We’ve received some requests from our customers about removing gasoline stains, so we’ve put together some tips.
Undoubtedly we’ve all spilled a little bit at the pump, especially if you’re filling up gas cans for your boat, dirt bike, lawnmower, etc.
Gasoline spills are some of the toughest to remove. Since gasoline is a petroleum product, it will leave an oily residue that persists even after several washings. Not only do you have to deal with the stain, but that nauseating smell as well. It can really linger for a while and other people can instantly detect it on your clothes.
Step one: Remove the excess
Even though gasoline is a fine liquid and quickly runs away, there’s a good chance some has remained on your clothes. Using a clean white cloth, blot the stain until no more is transferring from your garment to the cloth. The less liquid that sits on your clothes, the easier it will be to remove it in the next steps.
If your clothes are really saturated, hose them off outside and let them hang for 24 hours. Keep in mind that gasoline is combustible, so keep the clothing outside until you’ve removed a majority of the odor.
Step two: Apply detergent
Mix a few tablespoons of Rockin’ Green Active Wear detergent with a tablespoon of water and mix it into a paste. Apply it liberally to the stain and let it sit for several minutes. After two or three minutes, remove the detergent and apply some more. Repeat this a few more times depending on the intensity of the stain.
Step three: Scrub it in
On your last application of the detergent paste, scrub it in really good (keeping mind of the type of fabric – don’t scrub through your silk blouse). Use an old toothbrush and make circular motions so you’re sure the detergent is getting between the fibers.
Step four: Wash in hot water
Brush off the remaining detergent. Fill your sink or a bucket with hot water and another tablespoon of Rockin’ Green Active Wear detergent. It’s important to use the hottest water possible that’s safe for the fabric. Let the garment soak in hot water for thirty minutes.
Make sure you wash your garment alone so the oil doesn’t seep on to other clothes.
Step five: Line dry
After soaking, allow your garment to dry on a line outside so the odor has plenty of opportunities to dissipate. This also prevents any residue from contact your dryer and later leaching on to other garments that pass through.
I hope that helps!
Written by Kim Webb, CEO and Founder of Rockin’ Green Soap
Finally it’s cool to be GREEN! Rockin’ Green is made for families that care about taking care of themselves and the Earth. As a mom Kim was fed up with the empty promises of “green” cleaning products that were not delivering what they promised… So she invented Rockin’ Green! We can all do our part for the environment while doing something good for ourselves. All of our organic cleaning products are biodegradable, and gluten and vegan friendly. They don’t contain phosphates, SLS, Parabens, or optical brighteners. All of our packaging is made from recycled materials.
Visit www.rockingreensoap.com for more information.