Removing Odor of Gasoline Spill from a Van?

About one gallon of gas spilled over in the back of my van. It soaked through the carpet, padding, and even started to eat the underlayment (maybe the sound barrier), I don't know!

I had to tear out the carpet and pad and wash with Dawn! Is there anything else I can do?

I use my van for taking my three dogs with me; sometimes to the vet!

Help!

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Pghgirl40
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks

August 30, 20180 found this helpful

Have you asked the dealer or mechanic to check it out to make sure there there isn't structure damage to the spill area? I would, just to be safe. They can give you their go to solution for smell removal while you are there.

My go to is to use acitvated charcoal packs to absorb bad smells. Keep the car in a well ventilated space with windows down if feasible! Wishing you an easy solution!

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Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts

August 30, 20180 found this helpful

There is a product called Nok-Out that removes all odors. You can get it at Amazon

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cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

August 31, 20180 found this helpful

First - if you are concerned about the under side of your van (sound-barrier) I would suggest you take it to one of the oil change stations and either get an oil change or just ask them to check this out for you.

These places have either a pit or a lift that gives them access to stand under your van for a good vision of what has taken place (if anything). Or - You should be able to ask at your usual place for oil changes.

Do you mean you have completely removed (and thrown away) your carpet and cleaned the metal with Dawn or do you mean you have washed your carpet and padding with Dawn and replaced?
I think you will need something that will clean the metal before you can replace any carpet and padding or the odor may remain in the cracks/crevasses for a long time.
If you mean you have washed the carpet and padding then you need to be sure the gasoline smell is gone before putting it back in your van.
If you are not sure about the odor, you can put the carpet in a large plastic bag, seal it up and check 24 hours later.
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I'll bet the odor is still very strong. If you have already put it back in your van, then you are probably still smelling the gasoline from the carpet every time you leave the van closed up.
I would suggest you go to an automotive parts store and explain what happened and see what cleaner they recommend for removing gasoline from carpet and metal.
I would be very sure there is good ventilation if you have to carry your dogs to the vet before you find a good solution.

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