How to Get the Gasoline Smell Out of a Car

Co-authored by Chad Zani

Last Updated: March 4, 2024 References

Gasoline has a pervasive odor that can make your car reek. In addition, it can make you light-headed, dizzy, or nauseated. The first thing to do is deal with a spill right after it happens, if you can, by getting rid of as much gasoline as possible. Then you should scrub the spill down. You can also try a variety of tricks to help lessen the odor. However, if you can't locate the source of the spill, you should have your car checked out by a mechanic, just in case you have a gas leak.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Finding and Removing the Spill

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Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.} Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where the smell is coming from. Often, the culprit is where you've dragged gasoline in on your shoes or where gas has spilled out of a can in the back. Use your nose to sniff out the likely source of the smell.^{[2]
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If the spill is new, press a cloth on the spill to get up as much gasoline as you can.^{[3]
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Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.} It's best to use old rags, as you likely won't want to keep them once you're done.^{[4]
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Once you've soaked up as much as you can, let the sun do the rest. Leave the car open in a sunny spot, so it will dry out the spot and draw the gasoline into the air. Try to leave it open for at least 4 to 5 hours.^{[5]
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Part 2

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Cleaning the Spill

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Make a cleaning solution. Create a simple solution of carpet shampoo and water. Use about 3 cups (720 milliliters) of tap water to 1/2 a cup (120 milliliters) of shampoo. Stir it gently until it is well combined.^{[6]
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- Another option is mixing together vinegar, baking soda, and water in equal parts.^{[7]
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- You can also dissolve a bit of dishwashing soap in water, and apply that instead.^{[8]
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Using a nylon brush or a rag, apply the mixture to the spill. Scrub it in, applying more solution as you need it. Make sure to use a rag or brush that you don't mind throwing out.^{[9]
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Once the stain seems to have lifted, dab at the solution with old rags. Make sure you are using different rags in each step.^{[10]
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Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.} Get up as much as you can with the rag, then let it air dry in the sun.^{[11]
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Part 3

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Eliminating the Smell

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Rub in some coffee grounds. Some people have good luck using coffee grounds to eliminate gas smells. All you do is rub grounds into the affected area. After a week or so, vacuum up the coffee, and the smell should be lessened.^{[12]
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- Some experts recommend trying a short coffee treatment before you shampoo the area.
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Pour on the baking soda. Some people cover up the smell by dousing it in dry baking soda. They leave the baking soda on it all the time, switching it out monthly or so by vacuuming up the old and adding a fresh layer.
- You can also use baby powder instead of baking soda.
Another option is kitty litter, which is designed to absorb moisture and smells. Pour it on the spill, and leave it for at least a day before vacuuming it up. You may need to repeat the process several times.
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Try an odor-eliminating spray. These sprays are designed for fabrics, so they may make a difference when it comes to a gasoline smell. Spray it on generously, and then allow it to air dry.^{[13]
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- Try using an air freshener or odor spray that has antibacterial properties.^{[14]
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  Chad Zani
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  Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.}

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What are some common mistakes people make when trying to remove a smell from their car?

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

Chad Zani

Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Answer

The biggest thing people miss when trying to clean up foul smells is the cabin filter. Most modern cars have a cabin filter. Because of the way air conditioning works, the pathogens or bacterial elements that are making the car stink will also be in the cabin filter.

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Two to three gallons of gasoline spilled in the back of a RAV4 trunk area, onto the carpet. I've tried all of your suggestions and the smell has lessened, but is still pervasive. What else can I try?

21BizarreNerds

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Try baking soda with vinegar and a little warm water. If you park your car in a secure garage/inside, leave your doors open for as long as you can to let the smell evaporate.

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Removing your car's cabin filter and spraying it with air freshener spray can also help eliminate bad odors.^{[15]
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You can also spray the air intake on your car's air conditioner with air freshener to flush out the bad smell.^{[16]
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Chad Zani
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Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.}

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