Elmer, probably. Both will evaporate. Leave outdoors, away from interference.

One can always ask a mechanic or their fire department. Obviously, in a parched, hot dry area like some brush California locales, be careful. Ask your FD if you want to be sure sure.

Although not a common situation for us forum members, it isn't unheard out in working, hands on environments.

Horrible true story: a guy was trying to clean oil and stains from his cement garage or cellar floor. He figured that gasoline would quickly dissolve the oil and other material marring the floor. He grabbed a wire brush and began to scrub....

Pretty much The End

Sometimes, we can be too rushed or too tired to do our best thinking.

Petalique, I thought you were going to say he stopped for a cigarette break!! Either way, it's bad.

I have extreme scent allergies and all petroleum based products are high triggers for me. Severe migraine, asthma, etc. So No I would not have it in my house and especially not in my washer and GAS dryer.

Notice I said ASK if you can use the washateria! I guarantee you there's been a lot worse in those machines!

We were in a toxic waste situation with all of our items that were soaked in the gross toxic water in the flood. We were told to throw away these items. We did. In that toxic soup was petroleum products of all sorts, chemicals, poison, fertilizer, think of the things people have in their garages. Plus all of the Steptic systems had dumped their contents, so live ecoli.

Of course there were idiots coming to "shop" our discarded piles of our life. Wondering why we were throwing away some really nice stuff. Picking it up and putting it in their cars. Now they have contaminated their car and themselves to class 3 toxic waste. Likely they will have their children in this same car...

"I'm flabbergasted by thistledew's suggestions! Three cups of vinegar? One cup of detergent? Plus the other additives. Absurd."

Agree, that's "throw in anything that can clean, whether or not it makes sense, see what happens". The problem is, vinegar is acidic while baking soda, borax and laundry detergent are basic. Mix them and they'll react with one another, each side of the pH scale neutralizing the other.

Even if the clothes are no longer flammable, I would not want that odor or petrochemical film in my machine(s).

Oh, Raven! Blech. Shuddering!

I know what those scent-triggered migraines can be like. I' ve gotten brought on my gasoline odor, cigarette and ashtray odor, Halston perfume or cologne, as well as flickering lights and noise -- "Attention K-Mart Shoppers!!!"

I'be been around people who've fished commercially for a living. Some strong odors! Fish, bots of broken off fish, crab, lobster as well as mushed seaweed, lobster bait (pretty ripe!), oil and fuels and bilge.

Fortunately, most washing machines are self cleaning. People wash poopy-stained diapers, linens, dog bedding. Any mechanic working or cars or power equipment has to have a place to wash his or her work clothes. The gas will have evaporated. You can always wash the dried clothing in a tub outside, or let the sunshine and rain fight over the jeans for a week. Ever wash SNEAKERS in your washer? Haha.

If you wash polyester, you have petrochemical in your washer. Along with some detergents and fabric softeners made with petrochemicals!

Polyester clothing, detergent and fabric softener are not the same as gasoline. There are a variety of opinions here. To each his own.

Hope it works out well for the OP. Clothing can be expensive, I can see the desire to wash and re-use it.

olychick, I don't think polyester fabric leaches chemicals into water that would expose all the inside parts of the washer to potentially damaging chemicals and/or potentially leave a residue. Or does it?

Reason #20 to avoid clothes made of polyester fabric.

This is an interesting discussion. Polyester is relatively stable. You can take a clean, washed polyester shirt, swish it around in cool spring water for 10 to twenty or more minutes, and be fine drinking down the spring water.

Certain chemicals (solvents) can break it down, I imagine, but it's pretty stable.

Back to the jeans and heavy shirt soaked with gas from the car work. Once you take off the clothing, just hang in on a branch or similar outside. The volatiles will evaporate and dissipate, just as they would if you poured a few cups of gas (petrol) into a disposable aluminum pan. There's not going to be much left after a day or so. (The gas on the clothing will dissipate faster because of the greater surface area.) let clothes air out even a week.

Then you're just washing a shirt and jeans with a bit or residue and odor. If you use real detergent like Percil, Tide, Etc., on a large load w hot water, it will get washed out, down the drain. Bring 'em over and I'll show you.

Idea: tie them to your car after they'be dried and send them through a car wash.

Washing machines are not self cleaning.

Eta. There are things you can do and things not to do to help keep a washer clean though.

Leave the clothes outside and do not strike a match or put near open flames as long as the odor is strong. Wet the clothes immediately to reduce the possibility of a static spark igniting the fuel. (Throw on ground or walkway and wet with a hose.) However, gasoline and gasohol will evaporate to safe levels from the clothing given enough time.

Do a hand wash in a bucket or convenient container. Wear rubber gloves as a precaution to protect sensitive skin although in many cases I've seen hand wash of clothes filthy with garage dirt without ill effect. (My dad worked in the oil fields and his overalls reeked with oilfield liquids. Mom had to deal with those.) Laundry per advice given by others above. However, a simple wash with detergent, rinse, and dry outside should be sufficient to restore the clothes. If any grease got on the clothes, those stains may remain.

the gasoline can affect the seals in the washer. The seals are not designed to remain stable with industrial solvents. It can and will weaken them and cause premature leaking

front loaders are different than top loaders with the seals

Delray,

true. That's just one of the reasons you want to allow that clothing to get completely dry and air out. Later, they can be washed.

Jemdandy, wetting the clothes with a hose won't make the petrol less flammable (see: Cuyahoga River 1969), and may wash some of it off the clothes and onto the surface -- if that is the ground, it will stay there a long time and kill any vegetation. Just let them dry and air outside for a few days

For those of you who think polyester has no effects:

Plastic contamination of water (Guardian)

from the article above:

"Plastic fibres may also be flushed into water systems, with a recent study finding that each cycle of a washing machine could release 700,000 fibres
into the environment. Rains could also sweep up microplastic pollution,
which could explain why the household wells used in Indonesia were
found to be contaminated."

Article on laundry/plastic contamination based on Plymouth U study

"raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio Jemdandy, wetting the clothes with a hose won't make the petrol less flammable (see: Cuyahoga River 1969),"

You missed my point. Wetting the clothes was to reduce the chance of ignition especially from static sparks.

does "drenched" mean literally dripping gasoline? or is it a good sized slosh... like a cup or 2? or a big splash... bunch of splotches. if "favorite" jeans/shirt, i'd probably do a bucket of hot soapy water, outside, several times. eventually would wash in washing machine... maybe not dryer??

My dad owned/operated a service station for 25 years, had the occasional gasoline exposure and oil/grease. I don't recall mom doing anything specific handling his work clothes other than (presumably) letting it evaporate and tossing them into the washer and dryer (or line drying as the case may be).

I have passed this info onto my friend. If the clothes were older and worn, he would probably toss them. These were new, and not cheap, as he was dressed to go out to an event and he tried to assist his neighbor. It may be worth a try. Thanks, everyone!

Olychick -- interesting articles. I often read "Comments" and see that a lot of commenters are not particularly precise or clear thinking. Many people would benefit from a few elementary science classes and some critical thinking skills. Even reading comprehension, paying attention, reigning in their flipping around minds. Some good points. Plastic detritus is everywhere. Polyester fleece fabric is a true shedder. I thought about what those babies and toddlers given those plush poly fleece "comfies" might be sucking in.

I liked Cheesepickle's comments. Unfortunately he was met defensively by emotional reaction. I'd still drink water after a polyester blend lightweight sports shirt (clean) was swished in it. Micro fleece sweater? Probably not. Lots of risks out there, so we must be equipped to understand scientific or pseudo-science or emotion-laden arguments. We must be prepared to read and listen comprehensively and to rationally evaluate risks.

So, back to the reading carefully, I'd like to urge anyone who's still following, to NOT spill gasoline (or gasoline and wash water mix) into the ground or soil or storm drain. In this case, just allow the clothing to air dry. If you have un-used gas, fuel or oil to dispose of, there are people who take that sort of thing. Locally, we have a power equipment vendor and repair place that burns this sort of thing in a furnace (for their heat, hot water). By law (until the current $$ oriented administration and Supreme Court rip up the hare-won paperwork and over-turn laws) there are regulations for those who burn or incinerate hydrocarbons* and materials made from them (fuel, plastics, foam, shoe polish, etc., etc.).

I'm tired.

where did Dolly go off to? Dolly, let us know what your pal did.

At the end of the day I still don't want my washer holding onto the gasoline scent.

If you do it right it doesn't smell.

I'm curious too, as to what happened and was the final decision. I'm also curious about all the people who are so afraid to wash the clothes in their washer, how many of these people put stink pellets like Downy Unstoppables or Purex Crystals in their wash. I'd put gasoline in my washer LONG before those stink pellets. For that matter I'd rather smell gasoline on clothes than the stink pellets or the jug perfume a lot of old women bathe in, then add the hairspray and other chemicals they put on. I'm gagging just thinking about it.

I had a nozzle kick out of the vehicle while fueling and sprayed me right in the face one time. I imagine I washed the clothes when I got home. No adverse affects. I don't remember exactly what I did but I'd guess I washed them several times and hung them up to dry. Doubt quite highly that I would have tossed the clothes. When I'd work on my own vehicles regularly I'm sure I got gas on them occasionally, though I was careful.

I don't see Thistledew's suggestions so I don't know what all the hoopla is about. Apparently the post was pulled.

I have been wondering too. Hope they didn't throw them away as certainly no need to.

My husband has had gas spilled on him several times. He just tosses them in the washer and dryer and they come out just fine.

Petalique, thanks for your common sense. A question to all of those who would toss. Have you ever operated a gasoline engine lawn mower, refueled it and spilled some gas? Did you toss your lawnmower? Gasoline evaporates real fast and if you leave your clothing outside, after a few hours the smell is gone. Have any older dry cleaners around? If yes, ask what they used for dry cleaning. People used to spot clean fat spots from dry clean only clothes with lighter fuel, the smell goes after a a couple of hours.

Thanks, annelisse32. Your post reminded me on using lighter fuel (used in old style lighters; not butane) to spot clean things like chewing gum residue from fabric or certain surfaces. Fortunately there are better things these days. Great illustration with the lawn mower refueling spill evaporating quickly. Been there.

I would like to ask people to please not take fouled or disgusting items that you wouldn't consider washing in your own machine, to a laundromat or commercial facility used by the public. If you must, toss the item(s), or invite the services of a dry cleaner or laundry specialist.

People who depend on public commercial coin-op laundromats do not want or expect your objectionable items griming up the unit they must use. Often these machines are used by those who don't have the luxury of their own machines at home. It is disrespectful to other users of the laundromat to do this.

Growing up my folks had to drive a good distance to wash our non-dark, non work clothes at a commercial coin-op. Expensive, time-eating and very inconvenient. While we did have a washing machine, our well water was loaded with iron rich minerals. A new white T-shirt would look as though it was washed in coffee. Worse for a white blouse.

One evening while washing a large load of clothing, my mother discovered that a prior used had evidently washed or dried (dryer) a blue ball point pen. Blue ink marks spoiled a lot of our clothing; causing an expense that our family certainly did not relish.

So, remember to follow the Golden Rule, please.

Yep.

It often takes a solvent to shift or remove oily type stains. Back in the day dry cleaners/professional laundry services used a whole host of chemicals to remove oily stains expecially on hydrophobic fabrics which are water resistant. Benzine, naptha and gasoline were just a few. Housewives discovered the laundry secrets of gasoline...it didn't always go well.

I don't think these chemicals are still used in the dry cleaners.

Febreze has an additive for getting rid of odors in the wash. Got rid of dog smell in dog bed covers. Wmart had it on top shelf.

Yep! Mamapinky, you're one of my GO TO people for laundry info.

Anyone remember carbon-tetrachloride? I hope that I never took a whiff of a jar of it that I found in the garage when I was a kid. (I used to smell everything - not a good idea!) Way back, people used to be able to buy it and use the stuff for a solvent on any number of things.

For a long while now, it has been appreciated and the information available to the homeowner sorts that carbon-tetrachloride and other volatiles can be absorbed through one's skin and that curious smelling and such can lead to serious bodily (organ) damage, you know, like brain, kidney and other damage.

!!! Oh, while on the subject of certain chemical/volatiles nastiness, I read a few years ago (saved it to one of my hard disks) that many/ most gloves (latex, poly, nitrile) do not, in many cases, provide a barrier. That is, a person's donning a pair of gloves while, say, using expoxy resin, is not being as protected as they might consider themselves to be.

^^^^^^^^ Anyone here know or have more info about this?

I have no info about the gloves and haven't heard that, but I'm usually the last to find out anything. LOL.

Perchloroethylene has been the solvent choice of dry cleaners for a good while. Usually referred to as Perk. Last I heard it was banned in California but that must of been 10 years ago. I think it was to go on a nation wide ban within 15 years of Californias ban so that must be getting close to about now. I don't know what dry cleaners are using or going to use as oily stains and synthetic fabrics are a real issue to remove. Ever notice how many people that wear synthetic fabrics and exercise or work up a sweat complain they can't get the odors out of their clothes....synthetics are water resistant...hard to penetrate and remove funk.

Been washing my uniforms for decades, often soaked in gas from fuel pump replacements on full tanks. It evaporates during the work day. Washer does the rest. Never destroyed my laundry equipment.

Now I didnt take them off and sop up gallons of fuel either, so if you did that maybe you would have to wait a few days of evaporation

My Dad was a diesel mechanic and had his own business for years. Sometimes a hose or fuel line would rupture or blow off and soak him with fuel. He also washed parts in gas so that also got on the clothes. The way my mother washed his, she never had a problem with getting the smell out or the stain.

She used Oxydol powder and Wisk liquid. Mixed the two together in a big plastic bowl that she used just for that. She added water a little at a time while stirring this together. When it gets to the consistency of cornbread batter it was ready. She would lay newspaper on top of the freezer, then put a pair of pants there. She had a paint brush she put the mix on with and did front then fold one leg and do the back of the legs. Then she would fold the pants from legs to waist and set aside and do another pair, lastly shirts. In winter coveralls and jackets were done the same way. After every thing was coated she let them sit 30 minutes to an hour and then put them in the washer. She would add some washing soda at that point. Washed on hot then hung them out if the weather was good.

Since there's no more Oxydol (original) or Wisk now, I would use Tide with bleach powder and liquid Tide. You might add some Biz also.

Hope this helps.

Sparky, I remember you mentioning your moms formula with your Dads clothes before.

{{{Mom of sparky823}}}

Love your mom, sparky! She could be from outer eastern Oxydolistan, but doesn't matter; that is Yankee ingenuity.

And, mamapinki0, indeed the PERC is nasty stuff. Read about it, everyone.

I used to read a lot more technical and sci & medical material. IIRC, PERC is a carcinogen. I never get anything dry cleaned these days and I'm not sure that it's is still in use. Dry cleaners now must have an enclosed, recycling-reuse set up.

If I were to get something like my Hudson Bay blanket (100% wool) dry cleaned, I would only drive it home in a vehicle with all the windows and the roof window opened and the cabin air open to fresh air and the fan on full blast, cold, no heat. Once home, I'd hang it outside for a fat two days with a stiff wi d blowing through it. IIRC, brain cancer is not foreign to those working in "dry cleaning."

Diesel is another animal, like 90wt gear lube, takes a lot to get rid of that smell, a lot more than gasoline.

anneliese32 - I'm one who said "throw them away." Why? Because why bother? I have a plethora of "yard clothes" and "work clothes" so when they get gross/nasty I just pitch them. :)

Update from friend --- My suggestion of soaking in a bucket didn't remove the gas smell. He hung the clothes and towel used to clean up outside for most of the week as he was busy. The smell was totally gone with no evidence of the mishap. The clothes smelled as if they had been freshly washed. He washed everything in hot water with a powder and all is good as new. No smell in washer.

He says thanks for your help and he is happy he didn't have to toss the jeans particularly.

NICE!!! I was one that suggested to toss which is what I'd do.

Good. Dolly! I'm happy to hear back from you. So, unbelievably!? Just rinsing them and hanging them outside got rid of most of the stink and odor? Great!

Mamapinky, I am a "practical" Yankee. I confess that we buy used washers ($150) and keep them until they can no longer be repaired (30 years).

Our current washer is a simple Kenmore. White, near new. $100 and fit in car. It swishes clothes around. Hot or Cold wash. Cold rinse only.

Don't think that I'm not envious of people with those handsome front-loading machines on pedestals with a window to view laundry dropping to and fro. I seriously find that nearly as relaxing (watching the laundry through the round, front washer window) as looking at fish in a tank.

We have ample spring (deep well) water that gets filtered after use., and returned to its original source. We can use all the water we want, never run out (430' deep well).

But, still, I have fond memories of watching laundry fall-through-sudsy-water through the front load window of our old (?) Bendix machine. Call me a cheap date, ;)

i also am entertained by running lengths of test fabric through a fast vintage, all-metal sewing machine with an even, quality stitch. Maybe I have an autism gene someplace. I do marvel at well-engineered, well made machinery. It's beautiful to me.

I like solving problems and admire others with problem solving skills. So, mamapinky, your stellar laundry skills have not gone un-noticed.

Q: can you tell me why every shirt, Tee, or top I wear gets slopped up and stained with whatever it is I eat, drink, slurp or look at? I'm considering buying only complicated paisleys to help hide the spilled coffee, drops of berry jam, blob-stains of grease or oil. I truly try my best to be careful and aware. Maybe I should wear a bib? Sigh.

After the airing ....there was no gas smell. Not even a hint of gas... articles actually smelled fresh.

As for the stains a bib is wonderful. I confess I am messy when eating in front of the TV which I do often. Solution for me is either a tea towel or microfiber cloth used as a bib. Beats getting stains on my favorite tops and easier to clean towels.

Petalique, LOL... it sounds like you suffer from the same syndrome as me.** missing our mouth** LOL.

I LOVE old washers..OMG....I would LOVE LOVE LIVE to have a old Bendix. That is a dream machine. You have no reason to be envious of front loaders...some of the best washers ever to be manufactured are the older ones.

When I got my first front loader 2 yea rs ago I pulled a chair up and watched the action. Course there's no running lights so once the machine starts you can't see thru the glass so I got myself a powerful light on a elastic headband..lol. I often still watch the washer action. ..its my soap opera. **As the washer spins**

Sorry I can't solve your problem with your shirt stains however I could tell you how to remove them. Haha

Maybe you are like me, missing my teeth. Messy, messy, messy

petallique, I started having the problem and realized I'd gotten lazy and had stopped bending at the waist to lean over the table when eating. If you do that, anything that falls winds up back on the plate or in the bowl.

fordtech, missing teeth can be easily replaced, any number of ways.

Funny -- I'll have to pay more careful attention. Maybe I'm too hungry. Maybe I need a larger spoon or fork. Things splash or drip.

I've noticed that celebrity chefs often hold a cupped hand beneath their tasting fork. What truly amazes me is how so many do not wear aprons. Some even have long sleeves barely missing the food. Sometimes their hair is hanging over their face. That would make me bonkers. I need shirtsleeves and hair kept out of my way. I don't want any rings or bangles around either. But those cooking programs often seem very loose with hygiene.

Maybe some day I will open up an album of stained this or that. Perhaps mamapinky could offer me tips. Right now I'm limited to using Oxyclean-like stuff for pigmented stains ("spots" sounds dainty), and "Shout" type treatment for oil-content spots. I had a wonderful boyfriend once who was a Mr. Stay-Press and no spilled coffee or soda on his shirts. We had to break up.

Petalique, WOW, this is the first thread I have read with you commenting and I love it. Fun, knowledge, opinions and laughs, Fantastique! I hope to read lots more from you.

May not be the problem but look at your lower lip. You may have a deep crease in it.

Maifleur made me run to the mirror. No deep lip crease on me..and no hole. HAHA

Lucky you mamapinky. Each year when my lips become chapped it becomes deeper.