How to get rid of gasoline smell

[Dad Joke]

I've bought a boat that *needs work*. One of the fuel tanks has had a gasoline leak for some time. Now with the leaking tank removed, how do I go about getting rid of the lingering gas smell? Naturally my main concern is with soft surfaces. I don't mind replacing the carpet, but I don't want to have to remove the headliner.

Thanks.

[km1125]

I don't think I'd be too concerned with any 'soft surfaces' except those that actually got gasoline spilled on them. A bit of heat and airflow and those ones that did absorb anything will give it back up without taking too long.

[Viper]

Ya airing out will go a long way over time. If you want to speed things up, contact a company that specializes in remediation work after floods, etc. They should have commercial ionizers that will get rid of the odour from soft surfaces. Some carpet cleaning companies may have them as well. I've had that used on some vessels in the past. Used for everything from diesel and gasoline smell to waste, rot, mold smells, etc.

[bud37]

Consider replacing all the wood trays/battery boxes/fuel tank base etc in the bilge area that have come into contact with the water and fuel mix, the wood being old already will probably need replacement anyway.....clean the bilge real good then paint all those areas.The inside areas will need considerable airing out over time.....good luck with your project.

[Phrancus]

Oh dear, a boat 'with work'.......

Here's my experience:

My diesel (different but also smelly) tank is mounted in a way that I cannot remove it (without dismantling half te interior) to clean the surface underneath (which smells due to earlier spills)

If I understand correctly, the source of smell (gasoline) is gone (for the moment) and the smell remains. If this is true, you need to get rid of the odour. (this is relevant: if you don't remove the source, there's no next step).

find some plates (the things you put your food on) and make a nice pile of ground coffee on them, 2 to 4 plates. The coffee absorbs the smell. The boat will smell of coffee too, if you do not like coffee smell: replace interior of boat. (just kidding: after the fuel smell is gone you can ditch the coffee and it's smell will go faster than the fuel smell)

Nevertheless: remove the source of smell: so clean the 'box' where the tank was that smelled. Very, Very, Very clean. Fuel (gas or diesel) is not a friend to the human nostrills.

Close/plug any opening between tank/engine room/whatever smells and the living area. (I know, sounds stupid but with a buring sun on the boat every creak counts)

Gasoline vapourizes, the smell ventilates away. All tricks mentioned are to shorten the period of discomfort.

You may have to think of a way to ventilate the interior during the time spent at the mooring place. I've noticed that (my last century Carver (1992)) that this was not an issue at the time but it is to me: the boat in dock is heating up and has no 'natural' way for hot air to get out of the cabin. Bit of a missed chance as the fly-bridge allows for an exhaust under the cover somehow.

Combine: smelly tank area and no ventilation when it matters that the windows are closed: result = more smellyness.

Invent and realise: extract air from smelly area to outside.

Notwithstanding: take care of the source of foul smells, it will increase the effect of any measures taken...

[Dad Joke]

Thanks, all. I'm very encouraged by these responses.

I've never heard of using coffee grounds, but I'm going to try it. Can I use grounds that have been brewed and dried out?

[Phrancus]

I've used coffee pads; less mess. And a plate with a pile on it.

no, unused, ground coffee. cheapest you can find is fine.

Did help with my pillows, less with the boat but that's because I cannot reach the source of the smell, a project for the winter.

[evelyco]

Many people are wondering how to get gas smell off hands. I know one solution that always helps me. Granulated soap has the same properties as most conventional soaps, but with a lot of physical exfoliating substances. This includes materials such as pumice stone, charcoal, or walnut shells. These materials exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells by friction. This is a great solution for those who want to solve this problem quickly and efficiently, so I recommend it to you. Walking with a foreign smell is not very good, so think about it.