Free US shipping over $110 + Free exchanges

The Forecast Report

Stay connected through our community initiatives, sustainability updates, styling tips, and exciting partnerships!

How to Get Gasoline Out of Shoes and Remove Gas Smell

Spilling gasoline on your shoes can be a nightmarish experience. Accidents happen, whether you're filling up your car or working on a project, and whether you can get the smell and unsightly stains out of your clothes, you feel like you've been handed a fashion disaster. Don't fret, as we will offer you guidance on how to make gasoline out of the shoes.

Dealing with the aftermath of a gasoline spill is never easy, but having the right shoes can help make it bearable. And here is where Vessi, our game-changing waterproof shoes, comes in. To further reduce the risk of gasoline spills ruining your footwear, we designed our Vessi shoes with special technology that repels water and other liquids, keeping your feet dry and making it easier to clean up any gasoline stains.

Let’s now dive into the how-to of getting gasoline out of your shoes. In this case, we will look at the various cleaning methods available and recommend odor removal techniques so that your shoes are clean and have a great smell.

Preparation of Gasoline Stain Removal

Preparation of Gasoline Stain Removal

Before you try to get gasoline out of your shoes, be prepared and take a few precautions. This will ensure you are safe and minimize any damage that may occur. Here are the key preparations you should make before removing gasoline from your shoes:

1. Safety First

Gasoline is highly flammable and can be dangerous if mishandled. Before you start the cleaning process, make sure that you're in a well-ventilated area away from any open flames, sparks, or ignition sources.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect yourself from specific hazards. Put on a glove made of chemical-resistant material and avoid touching the gasoline or its fumes directly. Additionally, wearing eye protection to protect your eyes from splashes is also wise.

3. Ventilation

Try working in an outdoor area or somewhere with good air circulation. It will help eliminate lingering gasoline fumes, reducing inhalation risk. Don't work in enclosed areas like basements or small rooms where fumes collect.

4. Gather materials

Before you start to clean things up, be sure to gather your supplies. The commonly used items include paper towels or absorbent cloths, cornstarch, mild dish soap, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, clean water, soft cloth or sponge, and activated charcoal or baking soda for odor removal.

5. Read shoe care labels

If permitted by the shoe manufacturer, check the care instructions. Different shoe materials need different cleaning methods and products. For instance, cleaning Nike shoes with mesh requires specific care. You can prevent damage by understanding the recommended ways to clean your shoes.

6. Remove excess gasoline

Gently shake your shoes or pat them down with a paper towel to eliminate as much excess as possible if there is excess gasoline on them. It will help minimize the gasoline you need to clean off first.

How to Get Gasoline Out of Shoes

How to Get Gasoline Out of Shoes

I. Using white vinegar

White vinegar is often an effective natural cleaner for removing gasoline stains from shoes. It helps break down the oils in gasoline and eliminate the odor. It is an excellent option for cleaning white shoes with gasoline stains.

Steps:

  1. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a bowl first.

  2. Secondly, dip a cloth or sponge into the vinegar solution.

  3. Using a clean rag, gently blot the shoes around the gasoline areas to soak the vinegar into the fabric.

  4. Follow the circular motion of the cloth or the sponge to scrub the gasoline stains.

  5. Finally, rinse the shoes with clean water to remove residual vinegar.

  6. Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them again.

  7. Repeat the process or try other odor-removal methods if persistent gasoline stains exist.

II. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a great mild bleach for stubborn gasoline stains on shoes.

Steps:

  1. Get a clean cloth or sponge damped in with hydrogen peroxide.

  2. Dab gasoline stains on the shoes gently, ensuring the peroxide makes contact with the stains.

  3. Sit the peroxide for some minutes to let the stain break down.

  4. Scrub the stains with a cloth or sponge in a circular motion.

  5. Use clean water to rinse the shoes thoroughly to remove any residual peroxide.

  6. Let your shoes completely air dry before wearing them again.

III. Soap and water

Cleaning gasoline stains from shoes effectively can be done with water and a mixture of mild dish soap.

Steps:

  1. Fill a small basin with warm water.

  2. Mix a tiny amount of mild dish soap until it forms a soapy solution.

  3. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into this soapy solution and squeeze out any excess liquid.

  4. Gently scrub the gasoline-stained areas of the shoes using a cloth or sponge.

  5. Rinse the boots properly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

  6. Dry your shoes fully before wearing them again.

IV. Mineral oil

Gasoline stains might be broken down by mineral oil, making their removal easier.

Steps:

  1. Take a tiny bit of mineral oil on a clean cloth or sponge.

  2. Dab the shoes on the gasoline stains, lightly adding some oil to the stains.

  3. Let the oil sit on the stains for a few minutes to help loosen them.

  4. Scrub the stains with tissue or a soft sponge in a circular movement.

  5. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess oil.

  6. If the stains remain, repeat the process or use other cleaning methods.

  7. Let the shoe air dry completely.

V. Laundry detergent

Laundry Detergent to Clean Gasoline from Shoes

If your shoes are made from fabric or canvas, laundry detergent will do a great job of taking gasoline stains out.

Steps:

  1. Fill a basin with warm water.

  2. Add a tiny amount of laundry detergent and mix until it forms a soapy solution.

  3. Dip a clean cloth or soft sponge into the soapy solution and squeeze it out to remove any excess liquid.

  4. Gently scrub the gasoline-stained areas of the shoes using a cloth or sponge.

  5. Rinse your shoes or sneakers with clean water to remove any detergent residue.

  6. Allow your shoes to air dry fully before wearing them again.

VI. Ammonia

Ammonia effectively breaks down gasoline stains, and it is also used to remove odours from shoes.

Steps:

  1. As directed by the manufacturer’s instructions, dissolve the ammonia powder in water.

  2. Mix a small amount of ammonia solution in a clean cloth or soft sponge.

  3. Dab the gasoline stains on the shoes gently, and ensure the solution is on the stains.

  4. Let the ammonia solution sit on the stains for a few minutes.

  5. Scrub the stains with a cloth or soft sponge in a circular motion.

  6. Remove ammonia residue from shoes or sneakers by rinsing them with clean water.

  7. Make sure your shoes are fully air-dried before putting them back on.

How to Remove Gasoline Smell

1. Applying Baking Soda

Applying Baking Soda to Remove Gasoline

Sprinkle baking soda on shoes, and it will help absorb gasoline odor. Here's how to use it:

  1. Pour some baking soda on the affected areas of the shoes.

  2. Use your fingers or a soft brush to rub the baking soda into the fabric gently.

  3. Let the shoes stay overnight with this baking soda to absorb the odor.

  4. The next day, clean up any excess baking soda with a vacuum cleaner or shake it off.

  5. Repeat or try other odor removal methods if the gasoline odor still lingers.

II. Orange and lemon

Orange and lemon to remove gasoline

Orange and lemon are natural acids that can eliminate the smell of gasoline on the shoe. Here's what you can do:

  1. An orange or lemon has them; squeeze enough juice into a bowl.

  2. Make a cleaning solution by mixing the juice with water.

  3. Dab the juice mixture on the gasoline stains on the shoes.

  4. Let this juice sit on the stains for a few minutes.

  5. Remove the excess and allow for the shoe to air dry.

III. Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds to remove gasoline from shoes

Use coffee grounds to help absorb gasoline odors in shoes. Here's what you can do:

  1. Put dry ground coffee in a breathable bag or pouch.

  2. Put the pouch or bag inside the shoes.

  3. Leave the coffee ground in the shoes overnight to absorb the odor.

  4. Remove the pouch or bag the next day and discard the used coffee grounds.

  5. Remove any remaining coffee scents from the shoes by airing them out.

IV. Cat litter

Cat litter can be used to remove gasoline odors from shoes. Follow these steps:

  1. Pack a layer of cat litter in a breathable bag or pouch.

  2. Determine which end of the shoe to put the pouch or bag in.

  3. Set the cat litter in the shoes overnight for the odor to soak up.

  4. Remove the pouch or empty the bag the next day and throw away the used cat litter.

  5. To get residual cat litter smell out of the shoes, air them out

Prevent Future Gasoline Spills with Vessi Shoes

While it's always a good idea to respond swiftly to a gasoline spill, buying in a pair of Vessi shoes can help you avoid such situations in the future. Vessi shoes have options for both men and women, and are made of water-resistant, stain-repellent material, which helps to prevent the likelihood of liquids soaking into the shoes and creating permanent markings or odors.

Vessi shoes use Dyma-tex technology, which keeps your feet dry and comfy regardless of the weather or scenario. Whether you're doing errands, working outside, or simply going for a walk, Vessi will protect your feet from spills, stains, and the weather.

Conclusion

Cleaning gasoline from your shoes and eliminating the unpleasant odor might be difficult, but with the appropriate procedures and tools, it is quite possible. Act fast, thoroughly clean the shoes, and use baking soda to eradicate any leftover odors. Above all, avoid future spills and stains by choosing shoes that are both useful and fashionable, such as Vessi's waterproof sneakers, boots, and slip-ons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Removing Gasoline Stain from Shoes

1. How do you remove gasoline from shoes?

Cleaning gasoline stains off shoes with dish soap and water, vinegar and water, or rubbing alcohol can also help to remove gasoline stains. Pay special attention to working in a well-ventilated area, as gasoline vapors can be hazardous, and rinse and air dry the shoes afterward.

2. What removes the smell of gasoline?

Gasoline stinks, but you can eliminate the awful odor from shoes by using coffee grounds or baking soda. Put the shoe in a liquid containing these substances and leave it overnight to absorb the odor. Leave the shoes out in an open area to ensure proper ventilation.

3. What cleaner neutralizes gasoline?

Vinegar helps neutralize gasoline. To blot and clean the area of the shoes affected by dirt, mix one part white vinegar and one part water. However, rinse your shoes thoroughly with clean water after using vinegar.

4. Can I wash gasoline with water?

Water can help dilute and remove gasoline from shoes, but care should be taken. The good news is that gasoline is highly flammable, and using water alone may not completely remove the stain or the odor. To get the smell of the spilled gas out, consider mixing the water with a laundry detergent to clean up some stains and remove the smell of gas.

Seek Adventure.
Innovate.
Live Your Best Life.

Sign up for our newsletters to follow The Forecast, our new arrivals, and exclusive promotions.

Your Cart

Filling Cart