removing car oil from stainless steel

[ILM1010]

Hi Guys, I got my car back from the shop today and there was some oil from another car sitting above it that had dripped oil onto my hood. Its extremely cold here in MN, and I'm wondering whats a good way to get the oil off my stainless before i store the car. Hot water and a towel?

thanks

[OverlandMan]

Hi Guys, I got my car back from the shop today and there was some oil from another car sitting above it that had dripped oil onto my hood. Its extremely cold here in MN, and I'm wondering whats a good way to get the oil off my stainless before i store the car. Hot water and a towel?

thanks

If it were me, I'd demand the shop responsible clean it for you.

[Mark D]

Brake cleaner will work, just be careful not to get any on painted surfaces like the fascia or window trim. Spray it on a rag rather than spraying directly on the stainless (to prevent it from splattering everywhere) and you should be fine. The brake cleaner will break down the oil and will not harm stainless steel.

[ILM1010]

Brake cleaner will work, just be careful not to get any on painted surfaces like the fascia or window trim. Spray it on a rag rather than spraying directly on the stainless (to prevent it from splattering everywhere) and you should be fine. The brake cleaner will break down the oil and will not harm stainless steel.

Ok, thanks!!

[David T]

Ok, thanks!!


Anything you do will leave a spot. Once you remove the oil you should wash the whole car so you don't notice where you cleaned the oil. Best to do when the car is warm (or at least in a heated garage or a car wash).

[Spittybug]

I love acetone. Super fast evaporation, removes anything. Just DON'T get it on paint and it will pull all the oils out of your skin, so wear gloves.

[David T]

I love acetone. Super fast evaporation, removes anything. Just DON'T get it on paint and it will pull all the oils out of your skin, so wear gloves.

It is also very flammable and toxic. But so is Brake Cleaner. The best way to remove the oil is with paint thinner or alcohol. Not as toxic but still flammable. BTW, asking the shop to do it and they will just probably wipe it with a dirty rag. No one will treat your car as well as YOU, the owner, will.

[Dangermouse]

If it were me, I'd demand the shop responsible clean it for you.

Normally I would agree with you on this, but visions of irrepairable hood "X" damage from a minimum wage grease monkey loom large, so in this case I would do it myself and proceed gently using the above methods.