What happens if you spill lighter fluid?

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Lighter fluid and other types of fuels can have a very pungent smell. If you accidentally spill lighter fluid on clothes, carpet or other fabric, it can be difficult to remove the smell completely. In some cases, the smell may appear to be gone, only to return later during warmer weather.

Índice Show

Things You Will Need
The Drip Cap
What you will need
Steps to Clean
What should you do if you spill lighter fluid?
Is lighter fluid harmful to humans?
Does spilled lighter fluid evaporate?
Is lighter fluid flammable after it dries?

Spilled lighter fluid can leave a bad odor.

You can follow a few simple steps to rid your clothes or carpet of the lighter fluid smell, but you may need to try more than one method to get rid of the smell completely.

Things You Will Need

Odor-eliminating spray
Vinegar
Sponge
Baking soda
Vacuum cleaner

Spray the affected area with odor-eliminating spray. Allow the spray to soak in for several minutes. If you are spraying clothing, wash the clothing afterward. If you are spraying carpet, let the spray dry naturally.
Mix a solution of 50 percent vinegar and 50 percent water. Soak clothing in the mixture before washing, or wash the surface of the carpet with a sponge dipped in the mixture.
Add a cup of baking soda to the water while washing clothing, or spread baking soda on the affected area if you are cleaning carpet or other fabrics. Allow the baking soda to sit for several hours, or even several days, then vacuum it up.

The Drip Cap

Lighter fluid and other types of fuels can have a very pungent smell.
Allow the spray to soak in for several minutes.
Add a cup of baking soda to the water while washing clothing, or spread baking soda on the affected area if you are cleaning carpet or other fabrics.

References

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Paper towels
1 tbsp. clear dishwashing liquid
Container
Spoon
2 clean dishcloths
Thick towel

Warning

Keep kids away from carpet stained with lighter fluid.

Inadvertently spilling lighter fluid from cigarette lighters leaves carpet stained with poisonous liquids including benzene, propane, hexamine and butane. Although lighter fluid is transparent, it is flammable and therefore extremely dangerous to leave on carpet. Spilling lighter fluid onto carpet near a fireplace, stove or other heat source may incite a fire. Like any liquid stain, lighter fluid penetrates carpet the longer the poisonous fluid remains. Immediately get lighter fluid out of carpets to make your home safe again.

1.
Blot up excess lighter fluid from the carpet. Using paper towels, absorb as much lighter fluid as possible.
2.
Pour 1 tbsp. of clear dishwashing liquid into a container holding 2 cups of lukewarm water. Use mild dish soap not containing bleach. Mix the dishwashing soap solution thoroughly.
3.
Moisten a clean dishcloth with the detergent solution. Blot the lighter fluid-stained carpet with the moistened dishcloth until the detergent solution is absorbed. Fold the cloth often to blot with a fresh section.
4.
Inspect the carpet for remaining lighter fluid. If lighter fluid odor remains, continue blotting the stained carpet with the detergent solution until the lighter fluid odor disappears.
5.
Moisten a fresh dishcloth with lukewarm water. Blot the lukewarm water onto the carpet until no detergent residue remains.
6.
Lay a thick towel over the damp portion of carpet to absorb moisture.

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.

Upholstery

What you will need

Detergent

Steps to Clean

Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two (2) cups of cool water.
Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent solution.

What should you do if you spill lighter fluid?

Steps to Clean Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two (2) cups of cool water. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.

Is lighter fluid harmful to humans?

Swallowing such poisons can have severe effects on many parts of the body. Burns in the airway or gastrointestinal tract can lead to tissue necrosis, resulting in infection, shock, and death, even several months after the substance was first swallowed.

Does spilled lighter fluid evaporate?

Lighter fluid will evaporate even when the lighter is not used, so be sure to always keep the lid closed and it's a good idea to refuel before each outing. Take caution to do the following away from any source of fire or flame.

Is lighter fluid flammable after it dries?

Technically it is flammable. It readily evaporates. At room temperature, vapors are always present that can be ignited with a flame or even a spark. For all practical purposes, charcoal lighter fluid does not evaporate at room temperature and is termed combustible.

spill lighter fluid