How to Remove Gasoline Spills From a Car Interior

by Krissi Maarx

Gabriel Garcia/Demand Media

Remove gasoline spills from car interior as quickly as possible to prevent stains and prolonged inhalation of harmful fumes. Absorbent materials remove gasoline from upholstery and hard surfaces, though a large spill may require replacement of the carpet padding for complete gasoline removal. Allow ample ventilation to the area and use common kitchen items to clean gas from upholstery and neutralize odors. Your fire department or trash removal service will advise you of regulations on disposal of contaminated items.

Step 1

Open the car doors or trunk to allow air circulation throughout the vehicle, depending on where the spill occurred.

Step 2

Coat the gasoline spill in a thick layer of absorbent material, such as sawdust or clay cat litter, and allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes.

Step 3

Sweep the used absorbent materials into a plastic garbage bag and follow your community’s hazardous waste guidelines for disposal.

Step 4

Pour baking soda on the spill area and allow it to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes. Baking soda will absorb additional liquids and neutralize odors.

Step 5

Vacuum the baking soda from the carpet or upholstery.

Step 6

Mix a cleaning solution of one tablespoon white distilled vinegar and one tablespoon of liquid dish detergent to two cups of warm water, as recommended by “Good Housekeeping.”

Step 7

Scrub the stain with the cleaning solution and a sponge, and then blot the liquid out of the carpet or upholstery with white paper towels.

Step 8

Rinse the cleaned area with cold water and blot the water up with white paper towels. Allow the area to dry with the doors open for adequate ventilation.