How to Remove Gasoline Odors From Concrete

Spilled gasoline on concrete causes lingering odors.

You filled up your lawnmower with gasoline and some accidentally spilled over onto the garage floor. Since concrete is porous, the gasoline will soak in, and the smell will linger. Not only are the fumes unpleasant to the nose, but they are also flammable. Gasoline fumes can be a health hazard if you breathe in concentrated fumes for too long. That's why it's important to contain and remove the odors as quickly as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Plain clay kitty litter, sawdust or mechanic's absorbent clay
• Paper plates
• Plastic garbage bag
• Spray bottle
• Measuring spoon
• Degreasing dishwashing detergent
• Scrub brush
• Garden hose or buckets
• Phone
• Phone book

Instructions

1. Open all of the windows and doors to ventilate the area.

2. Spread a thick layer of kitty litter, sawdust or absorbent clay used by auto mechanics over the entire spill. Allow the absorbent to set undisturbed for several hours to begin to remove the fumes.

3. Scoop the absorbent up with two paper plates. Use one like a broom and the other like a dust pan. Place the used absorbent in a garbage bag. When you're done, toss the paper plates in and seal the bag up securely.

4. Put a tablespoon of degreasing dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle. Fill it up with tap water. Replace the sprayer and shake it gently to make a strong cleaner.

5. Spray the affected area on the concrete liberally with the cleaner to remove the fumes. Allow it to soak in a few minutes. Scrub the area with a brush until the concrete is sudsy and bubbly.

6. Rinse the concrete clean with plenty of clean water from a garden hose or by rinsing it with buckets of water.

7. Contact your local government or hazardous waste disposal center to find out how to dispose of the used absorbent.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a concrete cleaner available at home improvement stores instead of the detergent. If the gasoline smell persists, trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a very strong cleaner. It's available at hardware stores.

• Don't smoke or light a fire anywhere near where the gasoline fumes are.

• Never scrub concrete with a wire brush. The wires can permanently damage the concrete.

• Do not attempt to dispose of the used absorbent in the trash. That's a violation of EPA laws.

References

• Gas Care: Consumer Tips for Proper Gasoline Handling
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Do's and Don't at the Gas Pump
• Good Housekeeping: Clean Up Spilled Gasoline