Engine oil spilled in car boot

CosmicFool

So I had some engine oil left in the boot of the car and about 1 litre of it spilled all over the boot. Has anyone any recommendations on how to clean it?

The cap of the bottle bottle somehow became loose about 2 days after I had gotten the car valetted to say I'm very annoyed is an understatement

ianobrien

My first port of call would be brake cleaner and plenty kitchen paper but that may not be too kind to trim and carpets. I'd try practically neat washing up liquid and a wet vac. The washing up liquid should form "globules" with the oil (the hydrophobic end of the soap molecule would be attracted to the oil, the hydrophilic end then sticks out and a globule is formed, with oil at the centre)

I had this happen before,was a pain.
I had to put kitchen roll down flat under the carpet and change it every day for months.
The kitchen roll seems to wick it out of the carpet.

No I have a ratchet strap keeping my oil bottle upright.

listermint

Remove the carpet first. Clean out the boot area with paper towel and then finally with washing up liquid and dry out with paper towel.

As for the carpet dab with paper towel. Once heavy bits are gone get a loan of a steam cleaner and blast it.

CosmicFool

Thanks for the advice guys. I've managed to clean a good bit of it. Going to see if anyone has a carpet cleaner and if not I think I'll just hand the car into the local Valet guys and see what they can do and price. The smell in the car is just horrendous.

endacl

Would it not be infinitely handier to just give the boot a good clean and replace the carpet?

CosmicFool

endacl wrote: »

Would it not be infinitely handier to just give the boot a good clean and replace the carpet?

It's an old car and just not worth the price. I'll price it and see though

endacl

CosmicFool wrote: »

It's an old car and just not worth the price. I'll price it and see though

What car?

CosmicFool

endacl wrote: »

What car?

03 Audi A4

KB22

I have used cola 2 litres @ 50 cent from ALDI for oil stains on the driveway. Pour the coke liberally on leave for a few hours then rinse off. Before the smart asses come on make sure you remove the drain plug ? If you can't find one a hammer and chisel are very effective at banging holes in an old boot./ Ha Ha!

Stallingrad

CosmicFool wrote: »

03 Audi A4

Loads laying around at breakers for peanuts, bin the old mat, it will never be right.

dodzy

or go all out and buy new for less than 30€

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/car-mats/Audi/Audi-A4/A4-2000-to-2004/products/1601755-4731/high-quality-tailored-rubber-boot-liner-mat-for-audi-a4-2000-2004

CosmicFool

dodzy wrote: »

or go all out and buy new for less than 30€

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/car-mats/Audi/Audi-A4/A4-2000-to-2004/products/1601755-4731/high-quality-tailored-rubber-boot-liner-mat-for-audi-a4-2000-2004

Thanks for that. Might just do that. Great price. I never understood why you'd want a fabric floor in a boot. Rubber is much easier to maintain and clean.

dodzy

CosmicFool wrote: »

Thanks for that. Might just do that. Great price. I never understood why you'd want a fabric floor in a boot. Rubber is much easier to maintain and clean.

Material has its advantages too:

1. Aesthetic - the material looks better IMO
2. Easier to unload, load some items on that surface- items slide in/out easier.

That said, for me rubber would be preferable too, based on the rough crap I tend to carry in the boot.

MetzgerMeister

CosmicFool wrote: »

Rubber is much easier to maintain and clean.

...especially when you spill engine oil in the boot :pac:

krissovo

dodzy wrote: »

or go all out and buy new for less than 30€

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/car-mats/Audi/Audi-A4/A4-2000-to-2004/products/1601755-4731/high-quality-tailored-rubber-boot-liner-mat-for-audi-a4-2000-2004

Those boot liners stink savagely of rubber, I have had one airing for 2 weeks in the garden and can still smell it from 3 meters away.