Gasoline has a strong, lingering smell that can make your car quite stinky, as well as causing dizziness and nausea in some people. If someone spills gasoline in the car, the first thing to do is clean the area immediately, removing as much of the liquid as possible. Then scrub the spot and try some tricks to reduce the odor. If you cannot identify the source of the smell, take the car to a mechanic as there may be a fuel leak.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Locating and Dealing with Spills
Step 1. Identify the source of the problem
Sometimes the hardest part of cleaning is figuring out where the smell is coming from. Chances are, gasoline is in the bottom of your shoe or a can has leaked into the back of your car. Smell the vehicle to find the source of the smell.
Step 2. Absorb the excess
If gasoline has just been spilled, press it down with a cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Ideally, use old rags as they will likely need to be discarded.
Step 3. Allow the fuel to evaporate
After absorbing as much as possible, let the sun do its part. Open car windows in a sunny location to dry off gasoline residue. If possible, leave the car open for at least four hours.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning Up the Dirt
Step 1. Prepare a simple cleaning solution
Mix three glasses of water with half a glass of carpet soap. Mix both ingredients well in a bucket.
- Another option is to mix equal parts of vinegar, baking soda and water.
- If you prefer, dissolve a little detergent in water and use for cleaning.
Step 2. Scrub the area with a brush or a floor cloth
Wet the brush or cloth in the cleaning solution and scrub the gasoline stain well. Obviously, use a discardable utensil as it will likely smell strongly of fuel.
Step 3. Dry the cleaner
After removing the stain, pat the area with old cloths, absorbing the dirt and cleaning products. Use several cloths, not to end up dirtying the place again. Finally, let it dry in the sun.
Part 3 of 3: Stopping the Smell
Step 1. Rub some ground coffee over the spot
Depending on the case, just apply a little coffee and rub. Leave on for a week and vacuum the powder.
Some experts recommend using the coffee treatment before washing the area
Step 2. Use baking soda
Sprinkle a little of the product to mask the smell. Some people leave the baking soda in place all the time, vacuuming once a month and replacing it with a new layer of product.
If you prefer, use baby powder instead of baking soda
Step 3. Cover with a layer of cat litter
As sand is designed to absorb moisture and the odor of pussy urine, spread it over the affected area and let it sit for a day. Inhale and see if the smell of gasoline is gone. If not, repeat the process a few times.
Step 4. Try an odor eliminator spray
There are fabric sprays that can be very useful. Apply generously and let it dry naturally.
