Coming into the workshop to change your car engine oil or for any other service, you will agree with me that you normally step in gasoline. It can destroy your shoes and leave behind an unpleasant odor.

Well, here is the right place if you are looking for practical solutions on how to get gasoline out of shoes. In this article, learn the easiest ways to remove gasoline stains and smells from most of the shoe material, ensuring you keep your footwear looking and smelling like new.

Gasoline presents a different set of challenges. Its oily composition means it’s not easily removed with a simple wipe-down, and its potent odor can linger for days if not treated properly.

Left untreated, it might ruin not just the material of your shoes but also give off an unpleasant smell that will spread to your home or car. With the right techniques and household items, you can really tackle this problem with confidence.

Why Gasoline Stains Are Hard to Remove

Gasoline is a hydrocarbon, it contains oily, non-polar compounds that do not mix well with water. That is why splashing water on gasoline-stained shoes does not remove the stain, the water will just slide right off, leaving the problem intact.

Moreover, the chemical properties of gasoline can also break down some materials, most notably leather, and synthetic fibers, if left untreated.

Another problem associated with the gas is the smell. Many volatile organic compounds are present in gasoline which give strong odor such as benzene and toluene. All these evaporate fast, and the smell diffuses, thereby making it less easy to annihilate. Fast action is thus necessary to curb the damage as well as possible and reduce the smell.

Material Required

Before starting the cleaning process, gather the following materials to ensure you’re prepared to handle the spill effectively:

• Baking Soda
• White Vinegar
• Dish Soap
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Paper Towels or Clean Cloth
• Soft Brush
• Warm Water
• Leather Cleaner (for cleaning leather shoes)
• Mesh Laundry Bag (for canvas shoes)
• Protective Gloves

How To Get Gasoline out of Shoes

Speed is of the essence here. The longer the gasoline has to sit on your shoes, the harder the stain and smell are to get rid of. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it could be easily removed:

1. Blot the spill

• First of all, the spot should be blotted with as much gasoline as possible to prevent further seeping into the material. 
• Blot gently using a clean and dry cloth or paper towel; do not rub harshly which might cause the spreading of the gasoline, thereby exacerbating the stain. 
• A considerable amount of the liquid can be blotted for a fresh spill.

2. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber, and it is effective in drawing out the gasoline from the shoe’s material. 

• Sprinkle some baking soda generously over the affected area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. 
• For tougher cases, leave overnight. 
• Afterward, use a soft brush or cloth to remove the baking soda residue.

3. Clean with a Dish Soap Solution

To dissolve the oily substance like gasoline add a small amount of dish soap with lukewarm water to create a soapy solution.

• Now it’s time to use a soft brush or a sponge to clean the dirty area. 
• Allow the solution to penetrate the material, applying a bit more pressure in areas where the material is significantly affected. 
• Rinse very well with water to remove all soap residue.

4. White Vinegar for Odor Removal

White vinegar neutralizes the smell if the gas smell is still prevalent.

• Mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar in the tub. 
• Dip a clean cloth into the solution and blot over the area. 
• Allow the shoes to dry in a well-ventilated area.

Vinegar works great for canvas shoes and synthetic shoes but can be tricky on leather.

5. Rubbing Alcohol for Tough Stains

Alcohol is ideal for spot treatments. Just dip a clean cloth with a little of alcohol and gently rub it over the stained area. Rubbing alcohol allows the oily component of gasoline to evaporate quickly by ceasing the work of oily components found in gasoline. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it will not damage the material

Cleaning Different  Shoes 

The different types of shoe material act differently with cleaning solutions. So, here is a closer look at how to clean different types of shoes and treat the spillage of petrol/gasoline.

Leather Shoes

Leather is porous which makes it difficult to clean as it absorbs the gasoline. Following the general process above, clean the material with a leather cleaner or saddle soap and condition it further. A leather conditioner applied after that helps to restore the suppleness of the material so that it doesn’t dry up and crack.

Canvas Shoes

Canvas is usually made from cotton or a cotton blend, that absorbs liquids easily. When gasoline soaks into the material from which canvas shoes are made, it not only leaves a visible stain but also saturates the fibers with its strong odor. Besides, long-term exposure to gasoline can weaken the fabric, fade its color, or leave permanent discoloration if not treated promptly.

So to enjoy long-lasting comfort & freshness, it is important to clean canvas shoes as soon as possible after exposure to Gasoline.

Synthetic Shoes

Synthetic shoes are widely popular due to their durability, affordability, and flexibility. It is usually made of materials like nylon, polyester, polyurethane, or even synthetic leather.

However, the unique composition may cause problems concerning the removal of stains and odors from gasoline. The synthetic material usually has been treated with some sort of finish or coating, which can interact with gasoline; thus, requiring special care to clean effectively without damaging them.

Suede Shoes

The best way to clean your suede shoes is by carefully wiping away any extra gasoline from suede shoes with a fresh cloth to stop the stain from spreading. After that, cornstarch or baking soda is applied to the afflicted region and left overnight to absorb the oil and any smells.

Next, remove the powder with a soft-bristled brush. If required, use a cloth to lightly apply a little detergent or suede cleaner. Avoid direct heat and let the shoe air dry in a cool, well-ventilated environment.

Brush them after drying to bring back the texture of the suede. You can leave the shoes in a sealed bag with coffee grounds or activated charcoal for a day or two if there are still smells.

Prevention To Keep Your Shoes Clean

To protect your shoes and surroundings from spills of gasoline, consider these simple precautions:

• Be Careful When Refueling: To prevent overfilling always stop refueling once the nozzle clicks off. Stand at a safe distance from the nozzle to avoid splashes.

• Wear Protective Footwear: Wear waterproof shoes or rubber boots when you are dealing with gasoline, especially in areas prone to spills.

• Store Gasoline Properly: Always store gasoline in air-proof, spill-proof containers and secure locations to prevent accidents.
• By following these steps, you can save your footwear by preventing the chances of gasoline spills.

There are many effective ways to remove gasoline from your shoes whether it’s canvas, synthetic, or leather shoes. Use cleaning products that are easily available to you like dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar, can remove both stains and odors by blotting the spill, and drying your shoes appropriately.

Preventative measures also help prevent future spoiling of your shoes, such as wearing protective footwear when handling gasoline and storing fuel safely. You can keep your shoes looking fresh and odor-free with a little care and attention.

FAQS

How to get gasoline out of shoes?

Add a small amount of mild dish soap in lukewater until it forms a soapy solution. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into this soapy solution. Gently scrub cloth or sponge to the areas of shoes where there are gasoline stains. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

What removes the smell of gasoline?

To vanish the smell from your shoes add equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it to the affected areas, as vinegar can neutralize odors. Wipe down surfaces afterward. 

How do you wash off gasoline from the skin?

If you are worried about your skin then follow these steps

• Take a palmful of baking soda into your hand, and add a tablespoon of vinegar.
• Scrub vigorously for at least two minutes.
• Once the smell is gone, thoroughly rinse your hands with water.