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Reputation: 2677

Got any tips for getting the smell of gasoline off skin/hands?

I've been having some fuel-related engine trouble on my boat. And after spending the last few days screwing around with fuel filters, fuel lines, fuel pumps, fuel fittings and fuel this and that, I've been coming home smelling like a refinery. My old standby trick has been citrus - rub cut up lemon or orange on the hands and then wash with dish soap, but it's not cutting it this time. It's just making me smell like citrusy gasoline. Anybody know some more effective tricks for getting the smell of gas out of skin?

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  • 2008_0522stuff0016_small
    Reputation: 2052

    GoJo Orange will take even the smell of diesel and old Honda motorcycles out of my hands.

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5 Other Answers

  • Subcultureoftwo_small
    Reputation: 1892

    My two standbys are either vinegar or a baking soda paste.

    I've heard vanilla also works well, but if it doesn't work for you, I'd hate for you to smell like vanilla-gasoline.

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  • Qlandav2ex_small
    Reputation: 4209

    I agree with Griffin that Gojo is a good product for cleaning your hands.

    The problem is, of course, not just the odors but the fact that the compounds have been absorbed into your skin and maybe deeper into your system.


    If you would like some advice for preventing the problem in the first place (without wearing gloves) the Silicone Glove lotion made by Avon will protect your skin from absorbing those fuel and grease compounds and their odors.

    I went to an aviation product show quite a few years ago and there was a manufacturer there that was selling a hand lotion that would protect against caustic chemicals. The presenter at the booth applied a small dollop to his hands and moisturized his hands with it. Afterward he poured a small puddle of 12 molar Sulfuric Acid into the palm of his hand and held it there while talking about the product with no reaction. He then poured it from his hand into a small beaker and added some metal strips that the acid then immediately dissolved. Impressive!

    I went searching for that or something similar and found this product called Invisible Gloves. It is not exactly what I had seen before but sounds very effective. Might be a good product to have on hand for those times when you need to get into those engine and fuel system repair chores.

    The Gloves in a Bottle lotion I have used and is good for protecting you from those hydrocarbon smells.  

    Here is another similar product to the first one.

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  • Photo_on_2012-01-03_at_17
    Reputation: 628

    Get yourself some Goop. Seriously. It has a funny name, but it works great!

    http://goophandcleaner.com/

     

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  • Spaceship_small
    Reputation: 1812

    Time and continual use of your hands, to wear away those skin cells that have been coated with the gas.

    Seriously, routine hand washing through the next several hours (not constant) will help... but look to your clothes (sleeves, cuffs) as being soaked culprets also.

    I second the notion of baking soda paste, but I would caution you not to try it with vinegar in the same effort.

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  • 11443802614723fe566385e_small
    Reputation: 1178

    Lava Soap works quite well for getting gas and other oily stuff off the hands.

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