Gas Fumes in the Garage and What to Do About Them
One of the last things you want in your garage is the strong smell of gasoline, especially if the fumes and the smell are wafting into the interior of your home.
If you have this problem, the first thing to do is locate the source of the leaking gasoline in the garage, and there are several possible culprits.
Sources of the Gasoline Smell
Cars and Trucks
The most obvious source of the smell in the garage is the vehicle or vehicles parked in there. To see if there’s a leak, carefully examine the area around the gas gap for any dampness.
Next, get under the vehicle to check for a leak in the gas tank or the fuel line running out of the tank.
If you detect a leak, do not try to fix it. Repairing a gasoline leak is not a DIY kind of job. Take the vehicle to the dealer for the needed leak repair work.
Other Vehicles
These would include motor scooters, motorcycles, ATVs, and the like. As with your car or truck, carefully examine the fuel tank and fuel line of each one. And again, if a leak is detected, do not try to repair it yourself. Take it to the appropriate shop for the repair work.
Lawn Mowers and Landscape Equipment
If you’re using gasoline-powered lawn equipment, check these for leaks and take them to the shop for repairs.
You’re no doubt fueling this equipment using a tank that you fill at a gas station. Check the vents used to make pouring easier and make sure they’re closed. If it’s leaking, safely dispose of it and buy a new one.
Steps to Remove the Smell
Stated simply, we recommend several things to deal with the odor issue, such as cat litter, baking soda, dish detergent, pine disinfectant, and better ventilation.
Cat Litter
If you have had a gasoline leak, cat litter is one of the most effective ways of getting rid of the smell. Pour the litter liberally on the garage floor where the gas spill occurred and let it sit for at least a couple of hours to absorb the gasoline. Then sweep it up and dispose of it.
However, be sure to check with your local government on the safe and legal way to dispose contaminated litter.
Baking Soda
Make a paste out of baking soda and warm water and apply it to the area where the spill occurred. Let the paste dry and then sweep it away.
Dish Detergent
Use a type of detergent that’s designed for grease removal. Spread it over the affected area, add water, and scrub. Then use rags to dry the area.
Pine-scented Disinfectant
Mix the disinfectant and water in a bucket and spread it over the smelly area. Scrub with a brush and dry with rags. This kind of disinfectant is very effective in removing odors, but you’ll have to put up with a strong pine smell for several days. But that’s better than the smell of gasoline!
Improved Garage Ventilation
If the gasoline odor lingers despite your best efforts to eliminate it, the next step may well be to contact a home-improvement contractor who can recommend ways to improve garage ventilation to get rid of the lingering smell. For good measure, make sure any doors leading from the garage into your house are well sealed to keep fumes out of the living areas of your home.
Repair and Replacement from Robert’s Garage Door Professional
No, we don’t do garage remodeling, but anything else you may need for your garage – from replacing broken springs to repairing or replacing your residential or commercial garage door – we can do for you at Robert’s Garage Door Professionals.
And our garage door specialists are always available for emergency services, 24/7. So, whatever the time, whatever the day of the week, call the experts at Robert’s Garage Door Professionals, and we’ll be right over to assist you!
