Whether you’re a mechanic who repairs vehicles or a driver who needs to fuel up at the gas station, everyone spills gasoline on their clothes once in a while. Unfortunately, gasoline is not only odiferous, but it can also wreak havoc on your clothing. If this ever happens to you, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these handy tips. Here’s how you can get gas out of your clothing:
Step 1: Remove Excess Gasoline
While clothes and shoes completely doused in gasoline are better off being discarded, it’s still possible to effectively tackle smaller gas stains. Start by blotting the material with paper towels or a clean rag to remove any excess fuel on them. You can also cover the stain with baking soda to soak up even more residue (and eliminate a lot of the smell!). Let the baking soda sit for about 5 minutes before disposing of it in a bag.
Step 2: Soak the Clothing
Before you even entertain the idea of tossing your clothes in the washer, set them in a sink or tub and soak them in a concoction that is equal parts vinegar and hot water. The vinegar will begin breaking down the gasoline right away without damaging your clothing. Let the material soak for at least half an hour. If it still smells of gasoline, let it soak an extra half an hour before moving on to step 3.
Step 3: Wash the Clothing Separately
Gasoline will make material especially flammable, so it’s imperative that you wash your stained clothing by themselves. You’ll definitely want to ensure that no gas smell lingers after you completed step 2; otherwise, you run the risk of contaminating your other clothes in future loads. Wash the clothing on the hottest setting for its material and color, and use a fragrance-free detergent. Then, run the washer through a cycle of only hot water to clean it.
Step 4: Line-Dry the Clothing
Whenever possible, you’ll want to air-dry your clothing to avoid any prospect of a fire breaking out. Hang up your clothes to dry once they’ve been washed. For shoes, simply air-dry them outside.
There you have it! By following these 4 easy steps, you can get gasoline out of your clothing in a snap. While we may not be able to help you remedy your gas-stained outfit, you can certainly count on us to deliver heating oil, diesel fuels, gasoline, and more to your site. Visit us at www.hsoil.com to learn more!