Oil only absorbents are best used outdoors to absorb just oil-based spills such as petroleum, diesel and solvents (technically referred to as hydrophobic). These products are white or blue in colour and, as with the other types of absorbents, they come in a range of shapes and sizes.

Universal absorbents are grey in colour. As a general rule of thumb, if the spill has happened indoors, use a grey product to absorb both oil- and water-based substances (technically referred to as hydrophilic).

Hazmat or aggressive substance spills require polypropylene meltblown absorbents. These are yellow in colour (Similar to Universal, they are technically described as hydrophilic). Please remember that chemical spills can be extremely hazardous and should not be cleaned up without the correct training or protective equipment.