Have you ever accidentally spilled gasoline on your clothes and didn’t know what to do? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!
Gasoline can be a tough stain to remove, but with the right techniques, you can get your clothes looking and smelling fresh again.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about washing gasoline out of clothes.
How Can You Wash Gasoline Out of Clothes?
There are a few different ways that you can wash gasoline out of your clothes, depending on the severity of the stain and the type of fabric.
For small stains, you can spot-clean them with a soap solution. For larger stains, you can hand wash or machine wash your clothes.
We’ll go over each method in more detail below.
How to HandWash Gasoline Out of Clothes
The most common method for washing gasoline out of clothes is to handwash them. Handwashing works well for small stains as well as larger ones. It also reduces the risk of contaminating other clothing in the washer.
To handwash gasoline out of clothes, you will need the following supplies:
- Large bucket or sink
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Warm/hot water
- Baking soda or vinegar
Once you have all the supplies above, you can begin the handwashing process.
Step 1: Prepare the Washing Solution
Start by filling a large bucket or sink with warm/hot water. You will want to use the hottest water your clothing can safely withstand.
Add in a small amount of heavy-duty laundry that is specifically formulated to remove tough stains and grease. I found this detergent worked best for gasoline spills.
You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda or white vinegar to the solution. Not only will these natural ingredients help to break down the stain, but they will also help to deodorize the fabric.
Step 2: Soak Your Clothes in the Solution
Once your washing solution is ready, submerge the gasoline-stained clothes into it and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This will give the detergent time to work on breaking down the stain.
If you have a particularly stubborn gasoline stain, you can spill the solution and refresh it with a new batch. Soak your clothes for another 30 minutes and repeat as many times as necessary.
Step 3: Agitate the Clothes
After soaking, you can begin to scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Use gentle pressure and don’t rub too hard, as this could damage the fabric.
You can also agitate by hand if you don’t have a brush or cloth. Simply rub the stained area between your fingers to loosen and help lift the stain.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry Your Clothes
Once you’re satisfied that the stain has been sufficiently removed, rinse the clothes off with cool water. Make sure to remove all of the soap residues before drying them.
Finally, hang your clothes up to dry or toss them in the dryer, and be sure to follow the instructions on the care label carefully.
How to Machine Wash Gasoline Out of Clothes
If you don’t have the time or patience to handwash your clothes, you can try machine washing them instead. This method works best on larger gasoline stains or more than one piece of clothing.
For machine washing, you will need heavy-duty laundry detergent, as well as baking soda, or vinegar. You will also need a laundry bag or pillowcase if you’re removing gasoline from delicate clothing.
Step 1: Pre-treat Your Clothes
Before putting your gasoline-stained clothes in the washer, you will want to pre-treat them with a heavy-duty laundry detergent. Simply spread the detergent over the stain and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes before washing.
This is also the best time to add a little baking soda or vinegar to the washing machine to help get rid of the gasoline smell.
If you’re using a pillowcase or laundry bag, make sure to place your clothes inside one before pre-treating them. This will help keep the fabric from getting damaged in the washer.
Step 2: Run the Washer on Hot Cycle
Once you’ve pre-treated your clothes, it’s time to run them through a hot cycle in the washer. You will want to use the hottest water temperature that your clothing can safely withstand.
If possible, set your washer to an extra rinse cycle. This will help ensure that all of the soap residues are removed from the fabric.
You may need to repeat the washing cycle a few times if the stain is particularly stubborn.
Step 3: Dry Your Clothes
Once your clothes have gone through the washer, and all traces of the gasoline have been removed, it’s time to dry them.
The safest method of drying clothes is to lay them flat on a clean towel and let them air dry. This will help prevent any shrinkage or damage that can be caused by the heat from a clothes dryer.
However, you can also choose to hang them to dry or even tumble dry on a low heat setting, as long as you follow the instructions on the care label.
How to Spot Clean Gasoline Out of Clothes
Spot cleaning is a great way to remove gasoline stains from small areas of clothing. This method works best on items that contain delicate fabrics and cannot be machine washed.
Spot cleaning is also ideal for gasoline spills while away from home, such as when you are filling up your car at the gas station. In most cases, you can spot clean clothes while you’re still wearing them.
For spot cleaning, you will need the following supplies:
- Soap or detergent (almost anything will do)
- Running water
- Soda water (Not Cola!)
- Paper towels (optional)
These are the bare minimum supplies you need to spot clean gasoline out of clothes. Although you can use just water and soap, adding a little soda water can help break down the oil in the gasoline and make it easier to remove.
Step 1: Apply Soap or Detergent
First, apply a small amount of soap or detergent directly onto the stain. You can use hand soap, body wash, shampoo, or almost any other type of liquid soap or detergent.
Once the soap is applied, use your fingers to gently massage it into the fabric. This will help break down the oil in the gasoline and make it easier to remove.
Step 2: Rinse with Water
Before you soak everything in water, try to limit the area that needs to be rinsed. This can help the area dry faster and works well especially if you can’t remove the clothing right away.
Once you’ve identified the area that needs to be rinsed, run it under cold water for at least 30 seconds. This will help remove any remaining soap or detergent residue as well as any gasoline residue.
Step 3: Apply Soda Water
If the stain remains after rinsing with water, you can apply a small amount of soda water to the area. The carbonation in soda water helps break down oil and remove tough stains.
Simply pour a little soda on the stain and allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it with cold water again.
Step 4: Blot Dry with Paper Towels (Optional)
Once you have rinsed the area with water, you can blot it dry with a few sheets of paper towels to help remove any remaining moisture.
Keep in mind that this step is optional and is only to help with the drying process. It is not necessary to use paper towels if you are able to immediately hang or lay your clothing flat so that it can air dry.
Spot-cleaning gasoline from clothes is usually a quick fix if you’re in a tight situation. You should expect to either handwash or machine wash the item once you have access to the proper supplies. This will ensure that all of the gasoline residue is removed from your clothes.
Tips & Tricks to Wash Clothes with Gasoline on Them
If you’ve tried all the steps above and still find that your clothes are stained with gasoline, here are some tips and tricks to help you out:
Pre-treatment: There are many good pre-treatments available on the market today. These products are designed to help break down tough stains like gasoline and make them easier to remove during a typical wash cycle.
Baking Soda or Vinegar: Even after washing your clothes several times, there may still be a lingering smell of gasoline. To get rid of this odor, try making a soaking solution of baking soda and water or vinegar and water. Allow the clothing to soak for at least 30 minutes before laundering as usual.
Febreeze: I have had great success using Febreeze to remove stubborn odors in the past. Just spray the affected area of the clothes with Febreeze and wash as usual. The smell should be gone after one wash.
Sunlight: Sunlight is a great natural technique for removing stains, including those caused by gasoline spills. Hang your item in direct sunlight and let it dry completely before laundering it. This will help break down the oil in the gasoline and make it easier to remove.
Stain Remover: If all else fails, you can always break out the heavy-duty stain removers. Most of these products are designed to work on tough oil-based stains like those caused by gasoline spills. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and test the product on a small area before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get about washing gasoline from clothes.
How Do You Neutralize the Gasoline Smell on Clothing?
One of the biggest problems with gasoline spills is the strong odor that comes with them. Even after washing the clothes, the smell can linger.
To neutralize the gasoline smell on clothing, you can try using white vinegar. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle, and it will help to remove the odor. Another option is to use baking soda. Add a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle along with the detergent, and it will help to neutralize the smell.
Does Soap Wash Off Gasoline from Clothing?
Soap alone may not be enough to remove gasoline from clothing. Gasoline is an oily substance, and regular soap may not be able to break down the oil. However, using a heavy-duty detergent along with hot water should do the trick.
Will the Gasoline Smell Go Away from Clothing?
Yes, the gasoline smell can go away from clothing with the right treatment. As mentioned earlier, using white vinegar or baking soda in the wash cycle can help to remove the odor. However, if the smell persists after washing, you may need to repeat the process or take the clothes to a professional cleaner.
How Long Is Gasoline Flammable on Clothes?
Gasoline is highly flammable, and it can remain flammable on clothing for a long time, even after washing. It’s best to avoid exposing the clothes to heat or flames until you’re sure that all the gasoline has been removed.
Why Did People Use to Wash Clothes in Gasoline?
In the past, gasoline was used as a cleaning agent for clothes because it was effective in removing stains and grease. However, this practice is highly dangerous and can cause fires and explosions. It’s important to avoid using gasoline as a cleaning agent for clothes.
Will Febreze Remove Gasoline Smell from Clothing?
Febreze is a popular fabric refresher that can help to remove odors from clothing. However, it may not be effective in removing the gasoline smell from clothes. It’s best to use white vinegar or baking soda for this purpose.
Final Thoughts
Gasoline spills are never fun, but they don’t need to ruin your clothes. With the right supplies and a bit of know-how, you can spot-clean gasoline from clothing in no time.
Just remember that if the stain remains after following these steps, it may be best to take the item for professional dry cleaning.