Remove diesel fuel from clothing by pretreating with a solvent-based stain remover or concentrated liquid detergent. Wash clothes in hot water. If the stain or odor is not removed, soak the clothes in a baking soda and water solution, then rewash. Once the odor has been removed, the item can be dried.
- Pretreat the diesel stain
Prepare clothing for the wash by applying a petroleum distillate-based stain remover directly on the stain. Scrub with a disposable sponge to loosen oils. Allow the solution to soak into the stain for several minutes. If a solvent-based cleaner is unavailable, treat the stain with concentrated liquid detergent.
- Wash the clothing
Place clothes in an empty washing machine. Wash them with the hottest water allowed based on fabric type. Do not add other clothing items into the machine.
- Review the washed clothes
After the washing cycle is complete, review the clothing. Do not dry the clothes if the odor or stain is not eliminated.
- Soak clothes in baking soda
If diesel odor or stains are not eliminated, pour 1 cup of baking soda into a bucket of water. Submerge the clothing, and allow it to rest for several minutes.
- Send clothes through an additional wash cycle
After soaking, wash the clothes as normal.
- Dry clothes
When the diesel odor and stain is removed, dry clothing according to fabric requirements.
