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Keep yourself safe cleaning a petrol spill at home
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There are few types of spills more dreaded than gasoline. Not only is the liquid both toxic and highly flammable, it also creates a slippery mess and can leave behind a persistent odor that if not addressed can linger almost indefinitely. When dealing with a flash flood of fuel, it’s critical that you act quickly and make use of the right materials to safeguard against further accidents and prevent unnecessary damage. Since it’s unsafe to try to vacuum up pure gasoline or wash it away with water, you’ll want to start by dousing the spill with a dry absorbent agent. You can then dispose of the gasoline according to your local hazardous material laws.
Cleaning Up a Gasoline or Petrol Spill
Once the area is ventilated and the source of the gasoline is cut off, cover the spill with a dry absorbent agent. The best gasoline absorbing agents include clay cat litter, trisodium phosphate, and sawdust. Apply the agent liberally and let it sit for 1-2 hours—repeat until all the gasoline is absorbed.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Clean Up a Gas Spill in 8 Steps
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Stop the spill at the source and place a barrier to stop the spread. Before you get too worried about how to clean a gasoline spill, you’ll want to keep it from getting any worse. If you’ve accidentally knocked over a fuel tank or container, return it to an upright position immediately and secure the lid or cap over the opening. If the spill originated from a pump, make sure that it’s shut off and that the nozzle has been replaced. If the gas is leaking out of a pipe or tube, place a large container (like a bucket or washtub) under the dripping petrol. [1] X Research source
- To prevent the spill from spreading to a larger area, throw down some object or group of objects that can stop or slow its movement.
- An obvious choice is a beach towel, but a piece of lumber or a few heavy boxes may also work (keep in mind that whatever you use will likely have to be thrown away). Position the barriers closely around the perimeter of the spill. [2] X Research source
- Be especially vigilant in preventing the spill from reaching electrical equipment or objects that produce or give off heat, such as stoves, space heaters and electrical outlets. Use a plastic tarp to cover and protect objects that are vulnerable to damage.
- If you’ve spilled fuel at a gas station, notify an employee immediately. If it’s a large petrol spill, do not start your car. If no employee is available and the spill is sizable, call the local police.
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Once the spill is contained, ventilate the area and clean yourself off. Gasoline emits powerful fumes that can be very harmful to inhale and may potentially cause dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath or disorientation. Put on a respirator mask and safety goggles, if you have them. Open all nearby windows and doors to get air circulating throughout the room. If the spill occurs somewhere inside with no windows, turn on the ceiling fan or air conditioning. [3] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source
- Gas fumes are also a severe fire hazard. Avoid doing anything that may lead to an accidental ignition.
- In addition to avoiding the fumes, avoid touching the gas with your bare hands throughout the clean-up process.
- If the gas spilled onto you or your clothing, remove and throw away any garments that are soaked with gas. Do not wash your clothing items and toss them in the dryer—they may ignite from the heat of the machine. Wash your body with water and a non-abrasive soap as soon as possible.
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Cover the spill with a dry absorbent agent and let sit for 1-2 hours. Ideally, you should choose a substance like clay cat litter or trisodium phosphate (commonly packaged as the cleaning powder "T.S.P."), as these are useful for neutralizing odors as well as wicking up moisture. However, other items like sawdust, sand, straw or even dirt will also be effective. Search the area and use whatever happens to be on hand—speed is the key here. [4] X Research source
- Apply the absorbent agent liberally. It may take quite a bit to soak up all of the standing gasoline. Let the absorbent agent sit for 1-2 hours, keeping the immediate vicinity clear and well-ventilated for this entire time period.
- If you’re near the kitchen, you could also use baking soda, cornstarch or flour.
- Some companies now manufacture special sorbent pads that can be used in the event of a sudden accident. The synthetic materials these pads are constructed from makes them a very efficient way of dealing with petroleum-based spills.
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Reapply the substance until most of the gasoline is absorbed. For larger spills, it may be necessary to clear away clumps of gas-soaked dry material in order to make room for more. Sweep or scoop the saturated material into a trash bag or bucket, then shake more onto the wet spots underneath. Leave the fresh absorbent agent to sit for half an hour or more. [5] X Research source
- Repeat this process until most of the gasoline has dissipated.
- You may not be able to get up every last trace of gasoline. What you can’t remove you’ll have to let evaporate, then scrub the resulting residue clean with water and detergent or an industrial-grade degreaser .
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Sweep the absorbed gasoline into a clean, uncovered container. Using a broom and dust pan, collect the gasoline and dry material from the affected surface. Dump the mess into a trash can, garbage bag or similar receptacle. If the spill occurred indoors, move the container outside to prevent fumes from building up in the confined space. [6] X Research source
- Don’t cover or seal the container holding the gasoline. Trapped fumes can build up inside, leading to an increased risk of fire or explosion.
- Be prepared to deep clean or throw out whatever container you use.
- If possible, wear gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask for this step.
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Scrape up any remaining gasoline. Once the worst of the mess is up, turn your attention to the surface affected by the spill. The best way to do this is with a squeegee or plastic scraper. Transfer the last of the gasoline into a plastic bag and leave it with the rest of the materials for disposal. [7] X Research source
- For spills on carpet or upholstery, vacuum up the lingering bits of gasoline and dry material before giving the fabric a thorough cleaning.
- Since you’ll be getting close to the gasoline in this step, wear a respirator mask, safety gloves, and protective goggles if possible.
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Clean the area thoroughly with hot water and detergent. Wet a washcloth or sponge with hot water. Apply a liquid detergent or dish soap directly to the site of the spill and work it in until it forms a thick, foamy lather. Scrub the stain vigorously to coax it out, then flush the area with fresh water and pat it dry with a towel. [8] X Research source
- If you’re worried about causing water damage to the surface you’re attempting to clean, try sprinkling it with a powdered dish detergent or dry solvent instead. Afterwards, you can mop up the cleaner with a damp cloth.
- After you’re finished cleaning, wash your hands and any other parts of your body that may have come into contact with gasoline or gas fumes.
- If your stain is extra stubborn, try using an industrial-grade solvent or degreaser—just make sure to follow all safety steps listed on your product.
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Contact your local hazardous material management center for disposal options. Place a call to the fire department or pollution control agency to inform them of the spill and ask for instruction on how to proceed. In most cases, they’ll dispatch someone to deal with flammable substances. Otherwise, they can advise you on how to safely dispose of the mess yourself—often, this will mean taking the spilled gas to a hazardous waste disposal center. [9] X Research source
- Never throw gasoline away in a standard trash receptacle. Toxic and flammable materials require special disposal methods.
- Gasoline can still present a fire hazard even when it’s been absorbed into another dry material.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat way should I safely get rid of sawdust that has gasoline spilled in it?Community AnswerThe sawdust may act as an absorbent, so follow steps 2-3 and contact the hazardous materials management center near you.
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QuestionShould I call the fire department if I spill a lot of gasoline and I don't have anything to absorb it?Community AnswerYes! You always want to call the fire department if you spill gasoline. If you don't, you'll hurt yourself or someone/something else.
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QuestionHow do I neutralize odors caused by gasoline?Community AnswerPut baking soda, sand or sawdust on the gas to absorb and neutralize the odor.
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Tips
- These methods will be useful for controlling spills of about 10 gallons or less. Anything bigger than that will need to be handled by emergency services.Thanks
- While pumping gas, go slowly and only engage the handle once the nozzle is completely inside the tank or canister. Never leave pumping gas unattended even if it's set to stop at a certain amount.Thanks
- Always try to prevent any gas from spilling into the soil/grass or any type of waterway: lakes, sewer grates, oceans, etc. Even a small-to-moderate amount could cause a minor environmental disaster. If you believe even a little gasoline has spilled into a water source, report it to authorities immediately.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/air/oilspill.htm
- ↑ https://yukon.ca/en/prevent-fuel-and-chemical-spills
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/doc/homeowner-oil-spill-cleanup-guide-1/download
- ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_g/G304/
- ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_g/G315/index.html
- ↑ https://kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/en/about-us/hazardous-waste-library/g/gasoline-fuel
- ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/chemical/spill/procedures
- ↑ https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/air/oilspill.htm
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning/23405022/how-to-dispose-gasoline
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/dep/homeowner/gas_tips.html
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/dep/homeowner/gas_tips.html
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/dep/homeowner/gas_tips.html
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/water/safe-disposal-of-harmful-products.page
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/dep/homeowner/gas_tips.html
- ↑ https://www.energy.nh.gov/enforcement/pipeline-safety/what-do-if-i-smell-gas
- ↑ https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-gas-smell.htm
- ↑ https://utopia.org/guide/8-diy-car-air-fresheners-natural-low-waste/
- ↑ https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/maintenance/smell-of-gas-in-car/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To clean up gasoline, start by covering the spill with something that will soak it up, such as clay cat litter, trisodium phosphate, or sawdust, and letting it sit for an hour. Once the gasoline has been absorbed, sweep up the substance with a broom and dustpan and throw it away. Then, scrape the area with a squeegee to get rid of the remaining gas and absorbent material. Next, apply dish soap directly to the stained area and scrub it with a sponge soaked in hot water. Finally, rinse the area with clean water and pat it dry with a towel. For tips on how to contain a gas spill that’s actively leaking, keep reading.
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