oil spilled in trunk -- cleanup ideas?

[thetorch]

When I bought my car the PO included a quart of oil in the trunk. It cracked open on the transport to me, probably on its way over the Rockies. It was a mess to clean up and soaked the seal under the gas tank, which weeped for months.

The bottom front and around the gas tank seal have been sticky and saturated no matter how I have tried to clean it. This weekend I removed the gas tank and was able to clean around the opening without an issue, put new tank (old one had an incompletely repaired crack in the neck) and new seal.

But the very front bottom of the inside of the pan I just cannot get clean / oil free. I have tried eco-friendly degreaser, and some solvents, but the black paint comes off with the oil in some parts, even if I wipe with a dry towel. It's slightly sticky, and some of the paint is no longer well bonded.

Is my only option to go with harsh solvents and possibly repaint the pan area?

Suggestions welcome.

Ignore the lighting issue on the photo, it's from a flashlight shadow:

[Tea Tray]

I usually use Dawn dish detergent and hot water to start and if that’s not enough I use mineral spirits/paint thinner and have had good luck not degrading the finish.
Dollar Store plastic/stiff bristle brushes in various sizes/shapes…

[gomezoneill]

Cat litter and a whisk broom.

[proporsche]

for cleaning oil spill gasoline always helps..in your case you did a nice job already -the rest consider it as anti rust treatment....

Ivan

[thetorch]

Thanks for the ideas. I like the cat litter idea for fresh wet spills, but this is almost dry already.

I may try Dawn as it has become my go-to hand cleaner these days.

I do feel that -- as Ivan says -- it's just a very light oily coat and I have no rust and this will keep it that way !

[OldSpool87]

Was it dino oil right? Because I heard if you use synthetic in your trunk it causes leaks.

Back on topic- Dawn has a foaming version with a trigger spray I use a lot. Spray it on and it stays put.