Dos and Dont’s When You’ve Accidentally Spilled Gasoline on Yourself

Last updated on January 29th, 2026 at 02:32 pm

While we hope you never need this information, it’s always good to be prepared. According to Poison Control safety guidance, gasoline exposure should always be taken seriously, even if symptoms seem mild at first.

What to Do If You’ve Accidentally Spilled Gasoline on Yourself

Dos: Steps to Stay Safe

Even though it can be frightening, there are steps you can take to limit harm and stay safe. Here are some important dos if you’ve accidentally spilled gasoline on yourself.

1. Do stay calm. It may be hard not to panic, but keeping a level head is crucial. Panicking can lead to poor decisions, so remind yourself that you can handle the situation.
2. Do remove any clothing that’s soaked in gas. Get gasoline off your skin as soon as possible. After removing gasoline-soaked clothing, place it in a sealed bag to prevent fumes or residue from spreading.
3. Do wash contaminated clothing separately, or discard it if the gasoline smell remains after washing.
4. Do wash the affected area with soap and water. Once you’ve removed any gasoline-soaked clothing or jewelry, wash the area thoroughly. Removing gas smell and residue can be difficult, but it’s essential to avoid further exposure.
5. Do rinse your eyes if gasoline splashes into them. Gently flush your eyes with clean, running water for at least 15 minutes. If redness, pain, or blurry vision continues, seek medical care right away.
6. Do seek medical assistance if you have symptoms. Get medical help if you feel ill or develop symptoms such as headache, nausea, lightheadedness, or dizziness. Inhaling gasoline fumes can cause breathing difficulties, so don’t wait to seek care if symptoms appear.
7. Do take extra care with children, older adults, and pets. If a child, older adult, or pet is exposed to gasoline, contact Poison Control or a veterinarian right away—even if symptoms seem mild.
8. Do call your local Poison Control center. When in doubt, reach out for expert advice. In the United States, you can reach Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, 24 hours a day.

Spilling gasoline on yourself is not something to take lightly. Staying calm and acting quickly can make a big difference in keeping yourself safe.

When to Take a Spill More Seriously

While many small spills can be handled at home, some situations need immediate medical attention. Get help right away if gasoline gets into your eyes, covers a large area of skin, or if you feel faint, confused, or continue to feel sick after washing. Strong fumes, prolonged skin contact, and exposure in enclosed spaces increase the risk of serious harm.

If you have severe symptoms like breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, blistering skin, or persistent vomiting, do not wait—go to the emergency room or call 911.

Don’ts: What to Avoid

If you’ve spilled gasoline on yourself, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Don’t touch anything unnecessarily. Avoid contact with other surfaces before removing contaminated clothing and washing your skin. Gasoline is highly flammable and can ignite if exposed to heat or sparks.
2. Don’t move unnecessarily. Stay as still as possible to reduce the risk of static electricity. If needed, move carefully to a well-ventilated area to clean yourself.
3. Don’t use your cell phone. While rare, any potential spark in a fuel-rich environment can be risky. Wait until your hands are clean and no gasoline residue remains.
4. Don’t use your clothes dryer. Heat from a dryer can ignite gasoline residue left on clothing. Air-dry items outdoors or discard them if the smell remains.
5. Don’t forget to ventilate. Open windows or doors if the spill happens indoors. Gasoline fumes are flammable and dangerous to breathe.
6. Don’t ignore gasoline fumes. Avoid breathing vapors, especially in enclosed spaces. If fumes are strong, move to fresh air immediately.

How to Prevent Gasoline Spills in the Future

Taking the right precautions can help you avoid gasoline spills and protect yourself, others, and the environment.

1. Use proper storage containers. Store gasoline in approved containers with tight lids and keep them away from heat sources.
2. Dispose of gasoline properly. Never pour gasoline on the ground or down drains. Take old or excess gasoline to a designated disposal facility.
3. Inspect your gas tank regularly. Repair leaks immediately to prevent spills or dangerous fumes.
4. Be prepared for emergencies. Keep absorbent materials like sand or cat litter on hand to clean up spills quickly.
5. Stay informed. Understand the risks of gasoline and follow safety guidelines when handling it.

FAQs

How long does gasoline stay on skin?
Gasoline can linger and continue to irritate skin until it’s thoroughly washed away with soap and water.

Can gasoline burn your skin?
Yes. Prolonged contact can cause irritation, redness, or chemical burns, especially on sensitive skin.

Can gasoline fumes make you sick?
Yes. Breathing gasoline fumes can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathing issues—especially in enclosed spaces.

Is it safe to shower after a spill?
Yes. Showering with warm water and soap is one of the best ways to remove gasoline residue.

Should you use hot or cold water to wash gasoline off your skin?
Warm water and soap work best. Avoid very hot water, which can increase irritation.

Wrapping Up

Accidentally spilling gasoline can be scary, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. Stay calm, act quickly, and follow the dos and don’ts outlined here. Prevention is just as important, so handle gasoline responsibly to avoid accidents.

Also read:
4 Tips for Creating a Well-Stocked, Custom First Aid Kit for Your Family

You can also find MomsWhoSave on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Join us for updates.

Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe to MomsWhoSave’s newsletter.

Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid that can cause serious harm if it comes into contact with your skin. Accidents happen, and knowing what to do can help prevent injuries and keep you safe.