If you’ve ever accidentally spilled diesel fuel on your clothes, you know how strong and persistent the smell can be. It’s not just unpleasant, but also embarrassing to walk around smelling like a gas station. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to get diesel smell out of clothes using simple, yet effective methods.
Understanding the Science Behind Diesel Smell
Diesel smell is caused by the presence of hydrocarbons in diesel fuel. These compounds are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly and easily. When you spill diesel on your clothes, the hydrocarbons start to evaporate and release a strong odor. The smell can be particularly stubborn because the hydrocarbons can get trapped in the fibers of the fabric, making it difficult to remove.
Immediate Steps to Take When You Spill Diesel on Clothes
If you spill diesel on your clothes, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent the smell from setting in. Here are some steps you should follow:
- Remove the contaminated clothing and set it aside in a well-ventilated area.
- Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot away as much diesel as possible.
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain to absorb the remaining diesel.
- Let the baking soda or cornstarch sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes.
- Shake off the excess baking soda or cornstarch and launder the clothing as soon as possible.
Homemade Remedies to Get Diesel Smell Out of Clothes
If you’re dealing with a stubborn diesel smell, you can try these homemade remedies to remove it:
- White Vinegar: Mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of water. Soak the clothes in the solution for at least 30 minutes before laundering.
- Baking Soda: Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of warm water. Soak the clothes in the solution for at least 30 minutes before laundering.
- Lemon Juice: Mix one cup of lemon juice with one gallon of warm water. Soak the clothes in the solution for at least 30 minutes before laundering.
Using Store-bought Products to Remove Diesel Smell from Clothes
If the homemade remedies don’t work, you can try using store-bought products to remove the diesel smell. Look for products that contain enzymes, which can break down the hydrocarbons in diesel fuel. Here are some products you can try:
- OxiClean: Add OxiClean to your regular laundry detergent and wash the clothes in hot water.
- Lestoil: Apply Lestoil directly to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before laundering.
- Nature’s Miracle: This pet stain remover can also be used to remove diesel smell from clothes. Soak the clothes in the solution for at least 30 minutes before laundering.
How to Prevent Diesel Smell from Sticking to Clothes?
Prevention is always better than cure, and the same goes for diesel smell on clothes. Here are some tips to help you prevent diesel smell from sticking to your clothes:
- Wear protective clothing when handling diesel fuel. This can include gloves, aprons, and coveralls.
- Avoid spilling diesel on your clothes. If you do spill diesel, take immediate action to prevent the smell from setting in.
- Wash diesel-soaked clothing separately from other clothes.
- Use a heavy-duty laundry detergent and hot water to wash diesel-soaked clothing.
- Hang the clothes out to dry in a well-ventilated area.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of diesel smell sticking to your clothes.
Conclusion
Getting diesel smell out of clothes can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. With the right methods and products, you can eliminate the odor and get your clothes smelling fresh again. Remember to take immediate action when you spill diesel on your clothes, and use homemade remedies or store-bought products if necessary. And to prevent diesel smell from sticking to your clothes in the first place, follow the tips we’ve shared in this article.