How to get kerosene out of clothes was something I had to learn quickly when my friend spilt while refuelling a heater.
The strong smell and oily stain were a nightmare, and we were worried the clothes were ruined.
However, with the right home tricks, we were able to save them without damaging the fabric or making it worse.
In this guide, I’ll show you safe ways to remove both the stain and smell using easy steps and ingredients at home.
These methods also help avoid fire risks while washing or drying. Don’t worry! You can easily remove these stubborn stains.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Kerosene from Clothes
Here are the simple steps to remove kerosene from clothes:
1. Blot the Excess Immediately
Use tissues or an old towel to dab away any visible liquid kerosene. Never rub. It spreads the stain.
2. Choose the Right Method
If smell is the issue, try vodka or a newspaper. If it’s a stain, chalk, aloe vera, or a potato works well.
For no-wash needs, go with cornmeal or cat litter.
3. Avoid Water and Heat in the Beginning
Do not use hot water or toss the clothes into a washer or dryer. It can spread the stain or cause a fire risk.
4. Apply Your Selected Trick Gently
Follow one of the safe home methods shared. Use minimal pressure and avoid heat.
5. Air Dry the Clothes Outdoors
After treating the fabric, hang it outside. Fresh air and sunlight help break down fumes and dry them safely.
6. Launder Safely (Optional)
If no smell or stain remains, wash the clothes separately in cool water with gentle detergent.
7. Check the Washing Machine (if used)
If you used your machine, run an empty cycle with baking soda or lemon juice to clear out the kerosene smell.
Suggested Read: How To Get Olive Oil Stains Out Of Clothes – Quick Fix!
How to Get Kerosene Out of Clothes at Home
When you’re stuck dealing with stained clothes at home, this method works perfectly and safely.
1. Use Eucalyptus Oil
- Lay the stained cloth flat on a clean surface.
- Dab a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a clean cloth and gently press it on the kerosene mark.
- Cover the area with a warm, not hot, damp towel for 15 minutes.
- Blot gently with paper towels to remove loosened kerosene.
- Repeat once more if needed before washing the fabric.
How to Get Kerosene Out of Clothes Fast
Need results right away? This trick saved my friend’s jacket just before a work event.
2. Sprinkle Cat Litter
- Lay the item flat and cover the stain with clay cat litter.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes to soak up the oil.
- Shake off the litter and brush away the remaining dust.
- Air out the fabric to remove lingering fumes.
- Fast and surprisingly effective for fresh spills.
Suggested Read: How To Get Engine Oil Stains Out Of Clothes 10 Instant Fixes!
How to Get Kerosene Out of Clothes Without Washing
Can’t use a washing machine right now? Here’s a no-wash method that works.
3. Chalk Powder
- Rub white chalk or baby powder over the oily patch.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the kerosene.
- Use a soft brush to dust off the powder.
- Repeat if needed before wearing again.
- It’s ideal for dry-clean-only items or travel emergencies.
How to Get Kerosene Smell Out of Clothes Fast
This deodorising trick can give instant relief if the odor is still strong.
4. Vodka Spray
- Fill a spray bottle with plain vodka.
- Spray lightly over the smelly fabric.
- Let it hang in sunlight or outside for 1–2 hours.
- The alcohol evaporates fast, carrying the smell with it.
- Safe for outerwear or clothes you can’t soak.
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How to Remove Kerosene Oil from Clothes
For greasy, stubborn oil marks, this gentle method can save your fabric.
5. Aloe Vera Gel Rub
- Apply aloe vera gel directly to the oily stain.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes. It binds the oil safely.
- Wipe away with a cloth and rinse under cool water.
- Follow with mild soap if needed.
- Safe for delicates and skin-friendly too.
How to Remove Kerosene Stain from Clothes
If a visible stain remains even after deodorising, this method targets discolouration—a surprising trick I learned from my grandma!
6. Raw Potato Rub
- Cut a raw potato and rub the cut side over the stained area.
- The starch in the potato helps lift the discoloration.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and rinse.
- Works best on fresh stains and light-coloured fabrics.
How to Remove Kerosene from Clothes Safely
This is the trick to use when you’re nervous about damaging fabric or creating a fire hazard.
7. Glycerin to get kerosene out of clothes
- Apply a few drops of liquid glycerin on the stain.
- Place paper towels under and over the spot.
- Press gently for 10 minutes to transfer the oil.
- Rinse under cold water before laundering.
- No flames, no machines, completely safe.
Suggested Read: Does Dry Cleaning Remove Stains? Why It’s Better Than Washing!
How to Get Kerosene Out of Fabric Without Heat
Avoiding heat is crucial with kerosene—this method is safe and natural.
8. Cornmeal
- Sprinkle dry cornmeal over the kerosene mark.
- Place a mesh cloth over it and press down using a heavy book.
- Leave for 20 minutes to draw out the oil.
- Shake off residue gently.
- Works well for denim and upholstery fabric.
How to Get Rid of the Smell of Kerosene in Clothes
This trick is best when you’re left with that faint lingering scent even after cleaning.
9. Newspaper Wrap to get kerosene out of clothes
- Wrap the clothes in old newspaper.
- Place it in a clean, dry bag or bin.
- Let it sit overnight.
- A newspaper naturally absorbs residual fumes.
- Best for innerwear and scarves.
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How to Get Kerosene Smell Out of a Washing Machine
After washing kerosene-stained clothes, you might notice a lingering odor in your washer. This trick fixed it fast.
10. Borax and Citrus Peel Cycle
- Sprinkle ½ cup of borax into the empty drum.
- Toss in a handful of dried lemon or orange peels.
- Run a hot wash cycle with no clothes.
- The borax cleans while the citrus neutralises the kerosene fumes.
- Leave the door open to fully air out the machine.
How to Get Kerosene Out of Fabric Without Damage
This trick worked like magic without harming the softness.
11. Milk Soak and Mild Soap Rinse
- Pour cold milk into a large bowl or bucket.
- Soak the fabric for 30 minutes. It draws out the kerosene gently.
- Rinse with a few drops of baby shampoo in cool water.
- Pat dry with a towel and air dry fully.
- Ideal for wool, fleece, or lightly textured fabric.
How to Get Kerosene Smell Out of Hands Safely
If you’ve touched kerosene while handling clothes or fuel, you’re probably wondering how to get the kerosene smell out of your hands!
This easy kitchen fix finally helped.
12. Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to make a coarse scrub.
- Rub it gently over both hands for 1–2 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
- The acidity breaks down kerosene residue, and the salt helps exfoliate the odor.
Suggested Read: How To Remove Motor Oil From Clothes: 12 Genius Stain Fixes!
Tricks to Remove Kerosene Smell and Stains
Here are simple and effective tricks to remove kerosene smell and stains:
1. Shaving Foam Scrub
Spread shaving foam on the stained patch. Leave for 10 minutes, then scrub with a cloth.
It helps lift oil without spreading and is safe on synthetic fabrics.
2. Crushed Mint Leaf Soak
Add crushed mint leaves to a bucket of water. Soak the fabric for 30 minutes.
The mint neutralises kerosene odor naturally and leaves a light herbal scent.
3. Bread Slice Dab to Get kerosene out of clothes
Gently press a soft slice of white bread onto the stain. It draws out oil from light fabric and works well.
4. Oatmeal Paste
Mix oats with water to create a paste. Spread over the stain and let sit 15–20 minutes. It absorbs oil and works well on cotton.
5. Tomato Juice Masking
Soak the kerosene-stained area in tomato juice for 10 minutes.
It breaks down kerosene molecules and helps reduce strong fuel odours.
6. Cold Coffee Rinse
Pour plain black coffee over the kerosene spot.
The natural acidity neutralises odour and works well for darker garments without leaving new stains.
7. Raw Cucumber Rub
Rub a cut cucumber over the stained patch. The enzymes help loosen oil residue while being super gentle on delicates.
8. Plain Yogurt Rub
Coat the stained section with thick yoghurt. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing.
It pulls oil and deodorises fabric with no harsh chemicals.
9. Basil Leaf Water Dip
Boil fresh basil leaves and soak the fabric in the cooled basil water.
Let it sit for an hour. It is a natural deodoriser that leaves a fresh scent.
Suggested Read: Remove Water Stain From Fabric Couch: 16 Quick Solutions!
Final Thoughts: How to get kerosene out of clothes
Now you know how to get kerosene out of clothes without damaging your fabrics or endangering your appliances.
Whether it’s the smell, the stain, or both, there’s a safe solution you can try right at home.
The key is to act quickly, avoid heat, and choose the method that matches your situation.
Keep these tricks handy, and you’ll never have to toss a favourite shirt because of kerosene again!
Get Rid of Kerosene Smell on Clothes with Vanish Powder
Get rid of kerosene smell on clothes with Vanish powder by soaking the affected garment in warm water mixed with Vanish. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
This method helps eliminate stubborn kerosene smell on clothes effectively, leaving your laundry fresh and clean after every wash.
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