How to Get Gasoline Smell Out of Clothes Effectively

Have you ever wondered “how to get gasoline smell out of clothes?” Gasoline stains on clothes are one of the most difficult stains to remove. If immediate action is not taken, it can easily condemn your cloth.

To remove the gasoline smell on your clothes, you can use baking soda, vinegar, a scrub brush, ammonia multipurpose cleaner, essential oils, and natural deodorizers. Asides from this, a washing machine is important, as well as an odor-neutralizing spray for effective removal. However, the choice of which material to use depends on the severity of the gasoline stain. 

This article will discuss some easy methods to get gasoline smell and stains out of your clothes effectively. But before that, let us consider the precautions and safety measures against gas stains on clothes.

Precautions and Safety Measures

Unlike pesky stains like coffee or wine with little or no smell, gasoline stains are flammable and more likely to ruin clothes when washed with other clothes. As such, you must handle these stains with care and caution.

One of the most important precautions is to avoid washing gasoline-stained clothes with other clothes.

If you do, there is a great chance of contamination, and clean clothes get soiled with stained ones. Always test any cleaning agent you intend to use to remove the gasoline smell from your clothes while checking for discoloration.

Pour some cleaning agents into a soaking basin and add your clothes to test-run it. After the test, you can use them for your clothes if there is no discoloration. 

Most times, gasoline stains on clothes can react with cleaning products such as baking soda as well as the high heat of the dryer.

Generally, using a home dry cleaning kit to get rid of gasoline smell from clothes is not always safe, as it may harm your clothes. In other words, if you don’t know how to get the gas smell out of your clothes, you should take them to a professional dry cleaning as soon as possible.

Finally, before you put your gasoline clothes in the dryer, ensure the stains are gone. If there are still traces of gasoline smell on the clothes, there is a high tendency for it to ignite a fire in your dryer.

If you must dry them, spread them outside to dry with natural air or get an indoor drying rack. If you recently got a gasoline stain on your clothes, you must take prompt action to remove it. Otherwise, the gas smell will stick to your skin, thereby ruining the fabric. 

Prompt Action for Gasoline Spills

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The gas smell can be annoying as much as it is irritating. Gasoline spills on clothes tend to last long if not washed out. Imagine dealing with the pungent smell that oozes out of a gasoline-stained cloth for weeks. It is both unpleasant and unwelcome.

Therefore, once you have a gas spill on your cloth, you should eliminate it immediately. When the stain is still new, it is relatively easy to use baking soda, vinegar, etc. 

However, the longer it stays, the more complicated it gets. After a while, it becomes difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, you can use a paper towel to remove gas stains on your clothes. 

Here’s how to do that!

Dab Excess Gasoline

The first step to take is to;

• Dab the cloth with paper towels to remove the gasoline stains on the clothing. 
• Get a sizeable paper towel and ensure it is neat
• Place the paper towel on the affected areas with excess gasoline smell
• Apply some pressure on the affected areas to transfer the stain to the paper towel
• Once the paper towel gets filled, dispose of it properly. 

Most people tend to rub gas-stained fabric together during washing, but this shouldn’t be so. Rubbing clothes together during a wash pulls on the tiny linens of the fabric, thereby shredding it, and your gasoline-stained cloth is not an exception. 

So, when next you want to remove gas stains on your clothes, wash them without rubbing the fabric together as it may spread the stain and smell. 

Materials Required for Removing Gasoline Smell and Stains

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If you intend to remove the gasoline stain on your clothes, you should arm yourself with the necessary materials. Otherwise, the stain removal technique will amount to nothing.

If you are curious about which materials are proper for gas stain removal or not, these are lists of required materials;

• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Water
• Ammonia multipurpose cleaner
• Stain remover spray, gel, or stick
• Orange cleaner
• Liquid detergent

Aside from the materials mentioned above, some household products have proven to be effective in removing gasoline stains. 

Here are common household products that you can use;

• Stain remover
• Multi-purpose foam cleanser
• Seventh Generation laundry stain remover
• Stain remover liquid

Effective Methods for Removing Gasoline Smell and Stains from Clothes

Looking for efficient ways to eliminate gasoline stains and their lingering smell swiftly? Look no further! While removing such stains can be challenging, there are highly effective methods available.

Here are some effective methods for removing gasoline smells from your clothes.

1. Pre-treat the Stain

A heavy-duty detergent or dish soap is an excellent alternative for a solvent-based stain remover. Naturally, liquid dish soap is formulated to eliminate oily and greasy stains, and one such soap is the Dawn brand.

However, you may use any enzyme-based liquid detergent if you don’t have dish soap.

Using a portable brush, gently scoop 2 tablespoons of dish soap into the washing bowl. Allow the soap to rest on the stain for a few minutes after gently turning it inside the water.

After that, place the cloth in the washing machine for 5 minutes or more before washing it with hot water.

2. Soaking in Vinegar Solution

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Another excellent way to clean gas stains in the laundry room is to use a vinegar solution. The vinegar solution is inexpensive, safe to use, and gentle on your cloth.

Unlike fabric softeners and chlorine bleach, vinegar solution cleans your clothes better.

White vinegar has long been used as a natural smell remover and deodorizer. It removes yellowish discolorations, brightens your material, and eliminates unpleasant smells.

If you are concerned about the unpleasant smell of gasoline spilling on your cloth, the best product to use is a white vinegar solution.

But first, dilute your white vinegar solution before using it.

This is how you do it!

• Get a clean bowel
• Fill the bowl with the necessary amount of vinegar
• Pour an equal amount of water into the bowl
• As a result, the vinegar-to-water ratio is 1:1

After diluting the vinegar, place it into the washing machine and soak your gas-stained towel in it.

Since vinegar is a strong cleaning agent, it takes time to penetrate the fabric and remove the stains. As a result, let your cloth soak for 30 minutes.

When the 30 minutes are up, wash the cloth immediately. This prevents the vinegar solution from lingering on the cloth longer than necessary. If it does, it may end up doing more harm than good.

3. Using Dishwashing Detergent

Dishwashing detergents are made with components that are specifically designed to remove stains, unpleasant smells, and even gasoline stains.

They are also reasonably priced and easily accessible in stores and supermarkets. Place a few drops of detergent directly on the affected area of the fabric to remove the gas stain.

Fortunately, when you rub these detergents together, they generate a lather. This aids in the removal of grease or stains from the fabric.

Simply apply the detergent to the stained area and rub the cloth together until the stain gets clearer.

After that, rinse the cloth with cold water to create the optimum environment for lasting stain removal.

4. Baking Soda Paste

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Using a baking soda paste on a gasoline-stained cloth is an excellent approach to removing gas stains. It leaves no traces of grease, oil, or gas and eliminates the strong smell that usually follows.

To begin, make a soda paste with baking soda and water.

• Get a clean bowel
• Pour 4 tablespoons of baking soda into the bowl
• Pour in a glass of water

Repeat the process until you have the desired amount of baking soda paste.

After you’ve made the paste, gently rub it into the cloth for an hour. It eventually neutralizes the gasoline stain on the material and removes traces of the gasoline smell. After that, let the cloth air dry before removing the baking powder from it.

Finally, wash the fabric in cold water and allow it to dry.

5. Lemon Juice and Salt

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Lemon juice has been proven to be a safe and effective natural stain remover. The best part of this stain removal method is that you can make lemon juice at home.

Mix lemon juice with water and add a pinch of salt.

After that, apply this mixture to the gasoline-stained area and soak it for at least one hour. Next, remove and wash the lemon juice mixture from the cloth to have a stain-free fabric.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

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One of the many benefits of the hydrogen peroxide solution is that it is very effective in whitening fabrics. It is a refreshing cleaner that may remove stains without using bleach.

Mix a few spoonfuls of hydrogen peroxide with the same amount of water.

Apply this solution gently to the stained areas of your cloth, rub it in, and allow it to sit for an hour. After an hour, wash the cloth and allow the fabric to dry.

7. Rubbing Alcohol

Alcohol can successfully dissolve the gas stains on gasoline-stained clothes. It eliminates the stains and traces of pungent smell from the fabric.

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Here’s how to use it!

• Place your cloth inside a washing fabric
• Pour some amounts of alcohol on the areas with the stain
• Blot the stain with a clean cloth until the gasoline is needed. 

8. Using Shaving Cream

Although shaving cream is originally built for a different purpose, it has proven to be effective in removing gasoline stains on clothes and fabrics. 

Get a pack of shaving cream and gently rub it into the stained areas for effective treatment. After that, massage it for a few minutes and allow it to dry after washing it. 

9. Liquid Laundry Detergent

Like other detergents and soap, liquid detergents are designed to remove greasy and oily stains from your cloth. It works by applying the liquid detergent directly on the stained and smelly parts of the fabric. 

Since they are already in liquid form, you just have to pour some water into a bowl and gently rub it into the gas-stained areas. 

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As a stain remover, liquid detergent eliminates any foul smells from the cloth. Wash and rinse the fabric promptly after treating it with liquid detergent.

10. Stain Removing Sprays

Stain sprayers are produced solely to help remove different kinds of stain, and gasoline stain is no exception. If you want to remove the gas smell on your clothes, use a spray remover like the Spray ‘n’ Wash. 

Spray it on the affected hours and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, after which you remove the smell and stain with the washing machine. 

11. Enzyme-based Laundry Detergents

These detergents have been specially developed to remove many types of stains, including gasoline stains. It works best with cold water, allowing it to sieve out the dirt and stains gradually. 

Suppose you want to remove the gas smell from your clothes instantly. Then you should try these enzyme-based laundry solutions, such as Fresh Clean Oxi plus Odor Lifter and All Liquid Laundry Detergent.

After purchasing, always read and double-check the manufacturer’s instructions. This allows you to determine the application process and usage. 

12. Oxygen Bleach

This method of washing gasoline out of clothes involves using a gentle yet efficient bleaching solution to brighten the filthy linen and remove the gasoline stains. Furthermore, oxygen bleach is not harmful to most fabrics.

However, before using oxygen bleach, make sure to dissolve it in warm water to increase its effectiveness. To proceed, simply soak the gasoline-stained cloth in the solution for a few hours.

This is the time when the treatment is carried out. After a while, rinse it and set it aside to dry. 

13. Commercial Stain Removers

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Although this method is not so popular, it is sure a great way to erase the foul smell of gas on your clothes. Examples of such stain removers include; Whip-It Stain Remover and Concentrate Plus Kit, and Incredible! Stain Remover. 

If you have a stubborn gasoline stain, use any of these commercial removers to remove them effectively. It is essential to always follow the application instructions and procedures as this helps avoid complications. 

14. Seeking Professional Help

The treatment of gasoline stains is determined by the type and degree of the stain. If none of these strategies works, it is best to seek professional help. Examine dry cleaning services in your area and seek help on what to do.

Always keep the agent informed on the condition of the gasoline stain before treatment. This will assist them in making better decisions.

How to Get Gasoline out of Clothes Without Vinegar

Vinegar is an effective method of removing greasy gasoline stains on fabrics. However, it is still possible to remove these stains without using vinegar.

Let’s find out how!

Method 1: Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Whether used individually or separately, these materials help remove gas smells and stains on clothes. 

To mix the two, get the desired amount of each, put them into a bowl, and mix. This forms the paste, and you can now apply it to the stained areas. 

If possible, massage it gently and avoid squeezing the fabric. Leave it for a couple of minutes, then wash it off with cold water. 

Method 2: Activated Charcoal

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Charcoal is a versatile and vital tool for removing gasoline stain and smell without vinegar. Harnessing its absorbing properties, charcoal effectively eliminates unwanted smells.

Here’s how to proceed: Gather enough charcoal and place it inside a container. Position the container near the gasoline-stained cloth, ensuring it is not in direct contact.

After a few hours, the charcoal diligently absorbs the gasoline smell, leaving behind fresher air. This method mainly leverages the natural properties of charcoal as a smell absorber, making it an excellent alternative to vinegar.

Method 3: Coffee Grounds

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For a practical approach to neutralizing the pungent gasoline smell, try this simple trick: Grab a sock and fill it with coffee grounds.

Place the coffee-filled sock near the gasoline-stained cloth and let it sit overnight. The coffee grounds act as natural smell absorbers, effectively reducing the unpleasant smell.

As they absorb the smell, they leave behind a more pleasant aroma. By morning, you should notice a significant improvement in the scent.

This method is easy to implement and environmentally friendly, as it utilizes a common household item. 

Method 4: Kitty Litter

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Generally, kitty litter effectively removes the gas smell on clothes. If you own an unscented kitty, all you need to do is place the kitty litter near the stained clothes overnight.

The porous nature of the kitty litter enables it to absorb and trap the smell molecules, gradually removing the gasoline smell. By morning, you should notice a significant improvement in the scent of your clothes.

It’s important to ensure the kitty litter is clean and unscented to prevent any additional smell from transferring to the fabric. 

Method 5: Lemon Juice and Sunlight

Essentially, this natural and effective method can work wonders. Start by applying fresh lemon juice directly onto the affected areas of the clothes.

The acidic properties of lemon juice help break down and eliminate the lingering gasoline smell.

Allow the lemon juice to penetrate the fabric for a short period, enabling it to work its magic. After that, find a sunny spot outdoors and spread the treated clothes out to dry in direct sunlight.

The combination of lemon juice and sunlight eradicates the gas smell and leaves your clothes smelling fresh and revitalized.

Special Care for Delicate Fabrics

Generally, clothes are produced from different materials, which determines their texture and care requirements. More importantly, the care for one type of fabric differs from the care for the other. 

Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, lace, and those adorned with embroidery or embellishments require extra attention for stain removal.

Here are some special care and techniques to help you preserve the beauty and integrity of these fabrics:

1. Spot-Testing: Before treating any stain, it is crucial to spot-test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the cloth. This helps ensure the solution won’t cause discoloration or damage to the fabric. Wait for the tested area to dry completely and check for any adverse effects before proceeding.
2. Gentle Hand-Washing: Hand-washing is often the safest method when dealing with delicate fabrics. Use lukewarm or cold water and a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid harsh rubbing or twisting motions that can damage the fibers or cause tangling in lace or embroidery.

Stain Removal Techniques for Delicate Fabrics

For fresh stains, gently blot the affected area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Avoid rubbing, as it may push the stain deeper into the fabric.

However, if the stain persists, consider the following techniques:

• Silk: Use a mixture of lukewarm water and gentle detergent to dab the stain lightly. Rinse with cold water and air dry.
• Wool: Blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in cold water and mild detergent. Rinse with cold water and carefully remove excess water by pressing the fabric between towels. Reshape and dry flat to prevent stretching.
• Lace and Embroidery: Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth dampened with a mild detergent or a specialized lace cleaner. Avoid excessive moisture and allow the fabric to air dry.

Professional Cleaning

Consider seeking professional dry cleaning services or dealing with valuable or intricate clothes when in doubt. They have the expertise and equipment to handle delicate fabrics and remove stains effectively.

Remember, prevention is key. Consider treating delicate fabrics with a fabric protectant spray before wearing them to provide an extra layer of stain resistance. Also, promptly address any stains to prevent them from setting in.

Final Thought on How to Remove Gasoline Smell Out of Clothes

Gasoline stains are better treated as soon as they occur. This helps easy removal and gets rid of the unpleasant smell as quickly as possible. You can easily eradicate gasoline smell and stain by simply using baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, or any of the methods we listed above. 

However, you might have to seek professional help for stubborn stains. Always separate the stained fabrics from the free ones while washing, as this further prevents cross-contamination.

In addition, try to pre-test every cleaning material to test for discoloration or shredding and avoid squeezing fabrics together. Have you tried any of these methods? Does it help you remove the gasoline smell and stains in your clothes? Please let us know in the comment section below.

FAQs on How to Get Gasoline Smell out of Clothes

How long does the gasoline smell stay on clothes?

The lingering gasoline smell on clothes typically subsides within approximately 24 hours. However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as fabric type, ventilation, and exposure to sunlight and air circulation.

Can gasoline smell be dangerous?

Yes, gasoline smell can be dangerous. Inhaling gasoline fumes can lead to health risks such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure or high concentrations of gasoline vapor can even cause more severe effects.

It is important to handle gasoline in well-ventilated areas and avoid prolonged exposure to its fumes. If you experience symptoms of gasoline inhalation or suspect a significant gasoline spill, it is recommended to seek fresh air immediately and consult a medical professional if necessary.

Does Gasoline Stain Clothes?

Yes, gasoline stains clothes. Its oily composition can leave behind noticeable stains that could be difficult to remove. Prompt action is recommended to minimize the chances of permanent staining.

Is it Safe to wash gasoline-scented clothes with another laundry?

No, it’s not safe to wash gasoline-scented clothes with other laundry. Gasoline-stained clothes can cause cross-contamination when washed together with another laundry.

Can I use regular detergent to remove the gasoline smell?

No, using regular detergent may not effectively remove the gasoline smell. Specialized stain removers or deodorizers, such as Fast Orange Grease X Mechanic’s Laundry Detergent, are recommended for better results.

Does vinegar get gasoline smell out of clothes?

Yes, vinegar can help eliminate the gasoline smell from clothes. Its acidic properties can break down the odour-causing compounds. Soaking the clothes with hot water mixed with vinegar for an hour can eradicate the gasoline smell.

Are there any specific fabrics that are more prone to gasoline smell?

Yes, certain fabrics are more prone to absorbing and retaining gasoline smell. Porous fabrics like wool, silk, and natural fibers absorb smells more easily than synthetic fabrics. 

It’s essential to take extra care when dealing with these fabrics to ensure effective smell removal.