Gasoline Smell in Carpet

[Flyingdog]

Has anyone ever spilt their gasoline canister in the back of the car?

Everyone I know who carries spare gas has done so at some stage.

Just wondering what you did to get rid of the smell.

[K03sport]

First, I would try to remove the carpet that had the gasoline spilled on it.

Next, I would wash that carpet really well. You will need a soap that is good at removing oil based products. I would try dish washing soap. It should be safe on the carpet and works "tough on grease".

Just letting it evaporate won't get rid of the smell. As long as there is the smell, there is residual gasoline...not good especially if you can smell it in the driver's seat while driving. Not the best air to be breathing.

Do not just "febreeze" it You have to clean the spilled area thoroughly.

Baking soda is good at absorbing oders.

[fueler]

professional detailers will use an "extractor" which shoots out steam nearly 200*F and immediately sucks it up. Anything else is a waste of time... some detail places just use the stuff in an aerosol can which does not work... a good extractor costs over $1000. The best way to clean carpets...

[miamiheat3332]

i know that the steam cleaners that fueler is talking about are better, but what if he took the trunk carpet out, and used one of those household vaccum steamcleaner things for carpets. might work?

[fueler]

they are alright but nowhere near as good as the professional ones.... the pro ones get way hotter and have much more pressure... so hot that auto detailers regularly burn their hands when using one... go to craigslist services and type in "extractor" youll find people who do this you want something like this: http://www.detailsupplyoutlet....m=200

[Flyingdog]

Fueler,

I have read elsewhere that high tempurature steam is the only cure. Unless anyone can recommend a cheap detailer in Vancouver (that I can just get to do the now removed carpet) I think I will just go for the rental steamvac.

Thanks.