Kitty litter has several uses other than making it possible for cats to use the bathroom indoors, including providing emergency traction to help cars move on snowy days and cleaning up oil spills. Kitty litter is easy to use because it absorbs liquid, making it incredibly versatile.
It’s also easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and a great product to use because it can be useful in so many situations. Kitty litter can be used to absorb oil, but it is most effective when used to absorb fresh spills. When it comes to long-standing spills, using a product specifically designed to remove old oil stains is easier on concrete surfaces and ultimately requires less effort.
While kitty litter works well when absorbing liquids, it’s not the best option for removing stains from substances like concrete.
How Do You Use Kitty Litter to Absorb Oil Spills?
If you have a fresh oil spill in your garage that needs cleaning up, just cover it with kitty litter and let nature take over. Let the mess sit for a few minutes, and then sweep it all up. After you remove the oil, you can continue to repair the stain if any of the oil has had time to soak into the concrete.
Kitty litter is not designed to remove stains, so it may not be the best option for removing deep-set stains on porous surfaces. New spots that haven’t had time to be removed can be removed with soap, water, and a gentle scrub brush.
What Are Some Other Ways Kitty Litter Can Be Used?
Kitty litter is like duct tape; it is one of those incredibly versatile products that can be used for several tasks. Keep in mind that there are sometimes better ways to do many of the tasks that can be used for kitty litter, so this isn’t always the most efficient way to handle long-term situations. Keep reading to learn more about some ways to use kitty litter without a cat involved.
1. Traction
Kitty litter is a great product if you live where there is snow and bad weather. A bag of cat litter thrown in the back of your car can provide extra weight that can add stability in icy conditions.
While having a winterized vehicle is the first step to staying safe while on the road during the cold months, kitty litter can provide emergency traction if you get stuck in snow and ice. Note that kitty litter can become muddy when mixed with snow and can only be used for a short time before it becomes smooth.
2. Odor Absorption
Kitty litter can be used in many of the same ways as baking soda to control odors. Adding litter to the bottom of trash cans can prevent bad odors. Putting some in a container and leaving it in the attic or basement can remove the musty smell. It will also improve the smell of boots and sneakers.
You can make a sachet by putting waste in an old sock or pair of nylons, tying the top, and putting it in your shoe. You can also add a kitty litter sachet when packing tents and suitcases that aren’t used much to keep them smelling good season after season.
3. Moisture Absorption
Kitty litter helps soak up grease. Some sources suggest it can even be added to the bottom of barbecues to absorb fat drippings from steaks and other meat products.
It will also help dry out cell phones that have somehow gotten wet. It takes a few days to see results, but kitty litter may be better than using rice to dry wet electronic products.
Kitty litter can also be used to dry paint in a can so it can be disposed of without creating a total mess; just add trash to the can and let it dry, but be sure to follow local regulations regarding proper paint disposal.
Conclusion
Because of its absorbency, kitty litter can be used to absorb fresh oil spills. This is not the best option for tackling stains that have been around for a while; Commercial oil removal products work quickly and effectively on tough areas.
Kitty litter can be used to deodorize sneakers and help get cars stuck in the snow moving again. It’s also relatively inexpensive and usually easy to find, making it a great product to have around the house.
Featured Image Credit: lermont51, Shutterstock
