Gas stains on fabrics can be tricky to remove; you’re dealing with both the color of the stain and the potent gasoline smell. Yet, with the proper care, getting gasoline out of clothes is possible.
If you’re not sure where to start, follow this guide by the experts at EZ-POUR®! You’ll learn the five steps to removing gas stains safely and effectively and, in the end, know how to prevent spills from occurring.
What You’ll Need
To remove gasoline from clothes, you’ll need:
- paper towels,
- baking soda,
- a stain remover spray,
- and a washing machine.
Should this not entirely remove the stain or smell, you may also need:
- dish soap,
- laundry detergent,
- vinegar,
- ammonia,
- orange cleaner,
- and a soft scrub brush.
5 Steps to Getting Gasoline Out of Clothes
Read these tips before you begin.
- Gasoline still present on garments can ignite in the dryer and cause a fire. So, do not put the clothes in the dryer unless the stain and smell are entirely gone. Dry them outside or on a drying rack instead.
- Do not wash gas-stained items with other clothing due to the risk of cross-contamination.
- Check the tag, and if the item is dry clean only, take it to a professional dry cleaner.
Now you’re ready to follow these 5 simple steps!
Step 1. Blot Away Excess Gasoline
First, get rid of excess gasoline by blotting the stain with paper towels. You can then use baking soda to dry up any last drops. Be sure to dispose of used paper towels and baking soda safely.
Step 2. Spray With Stain Remover
Then use a stain remover spray, like Shout or Spray ‘n Wash, to break up the petroleum product. Let the spray sit for at least 15 minutes before throwing your clothes in the washing machine. You’ll need to wash at the hottest setting.
If your clothes come out of the wash clean and without a gasoline smell, you can stop here.
Step 3. Treat With Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent
Otherwise, treat the stain with 2 tablespoons of dish soap or laundry detergent. Scrub with a soft scrub brush and let it sit for 5 minutes before soaking the clothes in hot water.
Step 4. Treat With Vinegar or Ammonia
If you’re still wondering how to get the gasoline smell out of clothes, soak your clothes in equal parts vinegar and water for 30 minutes. Repeat if needed.
After that, if your clothes continue to smell of gasoline, soak them in 1 cup of non-sudsing ammonia and water. This mixture will give off an unpleasant odor, so it’s recommended to soak clothes in the washing machine with the lid closed.
Do not mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, as either mixture will create toxic fumes.
Step 5. Use Orange Cleaner
As a last resort, add a little orange cleaner to the wash load. This all-purpose cleaner derived from oranges will help to break down any lingering smells. Fantastik’s Orange Action All-Purpose Cleaner or Orange Glo’s Orange Clean Pro Multipurpose Cleaner could do the trick.
Prevent Gas Spills With EZ-POUR®
EZ-POUR®’s flexible nozzles help prevent spillage while reaching even the most difficult engines. You don’t even have to worry about finding the exact spout for your can. Our spouts are universal and come as a kit with different base caps to fit 98% of all plastic gas and water cans.
To get your kit, shop online or visit one of our retailers today!