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Spill Control Essentials: How to Choose the Right Spill Kit for Any Situation

By Sorbents Direct  •   3 minute read

Comparison chart of spill control solutions, Universal for mixed liquid spills, Oil-Only for oil and fuels, and Hazmat for hazardous liquids to help choose the right absorbent type.

Spill Control Essentials: Choosing the Right Kit for Your Needs

When a spill happens, speed and precision matter. Having the right spill kit on hand can mean the difference between a quick, efficient cleanup and costly downtime or safety hazards. But with so many options available - Universal, Oil-Only, and Hazmat, how do you know which one fits your needs best?

Let’s break down the differences so you can choose confidently and keep operations running smoothly.

Universal Spill Kits - All-Purpose Versatility

Universal spill kits are designed to handle most common workplace spills, including oil, coolant, water, and other non-corrosive liquids. They’re ideal for warehouses, manufacturing floors, and general maintenance areas where mixed liquid spills are likely.

  • Best for: Mixed liquid cleanups; day-to-day spill response; preventing slips and hazards.

Shop Universal Spill Kits:

Oil-Only Spill Kits - Petroleum & Hydrocarbon Targeted

Oil-only kits are made to absorb petroleum-based liquids while repelling water. They’re perfect for outdoor use (on wet surfaces or water) and anywhere fuels and oils are common.

  • Best for: Marine & boating; outdoor fuel transfer or storage; fleet & heavy-equipment maintenance.

Shop Oil-Only Spill Kits:

Hazmat Spill Kits - Chemical & Hazardous Liquids

When dealing with aggressive acids, caustics, or other hazardous chemicals, a hazmat spill kit is the safe choice. These kits use absorbents that resist degradation from aggressive liquids, essential for labs and chemical handling areas.

  • Best for: Labs & chemical processing; battery charging stations; facilities storing corrosives or unknown liquids.

Shop Hazmat Spill Kits:

Choosing the Right Size Spill Kit

  • Compact Kits: Vehicles, mobile crews, quick grab-and-go response.
  • 20 Gallon Kits: Medium spaces; moderate spill risks; general facility coverage.
  • 65 Gallon Kits: High-volume spill potential; centralized response stations.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right spill kit comes down to knowing your liquids, your environment, and likely spill size. Keep the correct kits on hand, store them where they’re needed, train your team, and restock after every use.

Need tailored recommendations? Contact Sorbents Direct and we’ll help you build a spill control strategy that fits your operation.

Mixed Liquids

Universal Spill Control

All-purpose kits for oil, water, coolants, and non-corrosive liquids.

Petroleum & Fuels

Oil-Only Spill Control

Absorbs hydrocarbons and repels water—ideal outdoors and on water.

Aggressive Chemicals

Hazmat Spill Control

Built for acids, caustics, and unknowns with chemical-resistant absorbents.

Explore Our Spill Control Solutions

Find the right kit for your needs — whether you’re dealing with oils, chemicals, or mixed liquid spills. Our spill control collections make it easy to get the right gear fast.

Shop All Spill Control
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