When you get gasoline on your skin, it evaporates, leaving behind a smelly, oily residue. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause mild skin irritation. It's important not to place your hands near an open flame, such as a lighter or match, until the gas is completely off them. Although it may be a little difficult to get rid of the odor, you can do it using one or more techniques.
- Immediately after you notice the smell, wash your hands with lukewarm, soapy water to prevent skin irritation. Use a gentle, nonabrasive dish-washing soap, hand soap or bath bar soap. Work the soap into a lather all over your hands, scrubbing the skin under and around your nails as well.
- If you still smell gasoline on your hands after washing them with soap, mix a few drops of vanilla extract with water and rub it into your hands to reduce or eliminate the smell.
- Pour a small amount of distilled white vinegar into the palm of your hand and rub it into your skin for up to 45 seconds before washing it off with warm, soapy water. Vinegar is nontoxic.
- Create a gentle, odor-removing solution by combining one part baking soda with three parts water in a bowl. Stir the mixture into a paste, then massage it into your hands for about one minute. Rinse off the paste with warm, soapy water and repeat the process as necessary until the odor is gone.
Tips
You also may try mixing rubbing alcohol or lemon juice with water if you don't have vanilla extract.