How to Remove Gasoline Smell from Clothes and Prevent Lingering Odours

There’s nothing quite like the unmistakable, harsh scent of petrol clinging to your clothes — strong, unpleasant, and seemingly impossible to get rid of. Whether you've filled up your car and caught a splash on your jeans or accidentally spilled some during a DIY job — it happens more often than you'd think. You’re likely here wondering how to remove the gasoline smell from clothes without ruining the fabric.

This blog will discuss the safe, effective methods that work to remove both the smell and the stain, along with tips on how to prevent it from settling in again. From understanding why petrol odours linger to how to get gas stains out of clothes, everything you need is here.

Gasoline is made of powerful hydrocarbons — chemicals that are quick to evaporate into the air but cling to porous materials like cotton and denim. Once absorbed, the fuel leaves behind a pungent residue that standard washing machines often fail to fully remove.

Clothes that smell like petrol aren’t just uncomfortable to wear — they can also pose a fire hazard if not handled correctly. That’s why it’s important to know how to remove gasoline stains as well as the associated odour completely and safely.

Before tossing your petrol-stained clothes into the wash, consider the following step-by-step method to make sure the smell doesn’t come back.

1. Air Out the Clothes Immediately

Hang the affected clothing outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Letting the petrol fumes evaporate for 24 hours (or at least several hours) before washing is the safest way to start. This helps reduce the intensity of both the smell and the flammability.

2. Pre-treat the Area Carefully

If there's a visible stain in addition to the smell, it’s essential to pre-treat it. This will help remove both the odour and residue. This method is particularly helpful if you’re trying to figure out how to get gas stains out of clothes in a way that doesn’t set the stain further.

3. Wash Separately with Warm Water

When washing petrol-stained clothes, always wash them separately. Use warm water if the fabric label allows, as heat helps to lift residues better than cold water.

Repeat washing if necessary — one wash may not be enough. If the smell persists, do not tumble dry, as this can lock in odours. Instead, air dry and repeat the washing process if needed.

4. Air Dry — Never Machine Dry Right Away

Machine drying can intensify remaining odours or even become a fire risk if the petrol hasn't been fully removed. Air drying outdoors not only helps disperse any lingering fumes but also allows you to check for any leftover smell before the garment is stored or worn again.

Some additional tips are:

• Use Odour-neutralising Additives:

Laundry additives with odour-neutralising properties (not perfumes) can be effective. Look for options supported by independent studies.

• Don’t Skip the Pre-wash:

Many people try to shortcut the process, but directly washing petrol-soaked clothes in the machine can spread the smell — and even damage other clothes.

• Repeat if Needed:

It's common to repeat the cycle 2–3 times, depending on how strong the exposure was. Persistence is key when learning how to remove gasoline smell from clothes effectively.

Knowing how to remove gasoline stains is just as important as addressing the smell. Petrol can leave behind greasy, discoloured marks that become more visible over time.

• Spot Treatment:

Blot (don’t rub) the stained area with a clean cloth and apply a stain remover that’s suitable for your fabric type.

• Be Cautious with Water Temperature:

Start with cool or lukewarm water when rinsing or washing petrol stains. Using hot water too soon—before confirming the stain has lifted—can cause it to set deeper into the fabric.

These steps are also helpful when figuring out how to get gas stains out of clothes even after the odour is gone.

The best way to deal with petrol odours is to avoid them altogether:

• Wear protective layers (aprons or coveralls) when working with fuel.
• Be cautious at the pump, especially when refuelling petrol-powered tools or vehicles.
• Avoid overfilling containers, and always store petrol safely and away from clothing.

While petrol stains may seem stubborn, a gentle, thoughtful approach can help restore your garments with ease. Now that you know how to remove the gasoline smell from clothes, you’re better prepared to act fast, clean thoroughly, and prevent lingering odours in the future.

And don’t forget — whether you’re dealing with fresh petrol splashes or need to know how to get gas stains out of clothes, the key is to act quickly. Avoid shortcuts, and always stick to trusted methods. Safe, clean, and smell-free — that’s the goal!