Abstract: A system for cleaning up an oil spill and recovering the spilled oil includes frames supporting superhydrophobic oil-absorbing nanowires. A first container supports the frames with the nanowires. A mixture of oil and water is pumped into the first container where the oil from the mixture is absorbed by the nanowires as water is separated from the mixture and deposited in the first container where it is then pumped therefrom. A second container supports the frames with the oil so-absorbed by the nanowires. The frames with the oil so-absorbed by the nanowires are heated whereby the oil so-absorbed separates from the nanowires and is deposited in the second container. The oil so-deposited in the second container is then pumped therefrom.