Thank goodness I wasn't driving my bimmer when I went to fill the gas can up so I could mow the lawn. Instead I took the 'ol trusty workhorse....the Honda.

Anyways, filled the gas can, put the cap on and secured the tank in the trunk between a case of bottled waer and a duffle bag. Well, it wasn't secure enough because when I backed into the garage I could smell the gas. Opened the trunk and the can was on it's side. :eek: Must have leaked a quart or so of gas into the trunk liner that hides the spare.

:help Million $dollar$ question......what's the best trick to lose the gas fumes? I sprinkled some baking soda onto the carpet liner and into the spare tire well for the time being. I didn't want to waterlog the fiberboard by drenching it with water.

Thanks in advance for any tips you might have.

I'd leave the trunk open in a well ventilated space. Gasoline evaporates very quickly so if you just leave the trunk open it might go away over time. You might try putting some fans on it to speed up the process. Others might have other ideas as far as ways to get the smell out completely.

I agree, ventilating it would be the quickest. Aside from lighting a match. :) I don't know, a bottle of Febreeze might help.

Thanks Renegade and 96INF. I'm likin' the Fabreeze thing as a counter-measure against the gas smell if my other due diligence doesn't pay off.

Ride on!

I had an accident like that with my 4Runner. I removed and hosed down all the carpets I could, then dropped the tailgate and hosed it out from the inside.

This sounds wierd, but when i get it on my hands, I use lemon juice to subdue the smell. It's worked for me. Maybe you can mix a 50/50 mix with water and a spray bottle. Plus it'll leave you with a lemon fresh smell.

ES

Get a can of denatured alcohol and spray off the gas w/ that.

Actually I dunno if that will work, but its properties allow it to clear debris and evap really really fast. Works on cellphones and stuff.

Be very, very careful combining denatured alcohol and gasoline. Both are pretty combustive.

I had this happen to a old car, and repetitive carpet shampooing/ventilating finally got it out.

just leave the trunk open in a well ventilated place like said before. besides that i guess febreeze and maybe oust or something are your best bets

I think lighting a match is the only option available, oh and make sure you lock yourself in the trunk when you do so.

Jk...(obviously?)

Yeah ventilating it would be a good idea, don't do it in the garage though (if you have one), park it outside in the sun for a day and let it evaporate thoroughly. I'd take out the loose pieces that were contaminated and if it won't be damaged, give them a good cleaning and let them dry. Maybe you could try those deer hunting sprays that de-odorize hunters, donno if that will work though.

Or you could try sniffing it out.

If you're like me you won't need to do anything at all. I love that smell.