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General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Simulated on 18/08/2008 01:52:58

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Simulated on 18/08/2008 01:52:58

We have creosote all over on the basment floor from our wood burning thingy. Just wondering what will clean it up.

THanks

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: blakestyger on 18/08/2008 09:25:38

If the basement floor is concrete or anything else that's absorbent then you've got it for life. Any non-absorbent surface should clean with white spirit.
If you can drench concrete with water and scrub it as soon as it spills on it then it won't soak in.

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Simulated on 18/08/2008 12:39:25

Ah man, its all over the place. It looks terrible. Ohh well. Thanks

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: RD on 18/08/2008 14:03:17

Detergent is worth trying, then use newspaper to soak up the oily mess.

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Simulated on 18/08/2008 18:32:11

Alright I'll let dad know about that when he gets home and we'll try it. Thanks. I'll let you know how it goes

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Karen W. on 18/08/2008 19:10:55

Hey Ryan.. Newspaper helps but Cat litter draws the oils up into the litter... pour cat litter all over it and let it stand for a few days.. It will absorb almost all of the oily black stuff.. I use it in my carport for oil spills and stains.. I get it we the cement.. if its dry.. first then the litter after you removed as much as possible by cleaning it up.. Then use laundry soap and scrub it with a big push broom rinse and apply the cat litter.. allow to stand for a few days checking on the spots regularly sometimes second application works great if there is still a bit left!

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Karen W. on 18/08/2008 19:12:29

make sure its completely covered with the cat litter( fresh that is! LOL)

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Simulated on 18/08/2008 19:45:36

I will try that also. Thanks

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Karen W. on 18/08/2008 19:51:00

Works pretty darn good!

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Simulated on 18/08/2008 21:07:41

Do you guys think Trisodium Phosphate or some type of acid will work?

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Karen W. on 18/08/2008 22:44:50

Trisodium phoshate might help as far as cleaning the spot after you remove all the grunge part of the creosote.. But I am not sure if you could end up with a chemical reaction.. just don't mix your cleaners..

Trisodium generally is a very effective cleaner... I use it on walls. I use tide on cement stains and then cat litter!

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Karen W. on 18/08/2008 22:51:20

Here check this out and use the recipe!

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9505E0D71E3CF934A15750C0A962958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=allTo

"clean brick or stone hearths and trim except marble, scrub surfaces with a fiber-bristle brush dipped in the detergent solution, or in a stronger solution made by mixing a half-cup of trisodium phosphate, the commercial cleaning powder, and a tablespoon of household laundry bleach with a gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves and goggles.

Before applying either solution, thoroughly wet porous materials like brick, mortar and sandstone with water. Afterward, sponge with clear water to rinse and then blot dry.

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Simulated on 19/08/2008 01:37:54

Thanks Karen. We might try that tomorrow when dad is home.

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Karen W. on 19/08/2008 05:59:52

Your welcome!

Title: What chemical gets rid of creosote??
Post by: Simulated on 19/08/2008 20:30:54

Dads been downstairs working on it most the day. Its going away a little by little.