How To Get Kerosene Out Of Carpet? [A Step-by-step Guide]

Having a carpet in the house flooring or car flooring is great. It enhances the aesthetic value of the space as well as adds protection to the base floor. But what if you spill some kerosene on the carpet accidentally? Undoubtedly, that mess is nasty and difficult to handle. However, it’s effortless to deal with it if you know how to get kerosene out of the carpet.

Cleaning kerosene on the carpet may sound impossible. Removing greasy liquid like kerosene absorbed by the carpet fibers should not be easy, right? Well, it may not be easy, but it is not impossible. With the right tools and technique, you can leave your carpet clean as if there was no kerosene. But for that, you need to know the tricks. 

So if you have spilled kerosene on the carpet and are searching the internet to find a solution, you are in the right place. I will talk about getting kerosene out of the carpet in this article. Let’s start then!

7 Steps To Get Kerosene Out Of Carpet: Know The Complete Process

Basically, what you need to do is to soak up the kerosene from the carpet. But obviously, it doesn’t end here, as you also need to clean the spots and odor from the spilled kerosene. Also, you better clean as soon as you spill the kerosene. Otherwise, the oil can get deep into the carpet fibers, making them stiff and smelly. 

Now, let’s go step by step to clean kerosene out of a carpet effectively: 

Step 1: Prepare For The Cleaning

First, ventilate the area well by opening the windows and ventilators. This will evaporate the kerosene odor quickly as well as help the carpet dry out fast. So ventilation is the first thing to do.

Next, arrange your supplies for cleaning. Here is a list of items you need to clean kerosene from the carpet: 

• Dishwashing liquid;
• Baking soda;
• Dry cleaning solvent;
• White vinegar;
• Sponge;
• Clean towels;
• Paper towels;
• Vacuum cleaner;
• Face mask; 
• Hand gloves. 

These are the materials that you need to clean the carpet with kerosene. 

Step 2: Cover Around The Affected Area With Paper Towels

Kerosene can easily spread around the area on the carpet where the kerosene has fallen. And if it goes across the fibers, you will need to work on a bigger area. So first, you need to stop the kerosene from spreading across the carpet. 

For that, put paper towels around the spilled area. Next, create a border with paper towels to cover the areas around the affected part. The paper towel will immediately soak up the kerosene that may spread into the carpet. 

Step 3: Spread Baking Soda On The Kerosene

Washing off kerosene from the carpet is just not possible. Removing oil by washing is not an effective method. The right method is to soak up the oil from the carpet. And for that, you need an oil absorbent such as baking soda. Note that baking soda also removes the kerosene odor after several applications. 

Sprinkle enough baking soda on the spilled area to cover it fully. Now, wait 20 to 30 minutes for the baking soda to work on the kerosene. 

Step 4: Clean Up The Soda

For removing baking soda from the carpet, don’t use any broom to sweep it away because the powder will remain on the carpet. So to clean up baking soda from the carpet, vacuum the carpet. This will remove the baking soda residues as well as blow away the oily kerosene. 

Step 5: Dry Clean The Affected Area

Even if you remove kerosene from the carpet, it will still show stubborn stains. And cleaning the stain is one of the toughest tasks. But dry cleaning the area can give you a good result. I haven’t found anything better than this so far to remove the kerosene stains. 

Take a white towel and put a teaspoon of dry cleaning solvent on it. Then press it on the stained area and blot up the stain. You may need to do this several times to clear the stain completely. 

Step 6: Clean The Area Thoroughly

So far, you have done things to remove the kerosene and its stain. But now is the turn to clean the carpet deeply. This should be done as oil residues can make the fibers stiff and sticky. Also, the final trace of kerosene and stain should be removed. 

Mix a tsp of dishwashing liquid and a tsp of white vinegar in two cups of lukewarm water. Now soak up a sponge in this mixture and slowly rub and blot the area. Next, clean the sponge in water and repeat it to clean the affected area thoroughly. This should remove the oily layers and the odor. 

Step 7: Dry The Carpet

So the basic cleaning steps are done. Now you have to dry the affected area on the carpet. 

To do so, soak up the extra liquid from the carpet by placing a towel on it for an hour. Then you can use a hairdryer to make the carpet fibers feathery and soft again. 

3 Steps To Remove Kerosene Odor Out Of Carpet: 

Even if you clean the carpet thoroughly, the kerosene odor may stay. This is because kerosene has a strong smell that doesn’t get off the carpet or the room easily. But you know I like the smell of kerosene! Okay, jokes apart, you will need to do something extra for kerosene smell removal from the carpet. 

Here are 3 steps to remove kerosene odor from the carpet: 

Step 1: Spread Baking Soda or Coffee Powder

After the basic cleaning that you have done before, you can treat the area once again to remove the odor. For this treatment, you can use either baking soda or coffee powder. Both are excellent agents to make the carpet fresh-smelling. 

Spread any of these on the affected area. Use enough to cover the area. Now let it work over the area overnight. 

Step 2: Vacuum And Repeat

The next morning, vacuum the area thoroughly to remove the remains of baking soda or coffee. If you need a better result, apply baking soda or coffee to it again and leave it overnight. 

Vacuum the carpet the next morning. 

Step 3: Blot And Dry The Area

In the end, use a towel wet with vinegar. Then blot the area a few times. This will enhance the smell of the carpet and also clean the area thoroughly. 

Then air-dry the carpet or use a dryer to make the carpet fresh-smelling and feathery. 

There are some ways to remove the odor too. You can mix a few drops of orange juice or vanilla essence with water in a spraying bottle. Now spray this on the affected area and blot it up. This will give an incredibly fresh-smelling carpet. 

Use Cleaning Agents To Clean Kerosene Out Of Carpet: Some Magic Agents

So far, you have learned quite a lot about how to get kerosene out of the carpet. But you should also know about some magic agents that are effective on kerosene on the carpet. In fact, these are the agents that you can find in your storeroom or kitchen. This means you can take fast action if kerosene is spilled on the carpet. 

Take note of these magic agents so you can clean kerosene faster: 

Baking Soda: 

Yes, we have already talked about the uses of baking soda. But it is worth mentioning again. Baking soda is what works best to remove oil from any surface. It simply absorbs the oil from the deep of the carpet that any scrubbing or washing can’t do. 

Using baking soda on the affected area after the general cleaning will do the miracle of removing the stain and odor. It also kills germs. Leave the baking soda overnight on the carpet and vacuum it the next day. You can repeat this for the best result. 

White Vinegar: 

White vinegar is another popular agent for cleaning surfaces. But it is equally effective on kerosene on the carpet. Initially, you must blot the area with a towel wet with white vinegar. Do this three to four times, and then gently rub it. 

For rubbing, use a solution of lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid. Now gently rub the affected area with a sponge or a soft brush. Be very gentle so that the carpet fibers don’t get damaged. Next, blot up the area with a towel and dry it properly. 

Potato Peel Extract: 

Potato peels are known for removing dark circles. But it can also remove kerosene stains from a carpet. And for that, you need to boil the potato peels and use that extract. 

Wet a sponge with the extract and gently rub the area. Next, blot up the surface and leave it to dry completely. This will remove the stains and also soak up the kerosene. 

Vodka: 

Vodka is another excellent magic agent for cleaning kerosene from the carpet. It not only removes kerosene and stains but also makes the carpet fresh-smelling. So if you have a bottle of vodka on the table, just use it!

Just spray vodka on the affected area and leave it to dry. You can spray a little more vodka if the stain is heavy and blot it up. Then dry it well to get a fresh and clean carpet. 

So you can use any of these agents to clean kerosene from the carpet. 

How to Clean up Kerosene Spill on Carpet?

Cleaning up a kerosene spill on a carpet can be tricky, but it’s important to act quickly. First, ensure safety by ventilating the area and keeping away from open flames or sparks. Then, blot the spill with paper towels or clean rags to absorb as much liquid as possible. 

Next, mix a solution of one part dish soap and ten parts water, and gently blot the stained area, working from the outside in. Avoid scrubbing, as it may spread the stain. Rinse with clean water and blot again.

If the stain remains, you may need to consult a professional carpet cleaner. Be cautious, as kerosene is flammable, and proper disposal of cleaning materials is crucial.

How to Get Kerosene Smell Out of Carpet?

Removing the strong kerosene odor from a carpet is a process that requires patience and effective odor-neutralizing methods. First, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air in. To tackle the odor directly, generously sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, as it can absorb and neutralize the smell. 

For further odor reduction, mix white vinegar and water in equal parts and gently blot the carpet. The vinegar’s natural deodorizing properties can be beneficial. Additionally, consider placing activated charcoal or odor-absorbing sachets nearby to aid in absorbing lingering odors over time. 

If the odor persists, professional carpet cleaning services specializing in odor removal may provide the most effective solution, ensuring a fresh and kerosene smell out of carpet.

How to Get kerosene Stains Out of Carpet?

When tackling kerosene stains on a carpet, a rapid response is vital. Begin by promptly blotting the area with clean, white paper towels or cloth to absorb as much kerosene as possible, being cautious not to rub and worsen the stain. Isolate the affected area to prevent further spread. 

Employ an absorbent material like baking soda or cornstarch to sit on the stain, allowing it to absorb any remaining kerosene. Proceed with gentle blotting using fresh cloths or paper towels, repeating as necessary until the stain vanishes. 

Utilize a mild dish soap and water solution for further cleaning, followed by a rinse with clean water. Ensure thorough air drying to eliminate any lingering kerosene or detergent. In cases of stubborn stains or persistent odors, professional carpet cleaning might be the most effective solution.

Best Way to Get Kerosene Out of Carpet?

When dealing with a kerosene spill on a carpet, a swift and strategic response is crucial. Begin by promptly blotting the area to remove as much of the liquid as possible, taking care not to rub and spread the kerosene. Then, isolate the affected area to prevent further contamination. 

Apply an absorbent material like baking soda or cornstarch to the stain, allowing it to sit and soak up the remaining kerosene. Afterward, gently blot the area using clean cloths or paper towels, repeating as necessary until the stain is no longer visible. Use a mild dish soap and water solution for further cleaning and blotting, followed by a rinse with clean water. 

Complete the process by allowing the carpet to air dry thoroughly, ensuring no traces of kerosene or detergent remain. For stubborn stains or lingering odors, professional carpet cleaning may be the best solution.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

How To Remove Dried Kerosene?

Kerosene does not evaporate or dry easily. Ensuring kerosene is cleaned up as soon as it spills is important to prevent further damage to your carpet, fabric, and so on. To do this, place paper towels to soak up excess kerosene. Pour baking soda over the entire area and vacuum it properly. 

After vacuuming the area properly, take the fabric or carpet for dry cleaning. Lastly, rinse the carpet with dishwashing soap and lukewarm water and dry the carpet. 

How Long Does Kerosene Smell Last?

Kerosene has a very unique and strong smell. But, unfortunately, it is dangerous to the health as well. And on top of that, the scent lasts for a long time if not appropriately treated. The pungent odor of kerosene from oil lamps lasts for about 45 to 60 minutes. 

However, if the odor gets trapped inside the house, it can last several days. So make sure to open your windows and turn fans on to get rid of the smell faster. 

How Do You Get Rid Of Kerosine Smell In Carpet? 

If the smell of kerosene is bothering you, there are a lot of ways to neutralize the smell. Treat the area with oil-cutting soap or cleaner and warm water as a first approach. For carpets, use a sponge to blot them up. Besides, putting lemon or orange juice in the area can cut off the smell of kerosene.

Apart from these, Vanilla essence fairly removes the smell of kerosene. Finally, baking soda and vinegar easily neutralize the kerosene smell by absorbing it. So these are some ways of neutralizing the smell of kerosene. 

How To Clean Up Kerosene Spill On Wood? 

In order to clean up spilled kerosene on wood, you will have to work fast. This is because the kerosene smell harms health, and the substance can cause damage to the surface. So first, pour a decent amount of baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. 

You can also rely on cornstarch instead of baking soda. Once the product absorbs the kerosene, remove it properly with a damp towel or vacuum the area. Lastly, wipe the entire area with a damp cloth.

How Long Does It Take For Kerosene To Evaporate?

Spilled kerosene won’t evaporate easily from any surface. It is extremely thick and oily, so it may take months to evaporate if left untreated. On carpets, it is almost impossible for kerosene to evaporate. Rather it mixes with the carpet fibers and makes them stiff and greasy.

So cleaning and treating the carpet with the right agent can only remove kerosene. You need to treat the surface well and clean the kerosene. Otherwise, it won’t evaporate just like that. 

What Does Kerosene Smell Like?

Kerosene has a strong and pungent smell. The odor of kerosene is quite similar to diesel or heating oil. And this pungent smell is quite harmful to our health. The odor takes a long time to go away and typically lasts for several days if it spills into a closed or trapped area. 

There is no specific⁽¹⁾ kerosene odor eliminator. If kerosene spills in your home by accident, open all windows and turn fans on. To get rid of the kerosene smell, allow the odor to escape. Otherwise, it can cause several health problems.

How Do You Remove Kerosene Stains? 

Kerosene stains are quite difficult to remove. This is because oil doesn’t get off the surface easily. But there are ways to clean kerosene stains from the carpet or any other surface. 

Mix 2 cups of lukewarm water, 1 tsp dishwashing liquid, and a tsp of vinegar. Now wet a sponge in it and gently rub the affected area. Do this 2- 3 times and clean the sponge in between. In the end, blot the area with the same sponge and leave it to dry. 

Does Kerosene Smell In House Dangerous?

The smell of kerosene inside the house is quite dangerous. A small amount of kerosene or a light smell can cause dizziness, irritability, restlessness, and so on. However, exposure to a large amount of kerosene or breathing in kerosene fumes can result in coma, heart or lung diseases, and many more. 

The mere presence of kerosene inside the house is not dangerous. But if the kerosene spills or comes in contact with your skin, health problems can arise. 

Can You Put A Kerosene Heater On Carpet?

Using a kerosene heater inside your home is completely safe as long as you follow proper safety guidelines. Ensuring that the kerosene oil does not spill out of the heater is a must to prevent accidents. And putting the kerosene heater on the carpet is quite dangerous as it can catch fire in case the oil spills. 

If you want to use a kerosene heater inside, ensure you are aware of the rules. And keep the heater at a safe distance from carpets or any other fabric. 

How Do You Get Kerosene Out Of Fabric? 

If you have fabric carpet affected with kerosene, here are the steps to treat it: 

• In a bucket of warm water, mix a decent amount of oil-cutting detergent;
• Dip a soft toothbrush in this mixture and scrub the affected area gently and slowly in circular motions;
• Repeat this a few times until the kerosene stains disappear; 
• Then rinse off the fabric with water; 
• Leave the fabric to dry; 

That is what you need to do. 

Can you Put a kerosene Heater on the Carpet?

Placing a kerosene heater directly on carpet is strongly discouraged due to various safety hazards. Kerosene heaters generate intense heat and have an open flame, making them a potential fire risk. The heat can scorch or melt the carpet fibers, while any accidental spills or hot embers can quickly ignite the carpet. 

Moreover, kerosene heaters emit potentially harmful fumes that can affect indoor air quality. To ensure safety, it’s advisable to use a non-combustible barrier like a hearth or stove board beneath the heater, providing insulation from the carpet. 

This minimizes the risk of fires, burns, and damage to the carpet while also improving indoor air quality.

Can you Use a kerosene Heater on The Carpet?

Using a kerosene heater on carpet is not recommended due to safety concerns. Kerosene heaters emit high levels of heat and have an open flame, which poses several risks.The intense heat can damage or scorch the carpet, and any accidental spills of kerosene or hot embers could ignite the carpet fibers, leading to a fire hazard.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to kerosene fumes in an enclosed space can be harmful to indoor air quality and health. 

It’s safer to place kerosene heaters on non-combustible surfaces, such as tile, concrete, or a specialized hearth or stove board, to minimize these risks and ensure a safer heating solution.

What can I put Between my kerosene Heater and Carpet?

To protect your carpet from a kerosene heater, it’s essential to use a non-combustible barrier that can withstand the heat. A good option is a specialized hearth or stove board, which is made of fire-resistant materials like cement board, ceramic tile, or tempered glass. 

These boards are designed to provide a safe buffer between the heater and the carpet, reducing the risk of fire hazards. Place the board under the heater, ensuring it extends several inches beyond the heater’s base in all directions. 

This setup not only safeguards your carpet but also enhances safety, ensuring that any accidental spills or hot embers are less likely to cause damage or fires.

Final Thoughts: 

I included the best tricks and steps for getting kerosene out of the carpet. Besides, I have discussed solutions for removing kerosene stains and odor. So what else is bothering you? You have all the answers in your hand.  

Time for some action!

References

1. 5 Quick Ideas: How to Get Rid of Kerosene Smell. (2022, April 7). World Sustainable. Retrieved December 28, 2022, from https://worldsustainable.org/how-to-get-rid-of-kerosene-smell/