The unmistakable scent of kerosene can be challenging to remove from clothing. The lingering kerosene smell can also be bothersome.
However, with the right techniques and detergents, you can successfully eliminate that stubborn kerosene smell from your clothes.
Contents
Does the smell of kerosene go away by itself?
The best way to deal with a Kerosene spill is by cleaning it up as soon as possible, this way, it will be easier to get rid of the lingering smell.
Cleaning affected areas with warm water and a tough detergent is one of the recommended methods of getting rid of the smell of kerosene. The smell of kerosene can take anywhere from a couple of days to weeks to disappear.
What kills the smell of kerosene?
One effective way to start tackling the kerosene smell is with a pre-treatment using common household items.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing the fuel smell from clothes:
Method 1: Pre-treatment with Baking Soda and Vinegar
1. Gather your materials: You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, and a basin or sink large enough to soak your clothes.
2. Mix the solution: Fill the basin or sink with warm water and add 1 cup of baking soda. Mix until the baking soda dissolves.
3. Soak the clothes: Submerge the clothes that smell like kerosene in the baking soda solution. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes. Baking soda is known for its odor-neutralizing properties.
4. Rinse and repeat: After soaking, rinse the clothes thoroughly with cold water. If the smell persists, you can repeat the process.
Method 2: Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is another excellent option for absorbing and neutralizing odors. Here’s how to use it:
1. Get a container: Place your clothes in a large container or garbage bag.
2. Add activated charcoal: Insert a few activated charcoal sachets or an open container of activated charcoal into the bag or container.
3. Seal and wait: Seal the bag or container and let it sit for a day or two. The charcoal will help absorb the kerosene odor.
Method 3: Lemon Juice
The acid in lemons acts as a natural deodorizer, cutting through and removing the smell of kerosene from clothes.
This method is as simple as soaking the affected area in lemon juice for a few minutes and then washing the clothing.
Method 4: Rubbing alcohol
Just like lemon juice, rubbing alcohol can help dissolve the kerosene and remove the odor; dab the rubbing alcohol onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash as usual.
Detergents that remove kerosene
When regular detergents aren’t enough to remove the kerosene smell, it’s time to turn to specialized options.
Look for detergents that remove kerosene by checking the label to see any mention of petroleum or fuel odors.
Commercial odor eliminators work best to remove kerosene smell from clothes. These detergents contain enzymes and surfactants tailored to break down and lift petroleum-based residues from fabrics.
Follow the steps below:
- Wash the clothes in hot water with the detergent.
- Hang the clothes out to dry in fresh air
- Repeat the process if the kerosene smell persists
Getting kerosene smell out of clothes can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible.
By using a combination of pre-treatment methods, specialized detergents, sunlight, and activated charcoal, you can effectively remove that stubborn odor.
Patience and persistence are key, as you may need to repeat some of these methods if the smell lingers.
With the right approach, your clothes will be free from the lingering scent of kerosene, allowing you to wear them with confidence once again.
Why does kerosene smell so bad?
It’s essential to understand why this smell is so persistent.
Kerosene is a petroleum-based fuel. Its molecules tend to adhere to fabric fibers, making the smell hard to eliminate by simply washing the clothes with regular detergent.