How to Remove the Odor of Diesel Fuel From Carpeting and Air

Diesel fuel odor in carpet can leave an entire room with the unpleasant smell.

Diesel fuel has a strong and distinct odor. If diesel fuel gets spilled on your carpet, not only will the carpeting smell, the odor may permeate the entire room. Even trace amounts of diesel fuel that may have been tracked onto your carpet from the outside will cause a strong odor inside your home. Treat diesel fuel odor sooner rather than later, before it soaks deep into the fibers of your carpet, making the odor more difficult to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Vinegar
• Carpet cleaner
• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner
• Odor neutralizing spray

Instructions

1. Blot any visible diesel fuel spots from the carpet with a clean, dry rag. Saturate the area with white vinegar.

2. Let the vinegar sit on the diesel fuel spots for at least three hours. Extract the vinegar from the carpet with a carpet cleaner.

3. Pour vinegar on the affected areas again the next day. Let the vinegar dry for several hours.

4. Sprinkle a generous coating of baking soda on the diesel fuel spots, as well as the entire carpeted area, once the vinegar has dried. If there is other fabric in the room such as furniture or upholstery, sprinkle baking soda on those items as well. Treating all areas of the room with baking soda will get the smell out of the air.

5. Let the baking soda sit on the carpet and other items overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda the next day.

6. Spray the carpeting, upholstery and any other fabric items with an odor neutralizing spray. This will help to get rid of any remaining diesel fuel odor.

Tips & Warnings

• Open windows and turn on fans to help air out the room and carpet.

• If you don't have a carpet cleaner, you can soak up the vinegar with rags or just let it air dry.

References

• Auto Evolution: How to Get Rid of Gasoline Odor in Your Car
• FindGasCards: Eliminating Gasoline Odors