How to Clean Kerosene From Auto Carpet

by Brooke Pierce

Kerosene spills are annoying. They leave an oily stain on your auto carpet and also give off a persistent, unbearable odor. In addition, kerosene is flammable, unhealthy and unattractive. It is possible to clean kerosene from your auto carpet if the spill is not too large.

Items you will need

Degreasing soap
Rubbing alcohol
Soft cloths
Water
Bucket
Baking soda
Paper towels
Kitty litter
Coffee grounds
White vinegar
Brush
Vacuum

Blot Excess Kerosene

Open your car doors for airing. Blot kerosene on your carpet by using paper towels until no more is oozing.

Scrub With Warm, Soapy Water

Remove your carpet from your car. Mix warm water and degreasing soap and scrub your carpet thoroughly. Rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry.

Tips

Do not forget to wash the area below your auto carpet, as some kerosene may have seeped through it.

Spray Rubbing Alcohol

If the oily stain persists, spray rubbing alcohol on the area and let it dry. Wash it with warm, soapy water, rinse and allow it to dry.

Pour Kitty Litter And Sprinkle Baking Soda

Pour kitty litter on the area where the kerosene spilled and let it sit overnight. Vacuum it and wash the area with white vinegar and warm water. Let the area dry and sprinkle baking soda on it. Allow it to stand overnight and vacuum it. Wash the area with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water. Let the area dry completely.

Use Coffee Grounds

Cover the area with fresh coffee grounds. Vacuum them up after letting them stand overnight. Wash the area with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water one more time. Let your carpet dry completely before returning it to your car. The stain and odor will be gone, and you will have successfully cleaned kerosene from your auto carpet.