Gasoline and other petroleum products like diesel fuel have a very strong and distinctive odor. This smell comes from various sulfur compounds that are added during the refining process. These sulfur compounds help give gas its familiar scent that we all recognize instantaneously.
While some enjoy the smell of gasoline or diesel, most find it unpleasant and overpowering. The strong odor can give headaches, irritate eyes and throat, and make you feel nauseous if exposed for too long. Luckily, there are several effective ways to get rid of gas and diesel smells both in the environment and on clothing or skin.
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Why Does Gasoline Smell So Strong?
Gasoline gets its characteristic potent smell from various sulfur compounds added during the oil refining process. Some of the most common sulfur compounds found in gas are:
| Compound | Chemical Formula |
|---|---|
| Dimethyl sulfide | C2H6S |
| Ethyl methyl sulfide | C3H8S |
| Diethyl sulfide | C4H10S |
| Ethyl mercaptan | C2H6S |
| Thiophene | C4H4S |
Refineries intentionally add these sulfur compounds to help give gas its distinctive scent. This helps warn people of leaks or spills. The strong smell makes it easy to detect gasoline vapor before it reaches dangerous explosive concentrations.
The sulfur compounds are added in very small amounts – only a few parts per million. But this tiny concentration is enough to give gasoline its powerful smell that we can notice even from far away. The human nose is extremely sensitive and can detect these sulfur compounds at concentrations as low as 1 part per billion!
Health Hazards of Gasoline Smell
While the strong scent helps warn of gas leaks, smelling gasoline fumes for too long can cause health issues. Headaches, eye and throat irritation, coughing, nausea, and dizziness are common symptoms. Gasoline vapor contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and toluene. At high concentrations, these VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and central nervous system depression.
Prolonged exposure to gasoline fumes may also increase risk of certain cancers like leukemia. The benzene content is especially concerning, as long-term exposure to benzene vapors is linked to cancer.
Inhaling large amounts of gasoline vapor can potentially cause life-threatening nervous system depression, coma, or death. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects. The strong odor provides warning long before reaching dangerous concentrations. But it’s still best to minimize unnecessary exposure by removing smells quickly.
How to Remove Gas and Diesel Smells
Here are the most effective methods for removing gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum product smells:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural deodorizer that can absorb and neutralize many different odors. For gasoline smells, sprinkle baking soda generously on spill areas. Let sit for up to an hour before sweeping or vacuuming up. The baking soda will help soak up and eliminate the majority of the odor. For diesel spills, mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste, then apply to the spill site.
2. Vinegar
Like baking soda, vinegar is another household staple that excels at neutralizing odors. The acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the odor molecules, transforming them into non-smelling compounds. To remove gas smells, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the smelly areas and let sit for 1-2 hours before wiping clean. For diesel spills, soak up excess fuel first, then spray vinegar solution directly on the contaminated spot.
3. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has an incredibly porous structure that traps odor molecules through adsorption. By sticking to the charcoal surface, smells are removed from the air or environment. To treat gasoline odors, place open containers of activated charcoal around spill sites. For extra effectiveness, put charcoal inside permeable bags to maximize exposed surface area. Replace the charcoal every 1-2 months.
4. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds can absorb and mask gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum odors. Simply spread fresh grounds over the contaminated area. The grounds will help soak up some of the spill itself while also emitting a pleasant coffee fragrance. After 1-2 hours, sweep or vacuum away the damp grounds. Repeat as needed for stubborn smells.
5. Cat Litter
Cat litter contains clay and silica materials excellent at absorbing liquid spills and odors. Spread a layer of fresh cat litter over any fuel spill sites. Let it sit for an hour or more to fully absorb the gas or diesel. Then sweep or wipe away the litter. The extended contact time allows odors to become trapped in the litter. An added benefit – cat litter may help accelerate breakdown of hydrocarbon compounds as it absorbs spills.
6. Zeolite and Diatomaceous Earth
These two clay-based minerals have high porosity and surface area ideal for absorbing odors. Sprinkle zeolite or food-grade diatomaceous earth over spills, let sit 1-2 hours, then vacuum up. Diatomaceous earth in particular retains odors very well. Maintain a thin layer for ongoing odor control.
7. Odor-Eating Paint
Special odor-absorbing paints like Kilz contain additives that trap and neutralize VOCs and smells. Use an oil-based odor eliminating primer to coat spill sites after cleaning with solvents. Top with a latex odor-blocking paint. This blocks any residual odors and prevents future gas smells from penetrating walls or concrete.
8. Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners work by breaking down odor molecules through specialized bacteria cultures. Look for enzyme cleaners safe for petroleum spill cleanup. Spray or mop over contaminated areas, allowing the enzymes time to digest odors. Powerful cleaners like Xion Lab’s X.O contains a concentrated enzyme formula designed specifically for fuel spills and odors.
9. Ozone Generators
Ozone generators can remove smells from larger areas like garages or spill sites. Ozone (O3) chemically oxidizes odor molecules, eliminating their scent. Use caution with ozone – high levels can irritate lungs and should not be inhaled directly. Also avoid contact with rubber, vinyl, or synthetic materials. Run generators when area is unoccupied and allow several hours for ozone to dissipate before re-entering area.
10. Air Purifiers/Fans
For enclosed areas like basements, run air purifiers or fans to increase ventilation and air circulation. Activated carbon filters in purifiers help adsorb gasoline fumes. Exhaust fans should vent contaminated air outside, not into the rest of the building. Avoid running HVAC systems to prevent spreading odors throughout ductwork. Open windows when possible too.
How to Remove Gas and Oil Smells from Skin and Clothing
Gasoline and other fuels can also contaminate skin, clothes, and other fabrics. Here are simple ways to remove petroleum smells from personal items:
1. Baking Soda
Rub generous amounts of baking soda directly onto clothes and let sit 1-2 hours before laundering. The baking soda will begin absorbing and deodorizing fuel odors. For skin, make a paste with baking soda and water and gently scrub hands, nails, etc. Rinse thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Vinegar
Soak smelly clothes in undiluted white vinegar for 1-2 hours before washing. Vinegar helps dissolve odor compounds trapped in fabrics. For skin, wipe vinegar directly onto fuel-smelling areas followed by thorough washing with soap and water.
3. Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice also neutralizes odors and can be used to treat contaminated skin or clothing. Soak hands in undiluted lemon juice, or wipe down smelly fabrics prior to regular laundering. The natural citric acid combats stubborn petroleum smells.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective deodorizer commonly used on clothing and other materials. Soak contaminated fabrics in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for 1 hour before laundering normally. For hands and skin, dip in or wipe on full-strength hydrogen peroxide followed by rinsing.
5. White Vinegar + Sunshine
For extra-stubborn gas and oil smells on clothes, soak in vinegar then hang in direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays help accelerate breakdown of odor compounds. Vinegar soak followed by 1-2 hours of sunshine exposure can eliminate even intense petroleum scents.
6. Enzyme Cleaner Spray
Lightly misting clothes with an enzyme cleaner before washing helps eliminate odors and stains by breaking down hydrocarbons. Carefully follow label instructions to avoid fabric damage. For skin, dilute cleaner as specified and gently wipe on hands or arms to neutralize fuel smells.
7. Dawn Dish Soap
Dawn dish detergent is highly effective at removing oily residues and smells. Gently scrub skin with Dawn and water, rinse completely, then wash again with regular hand soap. For gasoline-smelling clothes, pre-treat with Dawn before machine washing. The surfactants in Dawn help dissolve stubborn fuel smells.
8. WD-40
WD-40 removes odors through a solvent blend designed for oil and grease. Lightly spray WD-40 onto contaminated skin or fabrics (test first for colorfastness). Let sit briefly before wiping off excess. The WD-40 will carry away much of the embedded petroleum compounds along with their odor.
9. Odor Absorbing Bag
Place smelly clothes into a sealed container with an odor absorber like baking soda, activated charcoal, or zeolite. These will adsorb the gas or diesel smells over 1-2 days. An open box of baking soda in a sealed plastic bin works well. For quick use, try portable odor absorbing “bombs”.
10. Disposable Gloves
Wearing disposable gloves when handling fuels can help prevent contamination of skin and clothes. Nitrile gloves provide excellent protection when working with gasoline, diesel, oils, etc. Properly remove and discard gloves after handling petroleum products to avoid transferring smells.
Preventing Indoor Gasoline and Diesel Odors
The best solution is to prevent spills and leaks that create gas and diesel odors indoors in the first place. Here are ways to minimize risks:
- Use adequate ventilation when handling motor fuels.
- Store only approved containers designed for gasoline or diesel.
- Place storage cans/tanks in sealed secondary containers to catch leaks.
- Inspect storage tanks and piping regularly for corrosion and cracks.
- Install hydrocarbon vapor detectors to monitor for leaks.
- Follow recommended safe practices when transferring fuel between containers.
- Clean up spills immediately with appropriate absorbent materials.
- Keep maintenance and refueling areas away from HVAC system intakes.
Proper handling and storage goes a long way towards preventing indoor gas and diesel odors. But accidents still occur. Implementing the odor removal tips in this article will help eliminate any smells that do arise despite best efforts.
Health Risks of Removing Gasoline Smells
While gasoline fumes have an unpleasant odor, they serve an important safety purpose. Eliminating smells also removes the warning of potential dangers like explosion risks. Here are key considerations when removing gasoline odors:
- Completely clean up fuel spills instead of only masking smells.
- Ensure proper ventilation to avoid vapor accumulation.
- Monitor with a combustible gas detector for safety.
- Evacuate occupants during odor removal activities.
- Avoid ignition sources until gas vapors are fully dissipated.
- Do not only cover up smells while allowing hazards to remain.
Removing gasoline odors does not negate the potential health and safety risks. Be very cautious when cleaning hydrocarbon spills. Eliminate the source of leaks or vapors rather than just masking smells. Proper odor removal keeps environments safe in addition to smelling fresh again.
Professional Odor Remediation
For large or hazardous spills, hire professional spill cleanup and odor remediation services. They employ truck-mounted vapor recovery systems to safely remove fuel odors. Technicians use absorbents and odor neutralizers specially designed for gasoline and other petroleum products. This avoids risks associated with doing it yourself.
Professional remediation also ensures smells are fully eliminated from soil, water, concrete, walls, and other hard to treat areas. They have powerful equipment like subsurface vapor extraction systems. Companies offering fuel spill cleanup and odor removal services include:
- United Oil Recovery
- Hepaco
- Oil Cleanup Experts
- Sarvey Environmental Solutions
- Fuel Clean Up
Don’t risk health or safety – call the experts for large hazardous spills or unmanageable odors on residential or commercial properties. They can properly remove both the spill itself along with all the associated odors.
Conclusion
Gasoline and diesel fuels have a very strong and unpleasant scent due to added sulfur compounds. Long-term exposure to vapors can cause health issues. However, the odors provide leak warning. There are many methods to safely and effectively eliminate gas and diesel smells from skin, clothing, and the environment. Act quickly when spills occur to clean up both liquid and odors before they spread. Completely removing fuels and their smells keeps properties safe and fresh smelling. In some cases, professional spill remediation services may be required. When in doubt, evacuate and call for expert assistance. With the right techniques, even intense petroleum odors can be successfully eliminated from indoor and outdoor areas.