Whether you spilled a little fuel while filling the lawn mower or got splashed at the pump, gasoline has a way of sticking around. The smell is strong, it spreads to anything near the affected clothes, and ordinary washing often doesn’t remove it.
Gasoline is made of oily hydrocarbons that cling to fabric fibers instead of rinsing away with plain water. The longer the fuel sits, the deeper it settles in, so act quickly. The good news is that with the right steps, most clothes can be saved.
Safety First: What to Do Before You Start
Gasoline is highly flammable, so take these precautions before you try any cleaning method:
- Handle the clothes outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Fumes build up fast indoors.
- Never put gas-soaked clothes in the dryer. Heat can ignite fuel vapors left in the fabric, which is a real fire hazard.
- Keep the clothes away from heat, flames, and sparks. That includes pilot lights, grills, and cigarettes.
- Wear gloves. Gasoline irritates the skin, so avoid direct contact.
If the clothes are completely saturated, or you can’t get the smell out after several attempts, it may be safest to throw them away rather than risk a lingering fire hazard.
What You’ll Need
Gather these before you begin. You won’t need all of them for every method:
- Rubber gloves
- Heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Enzyme cleaner or odor-eliminating laundry booster
- A bucket or large basin
- A clothesline or drying rack
7 Methods to Remove Gas Smell from Clothes
Method 1: Air Out the Clothes Outdoors
This is always the first step. Hang the clothes on a line or drying rack in an open outdoor area, away from any ignition source. Let them air out for several hours, or overnight if the smell is strong. Much of the gasoline will evaporate on its own, which makes every later method more effective.
Don’t skip this step, and don’t wash the clothes while they’re still wet with fuel.
Method 2: Wash with Hot Water and Heavy-Duty Detergent
Once the clothes have aired out and the strong smell has faded, wash them by themselves in the hottest water the fabric label allows. Use a heavy-duty liquid detergent, which is better at breaking down oily residue than standard formulas. Add a little extra detergent if the smell is strong.
Check the clothes before you dry them. If you still smell gas, wash them again.
Method 3: Soak in White Vinegar
White vinegar neutralizes many stubborn odors. Fill a bucket with warm water and add about one cup of white vinegar. Submerge the clothes and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour, then wash them as usual with detergent.
You can also add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. The vinegar smell fades as the clothes dry.
Method 4: Use Baking Soda to Absorb the Odor
Baking soda draws out smells and also softens water, which helps detergent work better. Sprinkle it directly onto the affected areas, or add half a cup to your wash cycle along with your detergent.
For a stronger treatment, make a paste with baking soda and a little water. Rub it into the stained area, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then wash.
Method 5: Pre-Treat with Dish Soap
Dish soap is made to cut through grease, which makes it useful against gasoline residue. Put a few drops on the affected area and gently work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water before putting the clothes through the washer.
This works well on spots where the fuel landed, like cuffs, pant legs, or sleeves.
Method 6: Try an Enzyme Cleaner or Odor-Eliminating Laundry Booster
If the smell is still there after washing, a product designed for tough odors can help. Enzyme cleaners break down organic residues, and laundry boosters made for odor removal can lift smells that regular detergent leaves behind. Follow the instructions on the label, and test on a hidden area first if you’re worried about color fading.
Method 7: Line Dry in Direct Sunlight
Sunlight and fresh air are among the best natural deodorizers. After washing, hang the clothes outside in direct sunlight and let them dry completely. The UV rays and airflow help break down and carry off remaining odor molecules.
Turn the clothes inside out if you want to protect dark colors from fading.
What to Do If the Gas Smell Won’t Go Away
Sometimes one wash isn’t enough. Try these steps:
- Repeat the wash cycle. Two or three rounds may be needed for heavy odors.
- Combine methods. For example, soak in vinegar, then wash with detergent and baking soda, then hang in the sun.
- Consider professional dry cleaning. Tell the cleaner the item had gasoline on it so they can handle it safely. Some cleaners may decline items that are heavily contaminated.
How to Remove Gas Smell from Different Fabrics
Cotton and denim: These sturdy fabrics handle hot water and strong detergent well, so methods 2 through 4 usually work.
Synthetics (polyester, nylon): These fabrics trap oily odors easily. Pre-treat with dish soap and wash in the warmest water the label allows.
Delicates and wool: Avoid hot water and harsh scrubbing. Air them out thoroughly, use a gentle soak with diluted vinegar, and consider professional cleaning if the smell persists.
How to Remove Gas Smell from Your Washing Machine
Gasoline odor can linger inside the machine after you wash fuel-soaked clothes. To clear it, run an empty hot-water cycle with two cups of white vinegar. Then run another empty cycle with half a cup of baking soda. Leave the door open afterward so the drum can air out completely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the dryer too soon. This is the most dangerous mistake. Always confirm the smell is completely gone before using heat.
- Washing gas-soaked clothes with other laundry. The odor and residue can transfer to everything in the load.
- Masking the smell with fragrance. Perfumed detergents or fabric sprays only cover the odor temporarily. The gasoline is still in the fibers.
How to Prevent Gas Smell on Clothes in the Future
A few habits can keep fuel off your clothes in the first place:
- Use a funnel or spill-proof gas can when refueling equipment.
- Fill tanks slowly and avoid overfilling.
- Let small engines cool before refueling.
- Wear dedicated work clothes or an apron for garage and yard work.
- Keep a pair of rubber gloves with your fuel supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to wash gas-soaked clothes in the washing machine?
Only after they’ve aired out outdoors and the fuel has mostly evaporated. Wash them alone, and never wash clothes that are still dripping with gasoline.
How long does it take for gas smell to leave clothes?
Light spills may air out in a few hours. Heavier spills can take a day or more, plus one or more wash cycles.
Can you wear clothes that still smell slightly of gas?
It’s best not to. Gasoline irritates the skin, and the fumes aren’t healthy to breathe, so keep washing until the smell is completely gone.
Does vinegar really remove gasoline odor?
Vinegar helps neutralize odor, especially when combined with detergent and airing out. For strong smells, it works best as part of a multi-step approach.
Conclusion
Getting gas smell out of clothes takes patience, but it’s very doable. Start by airing the clothes outdoors, then wash them with hot water and heavy-duty detergent. If the odor lingers, use vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, or an enzyme booster, and finish by drying in the sun.
Above all, stay safe: keep the clothes away from heat and flames, and never put them in the dryer until the smell is gone. When the clothes are soaked through or the odor won’t budge, replacing them is the safer choice.
