How to Get Diesel Fuel Out of Clothes

Carefully remove diesel fuel from clothing.

Diesel fuel is commonly used to power trucks, buses, agricultural equipment, and backup generators. This fuel allows diesel engines to become cheaper and more versatile to run on, compared to gasoline and other power sources. When pumping diesel fuel, the fuel can spill, leaving oil-based stains and strong odors on clothing. Diesel fuel odors can remain in clothes for a long time if the clothes are not promptly cleaned. Clothing absorbed with diesel fuel is highly flammable, so immediate cleaning with certain solutions is necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Stain pre-treatment detergent
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Apply stain pre-treatment detergent directly onto the stains. Do not use solvent-based detergents on oil-based stains.

2. Work the detergent into the stained garment with a stiff-bristled brush. This will allow the detergent to absorb into the fabric, removing the stains and odors.

3. Wash the garment in a washing machine with hot water. Use the recommended amount of laundry detergent in the load.

4. Hang the garment outside to air-dry if the stains and odors are gone. Otherwise, repeat the process until the garment is completely clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Heavy-duty liquid dish detergent can be used instead of stain pre-treatment detergent.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: How Can Spilled Diesel Fuel Be Removed From Coveralls?
• California Office Of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment: Health Effects Of Diesel Exhaust