How to Get Petrol Smell Out of Cars (& What Causes It)

There’s nothing worse than getting in your car and being overwhelmed by the smell of gasoline. While the smell of petrol can sometimes indicate a leak, you likely just spilled a bit when you were filling up on gas. We interviewed an auto technician to teach you how to remove gasoline odors from your car, and we’ll also explain what causes these odors, how to prevent future spills, and more.

How to Get Rid of a Gas Smell in a Car

Auto technician Jason Shackelford says to clean up any spilled gasoline with a degreaser or detergent. Use cat litter, baking soda, or another absorbent material to absorb the odors. Roll down your windows so the gasoline can evaporate, then use an odor-removing spray or gel to tackle lingering smells.

Section 1 of 4:

Ways to Remove Gasoline Odors from Your Car

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1
Soak up any gasoline. Search your car for the source of the smell. If it’s coming from a new spill, press an old cloth into the gasoline to soak up as much as possible. It’s best to use old rags, as you likely won’t want to keep them once you’re done. Blot, don’t rub, so you don’t spread the gasoline around even more.^{[1]
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- If you can’t tell where the smell is coming from, skip down to our “Why does my car smell like gasoline?” section to figure out the source of the issue.
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Jason Shackelford is an auto technician and the owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family-owned auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience.
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Roll down the windows so the gasoline can evaporate. Gasoline is highly volatile and evaporates quickly when exposed to air. Sometimes, the best way to remove lingering gasoline odors is to simply roll down your windows and wait. Leave your windows or doors open in a sunny spot for at least 4 to 5 hours. The longer you wait, the more the smell will evaporate.^{[2]
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- While airing out your car, run the AC on fresh air mode to push the smell outside rather than recirculating it.
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Scrub the soiled area with carpet shampoo and water. The gasoline may leave a stain behind when it evaporates. Mix 3 cups (720 mL) of water with ½ a cup (120 mL) of carpet shampoo. Using a nylon brush or a rag, apply the mixture to the spill. Scrub it in, applying more solution as needed. Once the gasoline stain lifts, dab the area with a clean, dry rag, then let the area air dry in the sun.
- Shackelford says you can also clean up gasoline with a degreaser or detergent.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jason Shackelford
  Auto Technician
  
  Expert Interview} So, if you don’t have carpet shampoo, dissolve a bit of dishwashing soap in water instead.
- Make sure to use rags and brushes you don’t mind throwing out, as the gasoline may be difficult to remove.
- Automotive expert Charley Helvy suggests wearing latex or vinyl gloves to prevent gasoline from getting on your hands. If you do get the smell on your hands, washing them really well and applying a lotion can mask the odor.^{[4]
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Absorb the odor with baking soda. Baking soda is a great odor eliminator because it absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor-causing compounds. Leave an open box of baking soda in your car overnight, or sprinkle it directly on the soiled area. Vacuum it up when you’re done.^{[5]
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- Baking soda also works to remove other odors from your car. Some people choose to leave baking soda in their vehicle all the time. If you do this, aim to switch out your box monthly.
- Another option is to mix equal parts baking soda, vinegar, and water. Dip an old rag in the solution and gently blot it onto the soiled area.^{[6]
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Try a commercial odor eliminator. There are a ton of car odor eliminators on the market, which are specifically designed to keep your vehicle smelling fresh. These come in sprays, gels, and other forms, so follow your product’s instructions to apply it correctly. Ozium is a popular brand of odor eliminators.
- Will an air freshener remove gasoline smells? A standard car air freshener may mask the gasoline smell for short periods of time, but it won’t remove it. Consider pairing an air freshener with another odor removal method, like airing out your car or using baking soda.
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Leave activated charcoal in your car overnight. Activated charcoal works similarly to baking soda, as it absorbs odors rather than masking them. Place a bowl of activated charcoal briquettes or a charcoal odor eliminator bag in your car. The next time you get in, the gasoline smell should be less intense.^{[7]
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- Some people have also had luck with cedar shavings.
Shackelford recommends using cat litter to absorb spilled gasoline.^{[8]
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Jason Shackelford
Auto Technician

Expert Interview} Pour it over the gasoline spill, and leave it for at least a day before vacuuming it up. You may need to repeat the process several times before the odor is completely gone.
Coffee grounds absorb odor molecules, and some people have good luck using them to eliminate gas smells. Simply rub the grounds into the affected area. After a week or so, vacuum up the coffee, and the smell should be less noticeable or gone entirely.^{[9]
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Tell if the Odor Is Gone

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Sniff your car the day after you clean it. You might be nose-blind if you try to smell your car right away, so let it sit overnight after you air it out and clean it. The next morning, open the door and give it a big sniff before starting your engine and before any air fresheners kick in. This is when odors are most noticeable, so if you don’t smell anything, you’ve likely gotten rid of the odor.
- Pay special attention to your trunk, carpeted mats, under the seats, and the area where the spill originally happened. If the odor lingers, try spot-cleaning the area again, then follow up with an odor-neutralizing spray.
Gas smells can linger in your ventilation system, even after you’ve cleaned up the spill. Turn on the A/C and heat for a few minutes and sniff around the vents. If the smell is only noticeable while the system is running, the odor is likely stuck in your ductwork. Using an odor fogger can help you eliminate the smell.

Section 3 of 4:

Why does my car smell like gasoline?

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If you transport gas cans or lawn equipment, gasoline may drip or spill in your car without you noticing. If you stepped in a puddle of gasoline, you may also transfer it to your car. If you don’t clean up the spill right away, the gas may soak into your floor mats or carpet, making the smell even more noticeable.^{[10]
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Evaporative emission leaks Evaporative emission leaks occur when fuel tank vapors escape through a loose gas cap or damaged EVAP system components. If you don’t see any spills in your car, make sure your gas cap is screwed on tightly. If it is, take your car to a mechanic to make sure everything is functioning properly.^{[11]
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- “When looking for a fuel odor, always use an abundance of caution,” advises Shackelford. “Make sure the vehicle is turned off and that there is no source of open flame or sparks before proceeding with a visual inspection.”^{[12]
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- Shackelford recommends looking on the ground around your car and under the hood to make sure everything is working properly and that there are no leaks.^{[13]
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Fuel injector and line leaks are a rare cause of gasoline odors, but they’re more serious. If you smell a strong gas odor near the hood of your car, take your vehicle to a mechanic to be checked out immediately.^{[14]
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Prevent Future Gas Spills & Odors

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When you’re getting gas, stop pumping once the pump clicks. You may be tempted to overfill in an attempt to get a few extra miles, but this can mess with your EVAP system and cause vapor leaks over time. Additionally, it may cause gas to dribble out onto your shoes, which can cause lingering odors in your car.^{[15]
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If you transport gas in your car, use a proper, sealed gas can, preferably with a locking spout or pressure-release cap. Double-check that it’s closed tightly, and store it upright in your trunk or cargo area. Place a towel, rubber mat, or tarp underneath the gas can to catch any drips or leaks.^{[16]
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The longer a spill lingers, the more the gas will spread and soak into your car.^{[17]
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A loose or cracked gas cap allows vapors to escape and stink up your car. Make sure your cap clicks securely after every fill-up. If your check engine light comes on with a fuel smell, have your EVAP system inspected.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What are some common mistakes people make when trying to remove a smell from their car?

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

Chad Zani

Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Answer

The biggest thing people miss when trying to clean up foul smells is the cabin filter. Most modern cars have a cabin filter. Because of the way air conditioning works, the pathogens or bacterial elements that are making the car stink will also be in the cabin filter.

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Two to three gallons of gasoline spilled in the back of a RAV4 trunk area, onto the carpet. I've tried all of your suggestions and the smell has lessened, but is still pervasive. What else can I try?

21BizarreNerds

Community Answer

Try baking soda with vinegar and a little warm water. If you park your car in a secure garage/inside, leave your doors open for as long as you can to let the smell evaporate.

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Auto detailing expert Chad Zani says removing your car's cabin filter and spraying it with air freshener spray can also help eliminate bad odors.^{[19]
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Zani says you can also spray the air intake on your car's air conditioner with air freshener to flush out the bad smell.^{[20]
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Warnings

Gasoline fumes can be harmful if inhaled for too long. They may cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If you notice these symptoms while cleaning, take a break and air out the area.

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Gasoline is highly flammable. If you don’t clean up gasoline spills, you risk starting a fire. Clean up gasoline as soon as possible.

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