Gasoline, diesel fuel, and domestic heating fuel stains and odours can be difficult to get rid of. What is more, they can be dangerous if not treated properly. Cleaning them can be tricky since they can make any fabric more flammable than normal. In this article, we will show you how to properly clean those in a safe and efficient way.
Never wash fuel stains with other clothing. Also, never put clothing with fuel stains in a dryer. The heat may cause them to burst into flames. Fuel stains and odours may be hard to remove and require more than one take. However, you will be able to get rid of them by using common household cleaners and products.
If the care label of the fabric says the item should only be dry-cleaned, bring it to a professional as soon as possible. Do not attempt to dry-clean the garments at home since it might be dangerous.
You will need:
- Soft-bristled brush
- Solvent-based stain remover
- Washing machine
- Enzyme-based heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Clothesline
- Water
- Vacuum cleaner
- Baking soda
- Sponge or cloth
- Ammonia
Instructions:
- Pre-treat any stains. Use a solvent-based stain remover or an enzyme-based heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent and a soft-bristled brush. Gently rub the product on the stained area and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Use the hottest temperature suitable for the fabric and wash the garment as you usually would in the washing machine. Inspect the garment and repeat the steps if any stains or odours can be found.
- Soak overnight if needed. If odours remain, soak the garment in cold water and baking soda solution overnight. For heavy odours, you may want to fill a tub with water and add one cup of household ammonia. Put a lit on it and let it soak for several hours or overnight. Make sure not to mix ammonia and chlorine bleach. That combination may create toxic and dangerous fumes.
- Dry the garment in a dryer if there are no visible stains or odours. You can also use a clothesline.
In order to remove fuel stains or odours from upholstery or carpets.
Keep in mind that this stain removal method will only work on small stains and odours. If there is a larger spill, it would have probably saturated the carpet and possibly the flooring underneath. In such cases, it is best to call a professional company to take care of it. You may need to have the whole carpet replaced.
- Blot the stain with paper towels. Use rags or white paper towels to soak up as much of the stain as possible.
- Soak up the stain with baking soda. That will help absorb the oil from the fuel stain, as well as the odour. You may also sprinkle the area with kitty litter and let it sit for about 4 hours. After that, vacuum the powder. If the powder becomes damp but the stain is still there, vacuum it, sprinkle it again and let it sit for another 4 hours (or overnight, depending on the stain).
- Use a cleaning solution. It is best to use upholstery cleaners with sud suppressants. Those will make it easy to get rid of the stain. Another thing you can do is mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid detergent and one cup of warm water. Use this mixture and a soft-bristled brush in order to gently scrub the stain. Work from the outer edges towards the centre of the stain in order to prevent its spreading.
- Blot, rinse and dry. Use a damp towel in order to blot the soapy residue that might be left behind. You can also use a sponge for this step. Let the area air-dry and vacuum afterwards, in order to restore the original texture of the carpet.
- If you have such odours in your vehicle, ventilation is the key. You may also use baking soda or deactivated charcoal to get rid of the stains.
If the stain is bigger or stubborn, it is best to turn to a professional as soon as possible.
Extra tips:
- In order to properly and safely dispose of oily, fuel-stained rags you can lay them flat and let them dry, away from direct heat and sunlight. After that, dispose of them in a metal container.
- If you have such stains on your carpets or vehicle floors, make sure you treat them immediately. The toxic fumes may be overpowering, cause health issues and even fire or explosion hazards. Turn off all electrical equipment and open all doors and windows in order to properly air out the area. Do not close them until the stain has been removed and the air has cleared.