Removing kerosene from clothes can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can effectively eliminate both the stain and the odor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Ventilating and Preparing the Garment
Before you start treating the kerosene-stained clothing, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. If possible, do this step outdoors.
– Take the affected clothing outside to air out.
– Blot any excess kerosene with paper towels or a clean rag, taking care not to spread the stain further.
Step 2: Absorbing the Kerosene
Once you’ve removed the excess liquid, it’s time to absorb as much of the kerosene as possible.
– Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder on the stain.
– Let the absorbent sit on the stain for at least 15-20 minutes.
– Carefully brush the powder off the clothing, and shake out any loose particles.
Step 3: Pre-Treating the Stain
Now, focus on pre-treating the stain to break down the kerosene.
– Apply a grease-fighting dish soap or laundry pre-treatment product directly to the stained area.
– Gently rub the soap into the fabric with an old toothbrush.
– Let the treatment sit for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Washing the Garment
The next step is to wash the garment using the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric.
– Check the garment’s care label to find out the highest permissible water temperature.
– Fill a basin with hot water and add a heavy-duty laundry detergent that contains enzymes, which can break down oils.
– Submerge the garment in the water and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 5: Rinsing and Checking for Odors
After soaking, check the garment for any remaining smell of kerosene.
– Rinse the garment thoroughly in hot water.
– Sniff the garment to check for remaining kerosene odor.
– If the odor persists, repeat the above steps or try soaking the garment in a mixture of vinegar and water (one part vinegar to three parts water) for an hour, which can help neutralize odors.
Step 6: Final Wash and Air Dry
When you are satisfied that the stain and odor are gone, it’s time to give the garment a final wash.
– Wash the garment in the washing machine on a regular cycle with hot water and your regular laundry detergent.
– Once the cycle is finished, check the garment again for any remaining smell before drying.
– If the kerosene odor is gone, hang the garment outside to air dry. Avoid using a clothes dryer until you are certain the kerosene and odor have been completely removed, as kerosene is flammable.
Additional Tips:
- Always wear gloves when handling kerosene-stained clothing to protect your skin.
- Never mix cleaning products, as this can create dangerous fumes or reactions.
- If the clothing is heavily soiled or if you can’t remove the odor, you may need to dispose of it safely.
- Do not put other clothes in the wash with the kerosene-stained clothing to avoid transferring the smell or stain to other items.
By following these steps, you should be able to remove kerosene from your clothes successfully. However, if the garment holds sentimental or significant value, and you’re unsure about treating it yourself, consider consulting a professional cleaner.