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How to Get Gasoline Out of Clothing
January 21, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
Gasoline—something that most of us use every day. A petroleum-derived liquid, it’s used as fuel for internal-combustion engines, such as those used in cars.
How much of it does an average vehicle use? Approximately 500 gallons per year. Given that, it’s not surprising to know that some people are starting to get worried. After all, fossil fuels are finite; use them enough and they will eventually run out.
With that said, it probably won’t happen for a while. That’s not to say that it won’t become a problem in the future, however.
Dealing With Gasoline Stains and Spills
Gasoline is not something that you want to accidentally spill on yourself. For one thing, there’s the smell. Assuming that you breathe in large amounts of the vapor, it can lead to headaches, nausea, throat irritation, and vomiting.
There’s a chance that it can cause breathing difficulties as well. But wait, that’s not all—it’ll also make you and whatever you’re wearing more flammable.
That’s not to say that you can’t wash it off, though. You can—you just have to be diligent about it. For example, you don’t want to put it in the clothes dryer.
The gasoline can easily ignite and cause a fire if exposed to high heat! Another thing is that you don’t want to wash it together with other items—the gasoline can easily transfer from fabric to fabric, which will make your situation worse.
How to Get Gasoline Out of Clothes
Accidentally got some gasoline on your clothes? Here’s how you can get it out.
Removing Gas Stains with ACTIVE Detergent
ACTIVE Detergent is the best option when you’re trying to remove gasoline stains.
Step 1: Remove the Excess Gasoline
Blot the garment with a paper towel. You want to remove as much of the gasoline as possible from your clothes.
Step 2: Create a Soapy Solution
Fill a sink or container with water and add in a bit of ACTIVE detergent. Agitate the water to dissolve the powder and put the stained item in the mixture.
Step 3: Soak the Item
Place the garment in the sink once the detergent is dissolved and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to use hot water as cold water won’t be enough to eliminate the gasoline completely.
Step 4: Wash As Normal
Once the gasoline stain is gone, you can wash the garment normally in the washer.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Paper towels
ACTIVE Detergent
Enzymatic formula removes tough stains like gasoline from fabrics.
Using Baking Soda as a Stain Remover
Baking soda is another option. Not only will it act as a stain remover but it’ll also help eliminate that gas smell.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Paper towels
- Soft bristle brush
Step 1:
Blot away the excess gasoline with clean paper towels.
Step 2:
Mix two parts baking soda with one part water in a small bowl to create a paste.
Step 3:
Using a soft bristle brush, apply the paste onto the gasoline stain. Rub it into the fabric and allow it to dry with the paste on.
Brush the powder off once it’s dry.
You can also soak the stained garment in a baking soda solution – just fill a sink with hot water and add a cup of baking soda.
Using White Vinegar to Remove Gasoline Stains
White vinegar is a great deodorizer and stain remover. Given that, it’s not surprising that you can use it to remove the gasoline smell from your clothes.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Water
Step 1:
Fill a sink with hot water and add one cup of white vinegar to create a solution.
Step 2:
Place the stained garment in the vinegar mixture for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing.
Wash as normal afterwards.
While white vinegar will help get rid of the gasoline smell, it likely won’t be enough to remove the stain.
Using Ammonia to Get Rid of Excess Gasoline
Another solution is to use ammonia. More specifically, non sudsing household ammonia.
Supplies:
- Ammonia
- Water
- Liquid detergent
Step 1:
Place your gasoline-stained clothes in the washing machine and fill it with warm water.
Step 2:
Measure and add one cup of household ammonia to the washing machine and close the lid.
Let the garments soak for several hours (overnight, if necessary).
Step 3:
Drain the dirty water and wash the items as usual with a liquid detergent.
Never mix ammonia with bleach – it’ll release flammable gas fumes.
Using Coffee Grounds to Remove Gas Smells
Believe it or not but you can also neutralize the smell with coffee grounds.
Supplies:
- Coffee grounds
- Soft bristle brush
Step 1:
Sprinkle a liberal amount of coffee grounds onto the gas stain and let it sit for several hours.
Step 2:
Using a soft bristle brush, remove the grounds from the fabric.
If the gasoline smell is still present, repeat the process again. Otherwise, you can wash the item as normal.
Getting Gasoline Stains Off Your Clothes – FAQs
Can you use dish soap for gasoline stains?
Liquid dish soap can be used to pretreat greasy and oily stains, including gas stains. However, it likely won’t be enough. We recommend using ACTIVE detergent afterward for thorough washing.
Can I use white vinegar to remove the gas smell?
White vinegar may help neutralize the smell that’s coming from the stubborn stains. Keep in mind, however, that it may not be effective for exceptionally heavy odors.
In cases like that, you’ll want to soak and wash the stain with ACTIVE Detergent.
Can I wash clothes with gasoline stains?
It’s best to pre-treat and remove the stain before throwing the item in the washing machine. If you’re dealing with a delicate fabric (e.g. silk), consider seeking professional dry cleaning services.
Can you remove set-in gasoline stains?
Removing set-in gas stains will be a little trickier but it is possible. Start by soaking the stain in a detergent solution – we recommend using ACTIVE Detergent. Let the garment sit for several hours before rinsing.
How do I remove the smell of gasoline from my clothes?
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in the sink and soak the item in the mixture for several hours. Proceed to wash the garment with ACTIVE Detergent afterward. If you want, you can even wash it with other clothing.
Should I take my stained clothes to the local dry cleaner?
Take the stained item to a professional dry cleaner immediately if you’re dealing with delicate fabrics such as wool or silk. The same goes for hand wash only items. They’ll have the tools and expertise necessary to remove the stain.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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