How to Remove Diesel Odor?

Diesel has a distinct, unpleasant odor.

Diesel, together with gasoline, are among the most popular liquid fuels available at the gas station. Diesel fuel is designed to be used for diesel engines. Unfortunately, diesel has a very strong odor, getting rid of which can present a small challenge. The smell of diesel fuel sticks well to fabrics and skin, and a simple wash will not remove it. Still, don't throw the clothes that smell of diesel to trash. It is possible to get rid of the odor by following the steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Lemon juice
• Heavy-duty detergent
• Regular detergent
• Listerine
• OdorGone
• Baking soda
• Hand-held broom
• Dust pan
• Apple cider vinegar
• Spray bottle

Instructions

Removing Diesel Odor From Hands and Clothes

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap under hot water. If the smell doesn't go away, apply lemon juice to your hands. Wait for one minute and wash the hands thoroughly again.

2. Apply a heavy-duty detergent to the diesel stains on your clothes. Rub the detergent into the stains. Add hot water to dissolve the detergent.

3. Wash the clothing that has diesel odor separately from other clothes. Check the fabric care tag and set the water temperature accordingly. Use Listerine instead of the regular detergent.

4. Spray OdorGone on the fabric while it is still wet. Let it dry for one day. However, do not use the dryer, because the there might still be some diesel left over and you are not recommended to expose it to heat.

5. Wash the clothing once again with a regular detergent.

Removing Diesel Odor From Your Vehicle

1. Ventilate your vehicle. Open the windows and wait for several hours till the odor gets out.

2. Distribute baking soda throughout the compartment of the vehicle if the diesel odor smell doesn't go away completely. Wait for one day till it absorbs as many molecules of diesel as possible.

3. Sweep away the baking soda with a a hand-held broom and a dust pan

4. Spray apple cider vinegar through a spray bottle inside the vehicle and leave the windows open till the vinegar evaporates.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful with the clothing that smells of diesel. Diesel fuel makes it more flammable than normal.

• Use non-flammable sprays and liquids when removing diesel odor.

• Do not smoke or light a cigarette if you smell diesel.

References

• Iowa State University: How Can Spilled Diesel Fuel Be Removed From Coveralls? Can the Odor Be Removed?
• Mrs. Clean: Tips on Oil & Grease Stain Removal