Learn How to Get Rid of Gasoline Smell Like a Pro

Have you ever experienced the dreaded gasoline spill in your car? It’s one of the toughest odors to get rid of. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are effective, step-by-step methods on how to get rid of gasoline smell using the powerful odor eliminator Nok-Out and a few other tips. Let’s get your car smelling fresh again!

A message showed up in my inbox that made my heart sink. I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to lend my car to someone, only to have it come back to me with a little something I’d not counted on—that noxious odor of gasoline! Worse, what if that condition were permanent?! Thankfully, I have good news for at least one desperate reader.

Dear Mary: I have a problem that I can’t solve and was wondering if you would be able to help. Someone borrowed my car recently and transported a small generator in it. Somehow, the gasoline spilled out inside my Explorer and left a very intense gasoline odor

I have tried everything I can think of and nothing has removed the smell. I steamed cleaned it with carpet shampoo, sprinkled it with baking soda and vacuum it up, saturated it with Nok-Out at least three times but to no avail. Can you help me understand how to get rid of gasoline smell? Lisa

My first reaction to Lisa’s dilemma was to wonder if this “someone” was at one time on her list of friends (relatives?) but I won’t go there. Instead, I have a solution that does not involve pushing that SUV off a cliff. It’s long, so bear with me.

This is definitely a job for Nok-Out—an odor-eliminating product that is non-toxic, fragrance-free, and absolutely works wonders to eliminate the strong odor of gasoline, providing it is used specifically and scientifically. I know of no other solution, and trust me I have looked, tested, tried, researched. Nok-Out is her only hope. While Lisa attempted to alleviate the problem with Nok-Out, that it did not work tells me she stopped short of using it thoroughly.

(Disclosure: This post includes an Amazon Creator Connections product. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link, at no additional cost to you.)

Why Gasoline Odor in Your Car is Hard to Remove

Gasoline odor is one of the trickiest smells to tackle, even with a powerhouse product like Nok-Out. The challenge comes from the fact that gasoline and water don’t mix—they actually repel each other. This makes it tough for Nok-Out to get the direct contact it needs with the odor source to work its magic.

Nok-Out Odor Eliminator

But here’s the good news: Nok-Out contains something called a “surfactant.” A surfactant is a substance that helps to reduce the surface tension between two liquids, or a liquid and a solid. In simple terms, it’s like a special kind of soap that makes water and oil (such as gasoline) attract each other. This allows cleaning products like Nok-Out to effectively penetrate and eliminate odors by ensuring they can reach and interact with the odor-causing substances. Surfactants are essential in breaking down and removing tough stains and smells that water alone can’t handle.

What is Nok-Out?

For my readers not yet familiar with Nok-Out, it is a clear, odorless liquid. It is a safe and amazing odor destroyer for use in any area where odors occur. It is non-toxic, water-based, mild enough to wash your hands in, non-allergenic, non-staining, and antimicrobial. It is as safe in the kitchen as it is around pets and kids.

Nok-Out destroys odors caused by pets, sports shoes clothes and equipment, organic decay, tobacco smoke, fires, sweat, mold, bacteria, and fungi. It leaves carpet, upholstery, cars, trucks, shoes, gym lockers, the air you breathe—you name it—smelling fresh!

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminating Gasoline Odor from Your Car

Wondering exactly how to get rid of gasoline smell using Nok-Out? Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Air it Out

First things first, air out the vehicle thoroughly. Get the windows down and let that fresh air circulate. Next, get into the car—head to the back where the generator mishap happened. Get your nose close to pinpoint the exact spots where the odor is strongest and mark those areas with chalk or tape.

Neutralize Acid

If you’ve previously treated the area with vinegar, you’ll need to neutralize it. Mix up a solution of baking soda and water, and treat those spots to counteract the vinegar’s acidity. This step is crucial!

Soak it Well

Once the area is dry, it’s time for Nok-Out to shine. Spray full-strength Nok-Out generously onto the marked spots and surrounding areas. Make sure it penetrates deeply into the carpet, padding, and all the way to the metal base. Yes, it needs to be very wet! Wear rubber gloves and massage Nok-Out into all the layers, ensuring it reaches every nook and cranny. Allow it to air dry naturally with the windows open. You might need more than one application, so don’t be discouraged—this is a tough odor to tackle.

Complete Coverage

Remember, Nok-Out needs to come into direct contact with all the smelly spots. Even one missed area can let the odor linger. Think about all the possible places gasoline could have reached and treat those as well.

Allow to Dry Fully

Now, let everything dry completely before doing the smell test. During drying, the oxidation process will emit its own odor, kind of like a stinky swimming pool. This is just Nok-Out doing its job, so don’t worry! Keep those windows open to let in fresh air.

MORE: It’s a Smelly World Out There—Thank Goodness for Nok-Out

Repeat if Necessary

Still catching a whiff of gasoline? Don’t give up! Repeat the process, starting with a sniff test in areas that might have been missed. Check under the floor cover, carpets, or any hidden spots that could have trapped gasoline.

Think of this as peeling away layers. With each application, you’re getting closer to eliminating the odor completely. Persistence is key!

Check Other Materials

Gasoline is highly volatile, and the fumes might have seeped into other materials like the headliner or seat cushions. Make sure to treat these areas as well.

Additional Tips to Ensure Complete Odor Removal

For those hard-to-reach areas, try using a household humidifier. Pour 4 to 6 ounces of full-strength Nok-Out into the humidifier’s reservoir and turn it on. Close up the car overnight with the humidifier running and all the windows closed. This will help Nok-Out penetrate every nook and cranny.

In the morning, open all the windows and let your car air out thoroughly. You can usually close a door or window on the extension cord to power the humidifier, ensuring it stays secure overnight. This method is a fantastic way to tackle any lingering gasoline smell hiding in those tricky spots.

Best Inexpensive Humidifier for This Purpose

Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier

For an affordable and efficient solution, look no further than the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier. It’s the top pick for this task, especially considering that Nok-Out shouldn’t be heated. With its generous capacity, this humidifier can keep running for hours on end without needing constant refills.

Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier

Nok-Out Will Conquer That Gasoline Odor

Eliminating gasoline odor is a tough assignment, even for Nok-Out. It is an amazing product, and will not disappoint in teaching you how to get rid of gasoline smell, no matter how tough the odor problem you may be facing. Don’t give up. I’m confident that if Lisa is persistent, she will eventually prevail!

NOK-OUT Odor Remover, Pet Deodorizer and Cleaning Spray

Question: Have you ever had a gasoline spill in your car? What’s the most stubborn odor you’ve had to eliminate? Share your tips and stories below.

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Last update on 2026-05-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Courtney says:

June 3, 2024 at 10:57 am

The picture shows someone gassing up in the trunk. I thought gas containers were to be placed outside on the ground to prevent sparks and then explosions. Are my thoughts outdated?

Mary Hunt says:
June 3, 2024 at 11:54 am

Yes, you are absolutely correct. You should always place the container on the ground, fill, close and only then, put it back into your vehicle. This is to avoid the chance of a major spill in the vehicle. That you (and others) for pointing out the photo, it’s now been replaced.

Eunice Low says:

June 2, 2024 at 4:46 pm

My friend had gasoline splash back onto his clothing while using the pump. He put it all out on the patio in a plastic grocery bag & forgot about it for a couple months. Came across it, checked, it, smell was gone! Washed it at the laundromat just to be sure & wears those clothes again. It was magic!

Amy says:

June 2, 2024 at 8:10 am

This stuff works!! It’s great.

Michelle says:

June 7, 2016 at 5:43 am

Love Nok-Out!

Jeannine Moss says:

June 7, 2016 at 5:11 am

What a great product.

Eileen says:

June 7, 2016 at 5:10 am

I’d love to try Nok-Out. thanks for the chance to win!

cbrady says:

June 7, 2016 at 5:09 am

I take care of my elderly father, and I love that Nok-out is also a sanitizer as well as an odor eliminator!

tiffanyblitz says:

June 7, 2016 at 4:57 am

Kids, cats, chickens, I have a million reasons for needing it! Lol!

Betty says:

June 7, 2016 at 4:55 am

Would love to win this product to share with my children who are in the throws of potty training their own.

Traci Cantlon says:

June 7, 2016 at 4:50 am

Love this product! It works as it claims and best of all its safe and non toxic.

Susan Campbell says:

June 7, 2016 at 4:24 am

I do Family Childcare in me home and I can use help with the smell of wet and dirty diapers.

June 7, 2016 at 4:23 am

What a great giveaway. Susan Campbell