granular sorbent | Spill Containment Blog

You Can’t Find These Useful Products for Your Home in Stores

October 29, 2023 by Travis Zdrazil

Ten products that will transform your home garage cleanup game

Industrial products can be invaluable for home garage, boat, or RV clean-up

There may never be such an unassuming and promising a place as the American garage. From the Walt Disney Company to Amazon and Google, leaders of some of the biggest and most successful companies in the United States started their empires in humble garages. The garage is where we moonlight as mechanics, woodworkers, and inventors. It’s where people of all ages and walks of life experiment, tinker, and enjoy our hobbies.

Is your own garage properly outfitted for this kind of exploration? Good news: You don’t have to limit industrial products to industrial uses. Here are ten essential products that could also serve you at home to make your garage the ultimate DIY haven.

1. Universal Absorbent Pads

Do you work on your own cars? What about fixing your lawn equipment? The home mechanic can benefit from Universal Absorbent Pads in the garage to prevent oil leaks from reaching the floor. These gray pads are strong, highly absorbent, and suited for oil as well as water-based liquids.

Imagine you’re in the middle of an oil change on your car, and a spill threatens to turn your garage floor into a slippery mess. That’s where Universal Absorbent Pads come to the rescue, effortlessly soaking up oil and other liquids to keep your workspace clean and safe.

2. Oil Absorbent Pads

Don’t let boat fuel refills contribute to water pollution! Oil Absorbent Pads repel water, so they float, while quickly absorbing all types of hydrocarbons. Because they’re white, you can also easily see how much oil they’ve soaked up.

So if you’re planning a day out on the boat, make sure to add this best-seller to your water sports packing list.

3. Absorbent Pillows

For whatever random leaks that might happen in your garage, our Absorbent Pillows are ready for speedy cleanup. Whether it’s a container that accidentally topples over or any other garage leak, these pillows are your trusty sidekicks.

Choose Universal Absorbent Pillows to tackle a variety of spills. You can also grab color-coded absorbent pillows to target your specific leaks, be it water-based or chemical.

4. Absorbent Socks

Does water leak into your garage on rainy days? Do you experience drafts? Our Absorbent Socks come in four different varieties to keep wind and water out of your workspace. You can also use them to protect cabinets or walls from water damage.

Simply lay one or more socks out, or wrap them around your equipment as a multi-functional spill-blocker.

5. Abzorb Oil Mat

If you’re looking for durable, long-lasting floor mats that can absorb all kinds of liquids—as well as prevent slips and falls—look no further than the Abzorb Oil Mat.

This mat’s “stain-stopper” backing is slip-resistant, making it a perfect choice to position under the car in the garage or even keep snowy boots or lawn equipment on to prevent them from creating puddles.

6. Anti-Fatigue Mats

Anti-fatigue mats come in a variety of colors and styles

Whether you place them in the kitchen, hobby room, basement, or garage, our Anti-Fatigue Mats are stress-reducing and ergonomic when you use them in areas where you do a lot of standing.

Say goodbye to aching feet or back and hello to comfortable, stress-free projects!

7. Granular Absorbents

If you want to be ready with only as much or as little absorbent power as you need for any given spill, consider our Granular Absorbents. These loose absorbents are made from all-natural or recycled materials and come in a variety of packaging sizes to suit your needs.

Granules are a great option for fluids that might seep into garage floor cracks, corners, or crevices. Once the spill has been soaked up, you’ll be able to shop-vac or sweep the materials to collect it for safe disposal.

8. Industrial Wipes and Shop Rags

We all use cloths and rags around the house to clean up spills and accidents quickly. Why not try products specifically designed for that purpose? Industrial Wipes and Shop Rags are highly absorbent and are even available pre-treated with degreasers.

From popular blue shop towels to rags or wipers made of reclaimed materials, these items offer endless uses for efficient clean-up tasks.

9. Marine Spill Absorbents

If you own a yacht or motorboat, you should be prepared for spills while out on the water, too. Aside from pads and rolls, we offer a variety of other Marine Spill Absorbents to help you contain hydrocarbon spills on water.

Attach an oil absorbent sweep or pom-pom to your craft to catch oily sheen. And drop a bilge boom or net bag into any boat compartment to absorb engine fluids.

10. Stormwater Management Products

Protect your drains from pollution with re-usable covers

If you live in an area where storms are frequent, it may benefit you to stock up on Stormwater Management Products.

Drain guards can protect drains from gathering sediment and trash and can even block your drain in case of a spill that you don’t want spreading into your pipes. They easy to use, store, then re-use over and over again!

Ready to make your home garage spill-ready and safe?

Industrial products don’t have to be limited to industrial uses: With some preparation and creativity, you can make your garage, boat, or RV safer and cleaner — inside and out!

To learn more about which industrial products make sense for you, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of January 31, 2017.

Choosing The Right Granular Absorbent

April 6, 2021 by Travis Zdrazil

What are Absorbent Granules and How Can They Help With Workplace Spill Cleanup?

Pour this cellulose sorbent, Gransorb, directly over automotive fluids or other spills

Granular absorbents make cleaning up water, gas, antifreeze, oil spills, and other chemicals a breeze. Simply sprinkle these loose absorbents directly on top of the liquid. The granules immediately begin to soak up the spill, hence the name: granular absorbent.

After absorbing most of the fluid, collect, bag, and dispose of the soaked granular materials. It’s an incredibly easy and effective solution for cleaning up liquid and chemical spills in the workplace.

But how do loose granular absorbents compare to other products, like absorbent mats, when it comes to spill control? A key benefit of loose absorbents is that they easily reach anywhere a spill can go. For instance, cracks, gaps, corners, and porous surfaces. Some loose granular products are even suitable to smother flash oil fires. Their small textured pallets can also improve traction. Not only keeping floors clean and dry but reducing slipping accidents and hazards.

There are well over half a dozen different types of granular absorbents on the market. While each of them serves one sole purpose — to absorb liquid spills — some prove to be better than others. Familiarize yourself with the subtle differences between each granular before making a purchase.

What are the different types of granular absorbents?

Loose granular absorbents come in several different material options. You can also choose different packaging and dispensers, such as poly bags, pails, and shaker cartons. Each type has its own absorbency properties and liquid spill use applications. We’ll outline a few of them, next.

Corn Cob

This granular all-purpose absorbent is an eco-friendly option made of corn

As the name implies, these absorbent granules contain the ground remnants of corn cobs. Which means it’s environmentally friendly and also bio-degradable, too.

This highly effective universal absorbent is able to hold 4 times its weight in fluid. Whether you’re dealing with oil, antifreeze, or plain water, you can rest assured knowing corn cob granules will do the job.

Peat Moss

Use all-natural granular peat moss as an oil absorbent only

Made from Sphagnum moss, this all-natural granular is particularly effective for cleaning oils. Just 2 cubic feet of this stuff will absorb approximately 16 gallons of spilled oil. Throw it over the spill, then sweep it up – simple!

As well as being super-absorbent, it’s also lightweight, with a non-abrasive texture. And is a great choice for oil spills that are outdoors, such as on soil. It’s important to note, however, that Peat Moss does not absorb water.

Gran-sorb is a best seller for a variety of spills, from oils to lubricants

Gran-Sorb

A top seller at AbsorbentsOnline.com, Gran-Sorb contains cellulose materials left over from paper mill processing. It offers a dust-free formula that is 100% biodegradable.

Versatile Gran-Sorb has a 1:1 absorbency ratio and is for universal applications. Use it on oil, lubricants, gasoline, antifreeze, coolants, solvents, water, and many other liquids.

Super Sorbent

A shaker carton quickly dispenses this granular universal absorbent

This lightweight and inert formulation is another one of our best sellers. As a universal absorbent, it instantly soaks up a variety of liquids including oils, coolants, and solvents. It is also dust-free and fireproof, with a melting point of more than 3900 F.

One 2lb carton absorbs about half a gallon of liquid. The convenient dispenser lets you easily shake the contents directly over spills. Making it ideal for routine maintenance tasks and small leaks.

Kitty Litter

Save the kitty litter for your cat’s use only!

The name is self-explanatory; kitty litter is the same stuff used to absorb cat urine. Cat litter formulas typically contain silica-based diatomaceous earth, or, conventional clay.

The primary benefit of using kitty litter is its inexpensive price tag, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice. In addition to being heavy, clay and silica compounds are known to cause health risks.

Clay’s rough texture also has the potential to scratch and damage floors or expensive machinery. It can often be sticky, messier to use, and to pick up afterward. Unlike other all-purpose absorbent granular alternatives.

In short, we suggest you leave this stuff where it belongs: in your pet’s litter tray!

Specialty Loose Sorbents

Use specialized granular formulas on battery acid and other hazmat spills

In addition to the above, several other specialized granular compounds and neutralizer powders are available. And are often the key components of specialty spill kits. For instance, to clean up bodily fluids, acids, hazmat and chemical spills.

See our previous posts on how to respond to acid spills and cleaning up liquid mercury for more information.

What’s the best granular absorbent?

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a test to determine which granular absorbents are the most effective. They found cellulose, such as Gran-Sorb, to be the most effective for absorbing oil, fuel, and antifreeze. Meanwhile, sorbents made with Peat Moss and Polypropylene came in a close second.

“Cellulose insulation was the material that absorbed the most oil, fuel, and antifreeze; however, it also absorbed the most water. Polypropylene and Peat Moss also did well with absorption percentages for oil, fuel and antifreeze above seventy percent of their volume,” wrote the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in a study conducted on the efficiency of various granular absorbents.

How do I safely dispose of granular absorbents?

After soaking up a spill, use a broom to sweep and collect the soiled granular materials. Then, place them in an appropriate waste receptacle or bag.

Depending on the liquid or chemical spill type, it’s often possible to incinerate products like Gran-Sorb. Which can be a great way to help reduce your business waste disposal expenses. And also minimizes the chance of chemicals leeching into landfills.

Always refer to the safety data sheet (SDS) disposal recommendations for specific details.

Find affordable spill-control supplies

We are here for all your workplace spill containment and cleanup needs. Take advantage of our competitive pricing on spill kits, absorbent pillows, pads, and more. Talk to your absorbent product experts, today!

Have questions about which spill containment or absorbent products are best for your facility? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of May 15, 2014

Not Your Everyday Absorbents: Do You Have These Products on Hand?

May 21, 2018 by Angie Meza

When you think of absorbents, what comes to mind? For many people, it’s sponges. However, the world of absorbents encompasses so much more than your average household products like rags and paper towels. In fact, it even goes further than standard industrial products like booms, mats, pads, and rolls. While the absorbents and related products in this list might not be as common, they’re quite useful in their applications. Which could you put to good use?

Drum Funnels

Yellow 55 and 30 gallon drum funnel

— Looking for a handy way to get the liquids you’d like to store into their drums? While they’re not absorbents, Drum Funnels can help you avoid spills and, therefore, the need for absorbent materials since they help with the drum-filling process. Durable Drum Funnels come in 55- and 30-gallon sizes, are made of 100% polyethylene, and are available with and without screens and covers for keeping dirt out.

Acid Neutralizer Absorbent

Have an acid spill? Know for sure with Acid Neutralizer Absorbent! This handy absorbent neutralizes and solidifies acids and also changes color in their presence to alert users when neutralization is complete. Quick, easy to use, and environmentally friendly, Acid Neutralizer Absorbent comes in a waterproof five-gallon pail and is great for battery acid spills.

Bollard Covers

Bollard-covers in various colors

Like Drum Funnels, these Bollard Cover products are not absorbents, but they do provide protection. Covers slip over and protect bollards, reducing the need for maintenance like painting while preventing bollard damage. The brighter color variants can also alert drivers to the presence of bollards, allowing them to avoid damage.

Cigarette Receptacles

Does anyone at your facility smoke? Offer them a designated place to put their butts and help keep your facility clean. Not only do Cigarette Receptacles stop discarded butts from harming the environment, they also offer smokers a convenient place to smoke and put their cigarettes out. In addition, they help prevent fires and come in a variety of styles and colors.

Granular Absorbents

Gran-sorb package

Need a natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly way to absorb spills on floors? Made of recycled or biodegradable materials, Granular Absorbents come in four styles: Gran-sorb, Super Sorbent, Peat Moss Absorbent, and Corn Cob Absorbent. Gran-sorb is the most popular and is made from paper mill waste, so it’s free of hazardous materials. Super Sorbent is a universal absorbent and comes in handy shakers for fast small-spill response. Peat Moss Absorbent is perfect for oil-only spills, is biodegradable, and can be incinerated. Corn Cob Absorbent is made from ground corn cobs and holds four times its weight in fluids.

Industrial Safety Products

If you’re looking for a little extra protection, Industrial Safety Products have you covered! From Steel Bollard Posts to Column, Corner, and Wall Protectors, these safety products can guard almost any area at risk of bumps, scuffs, and other damage to protect machinery and your facility.

Drums

For the safest liquid storage, choose Lab, Overpack or Salvage Drums! These high-density polyethylene drums are food-grade quality, come in a variety of sizes, and can contain hazardous waste and chemicals. In addition, multiple lid style options are available, so you can ensure you get the seal you need.

Loading Ramp

Perfect for easily moving your drums, Portable Loading Ramps come in three styles: Container, Curb, and Loading Dock. Container Ramps are made for loading drums into storage containers, Curb Ramps are great for getting hand trucks onto curbs, and Loading Dock Ramps are perfect for higher surfaces like docks.

Incinerator

Portable incinerator in use

Reduce waste and contamination risks on any job site with a Portable Incinerator! Easy to transport, incinerators allow you to burn waste without odors, smoke, fumes, or pollution and also help cut waste-disposal costs. The SmartAsh fits over any 55-gallon steel drum for safe incineration.

AbsorbentsOnline – The One Stop-Absorbents Shop

Which lesser-known absorbents and related products are right for you? Get the protection and safety products you need to keep everyone at your facility ready for anything while reducing risks and protecting your bottom line.

If you need more help deciding which of these products are right for you, contact our sales team today!

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Which Floor Dry Absorbent Should I Use On A Spill?

May 12, 2015 by Travis Zdrazil

When you have a non-aggressive fluid spill, do you know which floor dry absorbent will take care of the problem? The answer depends on what was spilled — and, of course, how much.

Familiarize yourself with the different kinds of granular sorbents in order to ensure that when you have a non-aggressive fluid spill, you’re prepared to handle it quickly and efficiently. Not to mention, help keep your facility in compliance with OSHA by minimizing slip and trip hazards.

Granular absorbents to dry up floor spills

Here are some granular floor dry absorbent options, depending on which fluids you might be dealing with:

For small spills and routine maintenance, Super Sorbent is your best bet. This granular sorbent comes in small, easy-to-use shakers that can be distributed throughout your facility to make spill response quick and painless. This sorbent will work on oils, coolants, solvents, and water.

Dealing with a larger spill? Consider using Gran-sorb. This sorbent has a 1:1 absorbency rate, so 15 pounds of sorbent will absorb 15 pounds — which is equivalent to approximately 2 gallons — of oil. Besides being great for dealing with oil spills, Gran-sorb can also handle lubricants and most other non-aggressive liquids.

Are you only concerned about oil spills? For this specific use, the Peat Moss Absorbent floor dry is a good choice. This sorbent is an all-natural, biodegradable option specifically for oil spills and can be incinerated after use.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty absorbent, look no further than Corn Cob Absorbent, which can hold an astounding four times its weight in fluids! This biodegradable floor dry product is made from ground corn cobs and is appropriate for water, solvents, oils, and coolants.

Like any absorbent product, different floor dry absorbents are designed to meet different needs. It is always wise to have a variety on hand so you can be prepared for any kind of spill!

Want to learn more about absorbents for your facility? AbsorbentsOnline can help. Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or toll free on (800) 869-9633.

Can Granular Sorbents Be Eco-Friendly?

August 27, 2014 by Travis Zdrazil

Green leaf symbol.

When you clean up an oil spill, chemical spill, or other type of spill, you want to avoid or minimize environmental damage. That’s why it’s important to make sure that the absorbent material you use to clean a spill up doesn’t add to the ecological hazards created by spilled substances.

Take clay, for example. Clay has long been a mainstay of spill cleanups, but it’s both environmentally unsound and impractical. It takes a lot of clay to remove a spill — ten pounds for every one gallon of spilled oil, to be exact. Plus, it isn’t really an absorbent; spilled liquid simply coats the clay particles, meaning the hazardous material can easily be leaked or spilled again during the disposal process. Furthermore, clay poses respiratory dangers to those using it, and the material isn’t recyclable or renewable.

However, there are several affordable, earth-friendly alternatives to clay. Industrial absorbents made from renewable, recycled, or environmentally safe sources offer a solution for handling spill containment in a healthier, more effective, and ecologically sound way

Eco-friendly granular sorbent products

One option is to use granular sorbents. Made from recycled or natural material, these highly absorbent products make spill cleanup and disposal safe and easy:

Gran-sorb — With a one-to-one, weight-to-weight absorbency, it doesn’t take a lot of this fiber-based absorbent to soak up your non-aggressive liquids. It’s also made from 100% recycled post-consumer paper waste, and it’s 100% biodegradable, fire resistant, and free of hazardous materials.
Super Sorbent — This absorbent is environmentally safe, nontoxic, non-flammable, inorganic, and non-reactive. And to help you ensure you’re always prepared for any oil, coolant, solvent, or water spill, this product is packaged in separate cartons that can be placed throughout your facility.
Peat Moss Absorbent — Used exclusively for oils, this handy absorbent soaks up oil spills on any hard surface. It’s biodegradable and can be incinerated.
Corn Cob Absorbent — This universal absorbent is made from ground-up corn cobs, which hold approximately four times their weight in fluids. In addition to packing some major absorbing power, it’s also inert, nontoxic, biodegradable, and can be incinerated.

Absorbent socks offer an alternative to granular sorbents. A great option is the Corn Cob Absorbent Sock, which is composed of the same super-absorbent ground corn cobs that are in the granular sorbent, but are housed in a polypropylene skin. These absorbent socks are an economical option for handling non-aggressive fluids. The filler is recycled, organic, renewable, and boasts impressive soaking power: A 3 inches by 4 feet corn cob absorbent sock absorbs 1/2 gallon of liquid.

With so many environmentally friendly products available at budget-friendly prices, there’s no excuse not to “go green” when you’re selecting your industrial absorbents.