How to Get the Smell of Gasoline Off Your Hands

Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: December 16, 2024 Approved

Any mechanic or person who has put gasoline in their car knows how strong the smell of it can be. The smell lingers and unfortunately does not quickly go away on its own. Luckily, there are several ways to remove the smell of gasoline off your hands without the use of harsh chemicals. You can use white vinegar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, or detergent and salt to make your hands smell nice and clean.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Cleaning with White Vinegar

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The chemical properties in white vinegar break up the bonds in gasoline so that the residue can fade. You can use any type of white vinegar. Pour just enough on your hands for it to cover your palms and fingers.^{[1]
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Quickly rub your palms together. Interlace your fingers and massage them with the white vinegar as well. Continue for at least 30 to 45 seconds, though you can rub for longer if you’d like.^{[2]
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Once you’ve thoroughly rubbed your hands together, you can rinse the vinegar off. Put your hands under a running faucet, and wash them with soap and water. Wash them until you no longer smell the white vinegar. Then, dry your hands with a towel.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Vanilla Extract

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Pour a few drops of vanilla extract into about half a cup (118 mL) of water. You can add a few more drops of the vanilla extract if you don’t smell it in the water.^{[4]
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With the mixture on your hands, begin to rub your hands together. Continue for 30 seconds to one minute. You can stop rubbing when you no longer smell gasoline on your hands.^{[5]
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Once the smell has been removed, wash your hands with soap and water. You don’t have to scrub them very hard since the smell of vanilla extract is usually pleasant. Dry your hands with a towel when you’re finished washing them.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Scrubbing with Lemon Juice

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Pour equal parts lemon juice and water into of a cup. Mix the solution together with a spoon or other stirring utensil.^{[7]
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Rub the mixture over your palms and fingers for at least one minute. Massage the lemon juice into your hands so that the odor of gasoline can be completely eliminated. Continue rubbing for at least one minute, though it may take longer.^{[8]
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You can rinse off your hands with water alone or wash with both soap and water. The smell of lemon is usually pretty nice, so you don’t have to work to eliminate the smell. Dry off your hands when you are finished washing them.^{[9]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Washing with Detergent and Salt

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Pour 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 g) of regular table salt into a cup. The salt will help exfoliate and further reduce the smell of gasoline. Place the cup next to the sink so it is easily accessible when your hands are covered in dish detergent.^{[10]
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Dish detergent breaks down the chemical bonds of gasoline. Pour some regular dish detergent onto your hands. You should only use just enough to thinly cover your palms and fingers.^{[11]
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Pour the table salt on top of the dish detergent. Rub your hands together, thoroughly massaging your palms and fingers. Continue for about one minute.^{[12]
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You don’t need to add more detergent when you wash your hands. Simply put your hands under running water to remove the salt and detergent. Dry your hands with a towel when you are done.^{[13]
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Tips

There are also commercial products available that are made specifically for getting the smell of gasoline off of your hands. Gas Off is one of those products, and it is available online or at your local auto parts store.^{[14]
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You can also use hand sanitizer, hydrogen peroxide, and mechanic’s soap to get the smell of gasoline off of your hands.^{[15]
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Washing your hands with toothpaste instead of soap is an effective way to get the smell of gasoline off your hands.

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Warning

Do not touch your eyes if you have gasoline on your hands. If you do get gasoline in your eyes, immediately flush it out with clean, lukewarm water and seek medical help.^{[16]
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