scrub brush to grind it into the stain.
• If the cat litter looks damp, add more and repeat the process.
• Leave the cat litter alone for a while (a day or so) to let it pull the oil and moisture from the cement.
• Check on the area. If it starts looking moist, add more litter and grind it in.
• Once the litter is wet, it has absorbed as much as it can. Clear it away and repeat the process if necessary.

There are other methods and products that can be used in conjunction with or instead of cat litter. These include:

• Degreaser, laundry soap, or dish soap
• Baking soda
• Dish washing liquid
• Powder detergent
• WD-40
• Poultice
• Spray lubricants
• Specialty cleaning and bioremediation products

Wash with hand cleaner

To clean a motor oil drain pan, some people suggest simply wiping it down with a rag or paper towel, or even leaving it as it is, as it will just get oily again the next time it is used. However, if you want to give your oil drain pan a more thorough clean, you can use hand cleaner.

First, use paper towels to wipe away as much of the oil residue as possible. Then, apply a good grade of paste hand cleaner, such as Goop, and rub it into the oil pan. Do not add water. Allow the hand cleaner to work for a few minutes, then hose off the oil pan with water. Ensure that the water flow is as strong as possible. Allow the oil pan to dry thoroughly, then check for any remaining oil residue. If there is any oil left, repeat the process.

Frequently asked questions