Laundering Gasoline Soaked Items

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Written by Rich Fitzmorris

Question: I spilled gasoline on a jacket, denim skirt and shoes. There is no visible stain, but I made the mistake of laundering the skirt with other darks, and now there is more gasoline odor. The jacket is airing out in the garage, but it's not improving much. Is there a danger in laundering gasoline soaked items? What can you suggest?
-Ann Harlow

Answer 1: There should be no danger in the laundering process at this point. The odor from the gasoline has penetrated the fibers of the material. Washing with an emulsifier along with detergent should remove the solvent from the garments. Rinse thoroughly and tumble-dry...no more odors.

Answer 2: If the clothing is expensive, take it to a professional dry cleaner. Having the clothing dry-cleaned will remove the odor and any hidden stains. Dry cleaning works because the solvent detergent process strips the gas solvent from the fibers.