How to Remove Kerosene from Cloth Upholstery

Cleaning kerosene or gasoline spills from the car can be a smelly task, and one that takes time and patience. There are several things that can be used to help evaporate the oils and remove the smells. While carpet can usually be removed and cleaned easily, the upholstery is more of a challenge. If the kerosene/gasoline has soaked into the seat cushion, it will be much more difficult to remove the smell. Here are several methods that have been used by others with similar problems. Work through the list to find a solution for your particular spill.

You Will Need:

• Pink Stuff All Purpose Cleaner (available at auto supply stores) or ProSolve
• Soft cloths
• Water

Steps to Remove the Kerosene/Gasoline:

1. Both of the cleaning products above are designed to remove tough grease and oil stains as well as the odors. They can be purchased from auto supply stores or online.
2. Test a small area first to ensure there are no unwanted effects to the color or fibers of the upholstery.
3. Once the test spot goes well, you are ready to start treating the spill.
4. Apply a small amount of the cleaning product with a soft cloth.
5. Scrub gently to work it into the fibers.
6. Rinse with clean water.
7. Allow the seat to dry completely.

You Will Need:

• Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer
• Degreasing dish soap
• Bucket
• Soft cloths
• Water

Steps to Remove the Kerosene/Gasoline:

1. Fill a bucket with hot water.
2. Add a good amount of grease-dissolving dish soap and mix well.
3. Moisten a soft cloth with the sudsy water.
4. Scrub the surface until the oily residue is removed.
5. Rinse with clean water.
6. Allow the surface to dry.
7. If the smell or oil still remains, spray the surface with rubbing alcohol until completely wet.
8. Allow the area to remain exposed to fresh air while it dries.

You Will Need:

• Coffee grounds
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Kitty litter

Steps to Remove the Smell:

1. Even when the spill is cleaned up, an odor will often remain. There are several ways to treat this.
2. Sprinkle the area with baking soda liberally. If the spill occurred on the seat, rub the seat to work the baking soda down into the padding as well.
3. Allow the baking soda to set on the area overnight.
4. Vacuum it away the following day.
5. Repeat as necessary.
6. Coffee grounds (unused) are great for absorbing odors. Follow steps #2-4 replacing the baking soda with coffee grounds.
7. Kitty litter can be used to absorb the spill and remove the odors.
8. Sprinkle the area either initially or after the spill has been cleaned up.
9. After allowing it to set overnight, vacuum the remaining litter away.
10. Vinegar can be sprayed on the surface as well to remove odors. Spray the surface until the upholstery is moist. Allow it to set and air dry completely.
11. Repeat as necessary until the odor is removed.

• If all else fails, leave the windows open and allow the interior to air out completely. With time, the gasoline/kerosene will evaporate and the smell will go away.
• Cut up oranges or bowls of vanilla can also be placed in the area to help absorb odors.
• Keep in mind that while the stain may be removed, the odors will be absorbed into all areas of the vehicle, so be sure to air out the entire vehicle to completely remove the smell.