Can You Wash Gasoline Out of Clothes?
Accidentally spilling gasoline on your clothing is a common problem that can cause serious damage to your garments. If you’ve splashed gasoline on your clothes, you may be wondering if it is possible to wash out the gasoline. The good news is that it is possible to clean gasoline from clothing, but you must take certain steps to ensure that it is done safely.
Steps for Washing Gasoline Out of Clothes
- Cover the Area: Use an absorbent material like a paper towel or rag to sponge up any excess gasoline. Do not rub or scrub the area as this may cause the gasoline to spread or sink deeper into the material.
- Add Detergent: Put some laundry detergent in a bowl of hot water, then add the clothing that has been contaminated with gasoline. Allow the clothing to soak in the solution for around 30 minutes before continuing.
- Wash in the Machine: After the pre-soaking is complete, remove the clothing and place it in a washing machine. Wash the garment at the hottest temperature allowed for the fabric. Use a longer cycle, such as a heavy duty or hot cycle setting.
- Repeat as Necessary: After washing, check the garments to see if the gasoline has washed out. If the contamination is still visible, consider repeating the pre-soak and wash process. Set the machine to the same temperature and cycle as before to ensure that the gasoline is cleaned out.
- Dryers Not Recommended: Avoid using a dryer to dry the oil-contaminated garments as this may set the oil into the fabric. If the material can be dried in a sunny spot outdoors, that is the best option. Otherwise, hang-dry the clothes.
Tips for Safely Removing Gasoline from Clothing
- Never mix different cleaning chemicals in an attempt to remove gasoline from clothing.
- Be sure to follow the care instructions on the clothing label to make sure that washing does not damage the fabric.
- Do not use bleach or any other bleach-based products when trying to remove gasoline.
- Be aware of the possibility of flammable vapors when dealing with gasoline-soaked clothing. Make sure that the area is well ventilated and avoid open flames.
Accidentally spilling gasoline on clothing is a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely and effectively remove gasoline from your garments.