How to Get Gasoline Out of Clothes (7 Methods)

1. Blot Away Excess Gasoline

   Blot the fabric with paper towels to remove any excess gasoline, and dispose of the paper towels safely. You can also use baking soda to absorb gasoline from a wet spot on your clothing.

   Warning

   Make sure you prevent the flammable towels or cloths used for blotting from starting a fire. To do this, set out the cloth or towel to air dry. Flammable gas fumes will dissipate in the open air. Once the item is dry, find a sealable metal tin, put the towel or cloth in it, and wet the material until it's damp. Seal the container. Discard it with your trash.

2. Pretreat With Stain Remover

   Pretreat with a solvent-based stain removal product, such as Shout, Zout, or Spray 'n Wash, to break up the petroleum products. Allow the stain remover to work for at least 15 minutes before washing.

   Then, wash the clothing at the hottest setting appropriate for the fabric. Hot water is necessary to remove the gas fully from the clothing.

3. Pretreat With Dish Soap or Heavy-Duty Detergent

   An alternate pretreatment option is dish soap or detergent. Liquid dish soap is designed to remove greasy and oily stains, especially the Dawn brand. If you do not have it handy, you can pretreat with an enzyme-based heavy-duty liquid detergent.

   Work in 2 tablespoons of dish soap or liquid detergent with a soft-bristle brush. Allow the clothing to sit for up to five minutes before washing it in the hottest water the fabric allows.

4. Presoak Heavily Soiled Items in Ammonia Solution

   Another option for exceptionally heavy odors is to soak the clothing in the washer full of warm water and 1 cup of non-sudsing household ammonia. This will smell, so shut the lid.

   Soak for several hours or overnight. Then, drain and wash as usual using the hottest water possible for the fabric.

   Warning

   Never use any chlorine bleach or detergents containing chlorine with ammonia. This mixture makes a dangerous form of chlorine gas that produces toxic fumes.

5. Use Baking Soda on Lingering Odors

   Check the clothing for odor and stains after washing. If any remain, try baking soda. You can make a baking soda paste of 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water and rub it directly onto the stain. Allow it to air dry, and then brush the baking soda off of the fabric. This step can be repeated until the gasoline is fully removed. Then, wash as normal.

   Alternatively, you can soak the stain overnight in water with 1 cup of baking soda added. Wash, rinse, and check for odor. Repeat if necessary until the stain is fully gone, and then wash as normal.

6. Soak Lingering Odors in Vinegar Solution

   If you still have any gasoline smell left, you can also try a vinegar and water soak for 30 minutes. This is a good natural option to remove stains. Repeat the vinegar soak again as needed, and then wash as normal.

7. Try Orange Cleaner as Final Resort

   As a last resort, you can add a little orange cleaner to the wash load to help break down the traces of gasoline and get rid of the smell. Look for an all-purpose cleaner derived from oranges, such as Orange Glo's Orange Clean Pro Multipurpose Cleaner or Fantastik Orange Action All-Purpose Cleaner.

When to Call a Professional

These methods should remove the stain and odor. If the stain is big or continues to linger after trying these methods, seek help from professional cleaners.