Diesel fuel has a strong, lingering odor that can be tough to eliminate from clothing. Whether you work with machinery, accidentally spilled diesel at a gas station, or got fuel on your clothes while filling a tank, the resulting smell is one of the most stubborn odors to deal with. Regular laundering alone rarely removes it. The chemical components in diesel penetrate fabric fibers deeply, requiring targeted methods to neutralize both the residue and the scent.
This guide is a comprehensive resource for removing diesel smell from clothes using different proven techniques. Whether you’re dealing with work gear, casual clothing, or even delicate fabrics, this post breaks down multiple solutions that work in different situations. You’ll also learn how to prevent future issues and care for affected clothing properly.
Contents
- Why Diesel Smell Is So Difficult to Remove
- Pre-treatment Steps Before Washing
- Method 1: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Method 2: Use Listerine or Alcohol-Based Mouthwash
- Method 3: Apply Citrus-Based Degreasers
- Method 4: Use Ammonia Soak
- Method 5: Use Pine-Scented Cleaners
- Method 6: Use Coca-Cola
- Method 7: Use Borax in the Wash
- Method 8: Use Enzyme-Based Laundry Additives
- Method 9: Dry Cleaning for Delicate Fabrics
- How to Prevent Diesel Odor from Setting In
- Tips for Aftercare and Storage
- Final Words
Why Diesel Smell Is So Difficult to Remove
The nature of diesel fuel
Diesel is oil-based and contains heavy hydrocarbons that cling tightly to fabrics. These hydrocarbons don’t just coat the fabric—they soak in and bond with fibers, especially in porous or absorbent materials like cotton and fleece. That’s why just using detergent or fabric softener isn’t enough.
Why washing alone doesn’t work
Most laundry detergents are designed to break down water-soluble stains, not oil-based substances. Because diesel is oily, it resists water and detergent alike. Additionally, if you put diesel-stained clothes in a washing machine with other garments, the smell can transfer. That’s why diesel contamination requires special treatment before laundering.
Pre-treatment Steps Before Washing
Step 1: Isolate the diesel-stained clothes
Always separate diesel-contaminated clothing from your regular laundry. This prevents the diesel smell from spreading to other garments and even into the washing machine drum.
Step 2: Blot the area (if fresh)
If the diesel stain is fresh, blot it immediately with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much fuel as possible. Do not rub, as this pushes the diesel deeper into the fabric.
Step 3: Pre-soak with a degreasing agent
Diesel is oil-based, so it responds well to degreasers. You can soak the garment in a bucket with warm water mixed with a degreasing product like dishwashing liquid (unscented or lightly scented). Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before moving on to cleaning.
Method 1: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Why it works
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes strong smells, while vinegar cuts through oils and helps lift diesel residue from the fabric.
How to use this method
- Fill a bucket or sink with warm water.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda.
- Soak the garment for at least one hour (overnight is better for stronger odors).
- Rinse thoroughly before washing.
This method is especially effective on cotton and polyester clothing.
Method 2: Use Listerine or Alcohol-Based Mouthwash
Why it works
Mouthwash contains alcohol and antibacterial properties, which help break down diesel compounds and eliminate odors.
How to use this method
- Mix one cup of alcohol-based mouthwash into a gallon of water.
- Submerge the clothing and soak for 30–60 minutes.
- Rinse well and proceed to launder the garment.
Make sure to use a clear mouthwash to avoid dye transfer.
Method 3: Apply Citrus-Based Degreasers
Why it works
Citrus-based cleaners break down oil and grease effectively, and their natural scent helps counteract diesel odor.
How to use this method
- Spray or pour the degreaser directly onto the stained area.
- Let it sit for 15–30 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush.
- Rinse well and then soak in warm water before washing.
Use gloves while handling strong degreasers to protect your skin.
Method 4: Use Ammonia Soak
Why it works
Ammonia neutralizes heavy odors and breaks down petroleum-based substances.
How to use this method
- Fill a large container or sink with warm water.
- Add ½ cup of clear household ammonia.
- Soak the garment for 1 hour (ensure the area is well-ventilated).
- Rinse thoroughly and wash with detergent in hot water.
Do not mix ammonia with bleach under any circumstances due to toxic fumes.
Method 5: Use Pine-Scented Cleaners
Why it works
Pine oil cuts through grease and adds a strong masking scent that helps cover diesel smell during and after treatment.
How to use this method
- Add one cup of pine cleaner to a basin of warm water.
- Soak the clothing for 1–2 hours.
- Wash the garment alone in the machine with hot water.
This method is best used for durable workwear or outdoor gear.
Method 6: Use Coca-Cola
Why it works
Coca-Cola’s acidic formula and carbonation help loosen oil-based stains and remove odors.
How to use this method
- Pour two cans of Coca-Cola into a large basin or washing machine drum.
- Add the clothing and fill with warm water.
- Let soak for 2–3 hours, then wash as normal.
It’s surprisingly effective and safe for most types of fabric.
Method 7: Use Borax in the Wash
Why it works
Borax boosts laundry detergent’s power and neutralizes odors from fuels and oils.
How to use this method
- Add ½ cup of borax to your washing machine along with detergent.
- Use hot water if the fabric allows.
- Run an extended wash cycle.
Repeat if necessary for stronger odors.
Method 8: Use Enzyme-Based Laundry Additives
Why it works
Enzymes break down organic and hydrocarbon-based residues that traditional detergents miss.
How to use this method
- Mix enzyme cleaner or booster with your detergent.
- Wash the diesel-stained clothing in warm or hot water.
- Allow the garment to air dry first before determining if a second wash is needed.
This is ideal for clothes that can’t handle scrubbing or aggressive chemicals.
Method 9: Dry Cleaning for Delicate Fabrics
Why it works
Professional dry cleaning uses specialized solvents that remove oil-based contaminants, including diesel.
When to choose this method
- For wool, silk, or delicate synthetics.
- When home remedies have failed.
- For items labeled “dry clean only.”
Be upfront with your cleaner about the diesel contamination so they can treat it accordingly.
How to Prevent Diesel Odor from Setting In
Act fast
The longer diesel sits in the fabric, the more deeply it seeps into fibers. Immediate blotting and pre-treatment greatly improve your chances of complete odor removal.
Avoid heat drying
Never put diesel-scented clothes in a dryer before you’re certain the smell is gone. Heat can bake the odor into the fabric permanently.
Store separately
Keep diesel-exposed clothes away from clean laundry and shoes. This prevents cross-contamination of odor.
Tips for Aftercare and Storage
- Always hang treated clothing in fresh air to dry.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling diesel-stained clothes.
- Keep affected clothing in sealed plastic bags or bins until treated.
- Run an empty wash cycle with vinegar and baking soda to clean your washer after handling diesel-stained items.
Final Words
Removing diesel smell from clothes can be frustrating, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach. From household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda to more targeted solutions like citrus degreasers and enzyme cleaners, there are plenty of ways to tackle even the strongest odors. Always act quickly, pre-treat before washing, and never use heat until the smell is fully gone.
With these different methods at your disposal, you don’t have to toss your favorite work shirt or jacket because of a diesel mishap. Instead, you can restore freshness and extend the life of your clothing—one treatment at a time.