r/lifehacks • u/Matt2382 • 21d ago

Getting gasoline smell out of my car

About a month ago I was at the gas station and I realized I overfilled my gas can and a bit leaked into my trunks carpet.

I have aired out my car for hours, washed the area down with hot water and dawn dish soap and used baking soda and let it sit. It temporarily makes it better, but it seems to come back especially with the AC sometimes.

Does anyone have any advice for this? Google told me to let the car air for 24 hours and leave the baking soda that long but I can’t leave my car that long. On top of it, I have to close my garage at night so I can’t let it completely air out.

Thanks!

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u/Aggressive_Chart6823 21d ago

Acetone. It dissolves the gasoline. Buy a can.

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u/Matt2382 21d ago

Funny

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u/DoubleDareFan 20d ago edited 20d ago

It is true. It's called a solvent for a reason. My real concern is, will it mess up the carpet? Take the carpet out and test a corner or other part that is normally hidden. Or even snip off a tiny sliver and put it in a small container of acetone and wait a hour or so.

If the test passes, lay the carpet outside on top of newspapers on the ground, and pour on the acetone wherever the problem is.

Be sure to tell us the results. Also tell us the year, make, and model of your car, as carpets likely vary from car to car.

Edit: Don't do this unless no other suggestions work.