Gasoline SOAKED into leather...

[grizzlee]

I friend of mine has a leather interior vehicle, and she decided since there was no room in the back of her vehicle she would put a jery can of fuel on the SEAT!! :wall

Needless to say it tipped over and fuel soaked into the seat!!!

She is wondering what kind of damage has been done and most importantly is there away to get rid of the gasoline smell?
:hmmm:

[CharlesW]

It isn`t easy to get rid of a gasoline odor.
I once got gas that was spilled in snow slush at a gas station on some floor mats. Not leather, but still quite absorbent.
I scrubbed them with a solution of Dawn and water with a scrub brush.
Even though the gas was not full strength, the odor remained for several days.
I did not use any so-called deodorizers since I personally feel they mask odors rather than remove them.

On leather, I think I would clean them with a dedicated leather cleaner, let them air out for a few days and then use a leather conditioner on them.
Unfortunately, she may have some permanent stains, but I think the odor will eventually dissipate.
I have no idea what the long term effect might be on the leather and the seat padding. Probably won`t be good.

In all seriousness, you might check the availability of a replacement seat at an auto salvage yard.

[Blackfire]

What quantity of fuel? A cup or a a quart?

A generous amount of gasoline will most likely affect the appearance over time, regardless of preventive measures. As Charles says, the padding may or most likely will degrade too.

There are many harmful and corrosive ingredients in gasoline.

Gasoline - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline)

But, if it was a few ounces, that changes things.

[grizzlee]

I am assuming it was only couple of ounces, I think it was dripping from the air bleeder valve on the back?

Either way, I totally agree that all it takes is a few drops to make one hell of a stink
:(

[GRUMPN]

To help get rid of the smell put a dozen or so charcoal briquets in a couple old pillow cases and throw then under the seats. Leave the windows closed and the charcoal should pull the smell out in a few days. Ric

[Beemerboy]

I will add that Leathique would be a good choice to deep clean the leather. Followed with what GRUMPIN suggested to get the smell out