Getting rid of diesel smell in carpet.

[Derek Rowell]

We had a small problem yesterday. I had a can of diesel in the back of Marge's SUV as we went down to the boat. It fell over somewhere along the trip, and leaked about 1/2 gal on to the rear edge of the carpet. Unfortuately, the carpet cannot be removed completely, but we were able to roll it partially from the back and soak/squeegee/wipe 99.9% of the diesel out. The under layer (padding) was soaked. I used the bilge "diapers" sandwiched in the layers to soak up whatever was still in the carpet overnight. The problem is of course the remaining smell in the car.We are about to start surgery this afternoon. We bought some new padding this morning and will cut out and replace the affected part. We will use detergent and scrub the carpet and then use a wet-dry vac to dry it out. Any suggestions on what to do about any lingering smell after that? Baking soda? Febreeze?Thanks,Derek

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

You're on the right track

Strong solution of detergent and water..Let it stand about 10 minutes so it can emulsify any remaining oil/diesel. The key is to rinse VERY thoroughly...get ALL of it out. Wet vac to remove as much moisture as possible...let it dry completely before replacing any carpet or padding.If you get it all, you should be ok without doing anything else. Btw...I carry bungee cords in my Explorer to secure small items. And I bought an aftermarket rubber cargo liner for it that has "walls" about 4" high around it. Lets me carry all kinds of dirty stuff--firewood, bushes and plants from the nursery, muddy boots etc--and I've had a spill or two. I just take it out and hose it off. They cost about $50...and are made to fit specific make/model year SUVs. Best $50 I ever spent.

 

[Al Miegel]

What Peggy said and....

Citrus oil based cleaner work very well with diesel and gas. If all else fails try spreading activated charcol on the carpet and let it sit a day or three. You can get it at pet stores that carry supplies for fish tanks.

 

[Pete]

diesel smell

first don't laugh at this idea until you you try it. I fuel oil burner mechanic told me that he used "Right Grard" Yes the deoderant, to get the oder out of his clothes.(the old style in a black and gold spray can)Can't hurt to try,he said it somehow nutralized the fuel oder. For whatever it is worth !

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com]

Tub o' goo

You may think this is hype but this tub o' goo actually works. Its called Air Sponge & it actually absorbs the odors. After you clean the carpet, there will probably still be a lingering smell of diesel (yuck!). Just pop one of these near the spill & it'll soak up the smell. Seriously! We had a small spill in a locker once. Cleaned it spic n' span but it still smelled. Used one of these & the smell went away. It doesn't use perfumes to cover it up either. Here's a link to WM site.

 

[Paul caroli]

White vinegar

A mechanic told me that white vinegar was the only thing to use .....I have had a couple of spills and he was right... so now I wash down the engine compartment on a regular basis