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How do you get kerosene out of a car carpet?

What's the best way to get kerosene out of a car carpet? The smell is terrible and it doesn't seem safe.

avatar
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! The smell of kerosene and gasoline is terrible, so there are a few things you should do.
First, start by opening the windows and airing out your car. Staying in an enclosed space with spilled kerosene can be dangerous.
From there, follow these steps to clean your carpet:
  • Step 1: Remove your carpets and check if kerosene has soaked the padding below. If so, have them professionally cleaned or replaced.
  • Step 2: Blot the area with an absorbent towel. If you use a white towel, you can see the collected kerosene more clearly.
  • Step 3: Continue blotting the area with an oil-specific cleaning product. You can make your own with a 1/4 tablespoon of liquid soap detergent and a cup of warm water.
  • Step 4: Rinse the area with a spray bottle of water and blot it until dry. You should repeat this step until all the soapy residue is gone.
  • Step 5: Let it dry and apply baking soda to the area. Let it sit for a few hours to get rid of any residual smells.
  • Step 6: Vacuum up the baking soda and enjoy your clean carpet!
Remember, kerosene is flammable and toxic. If you spill a large amount in your car, it may be worth
bringing it to a professional
. But if it’s only a small spill, the steps above should work just fine!
If you’re willing to invest all that time in cleaning your car, it may be worth taking a few more minutes to save on car insurance with
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