Industrial and janitorial absorbents are used to absorb liquids that spill. These industrial cleaning absorbents are designed to pull the liquid in and hold it so it can be properly disposed of. There are janitorial absorbent supplies that work on any surface and on all spills. When a company is searching for a good industrial or janitorial spill absorbent the main factor to consider is the average size of the spills dealt with on a regular basis.

Absorbent mats are large cloths made of industrial cleaning absorbents. These mats are commonly used to clean spills caused by barrels of oils, but they can also be used to clean other materials. Socks and cloths are used for spills that range from two quarts to 15 gallons. An industrial absorbent sock can also be placed around equipment that leaks or spills regularly. Soak up spills that are less than three quarts with janitorial absorbents. These are powders you pour over the spill to quickly contain it.

1. Use janitorial spill absorbent mats to contain large spills.

2. Soak up medium spills with an absorbent cloth or sock.

3. Control small spills with powder forms of janitorial absorbents.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Clean up big messes with mats made of industrial absorbents

Industrial and large spills need to be cleaned and contained quickly. The best way to soak up big spills is to use industrial mats, which cover large areas and absorb thoroughly. These mats are often used for oil or grease, but are absorbent to any liquid.

I recommend: Browse the absorbents section of New Pig to locate absorbent mats. MSC Industrial Supply Company provides a variety of absorbent mats online. Find industrial strength absorbent mats for large spills at Youngstown Barrel & Drum.

Control medium spills with an industrial absorbent cloth or sock

Medium-sized spills that require more than a powder absorbent but do not require an entire mat can be cleaned with a janitorial or commercial absorbent cloth or sock. Most of these cloths are washable and can be reused. This feature makes the cloths and socks popular among companies with regular leaks or spills.

I recommend: Buy a janitorial absorbent cloth or sock at DAWG. Interstate Products carries a full line of absorbent products including cloths and janitorial absorbent towels. JanitorialSupplies4Less.com provides a wide range of cleaning absorbents.

Soak up small spills with a janitorial spill absorbent

Janitorial absorbents in powder form are perfect for small spills or spills in carpeted areas. A janitorial spill absorbent soaks up a spill and pulls the moisture out of a rug or carpet. These powders work fast and most are environmentally friendly.

I recommend: Purchase environmentally-friendly industrial cleaning absorbents from ASA Environmental Products. Buy entire spill cleaning kits that include absorbent cleaners, an absorbent wiper and all the safety equipment needed to clean the spill at Supply Line Direct. Carey Wiping Materials supplies a variety of cloth and powder absorbents for industrial use.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have specific processes that must be used to clean dangerous material. If your business handles dangerous chemicals clean up any spills with the appropriate, legal measures.