May 11, 2026, 8:43 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The combination of the words “washing” and “gasoline” does not mean what one might assume. To power vehicles with it? That’s not what washing gasoline is used for. In fact, it’s a type of cleaning agent. Why DIY enthusiasts and household experts swear by washing gasoline is explained by myHOMEBOOK in this article.
What washing gasoline is particularly good for
Washing gasoline is colorless, insoluble in water, and lighter than water. It floats on the water’s surface. These very properties make it an alternative wonder weapon when it comes to removing stubborn dirt from surfaces or fabrics.
A look into the Römpp Chemical Encyclopedia confirms: Due to its fat-dissolving properties, it acts as a type of stain remover and is often used in dry cleaning. It is effective in degreasing leather goods, gloves, clothes, metal items, jewelry, silk yarn, or wool. Many DIY enthusiasts are likely familiar with turpentine oil. Washing gasoline works similarly.
Washing gasoline can also remove adhesive residues, such as after peeling off stickers or labels. It reliably dissolves grease residues on metal parts, bicycle chains, or tools. Painters and restorers use it to clean their brushes or as a means to thin certain paints.
What washing gasoline is not suitable for
There are few restrictions on the use of washing gasoline. However, caution is advised, for example, with plastics. It can cause discoloration or deformation. Painted surfaces on cars or furniture may also react sensitively to contact with washing gasoline.
Chemical composition
To learn more about the exact chemical composition of washing gasoline, myHOMEBOOK inquired at the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau. Manja Wachsmuth works there in the field of chemical safety. “The Römpp Chemical Encyclopedia classifies washing gasoline in the category of gasolines, which are mixtures of various hydrocarbons. It is a petroleum product.”
Washing gasoline is produced during the processing of crude oil in the refinery. Here, the oil is heated in various facilities. Depending on the temperature, different fractions or, in other words, groups of substances, including gasoline, are produced. “Washing gasoline has a boiling point between 80 and 110 degrees Celsius and thus belongs to the so-called boiling range gasolines,” explains Wachsmuth.
Therefore, washing gasoline is suitable as a thinning or solvent and not as a fuel for vehicles. Due to the low octane number of 70 to 88, it would severely damage the engine. Additionally, washing gasoline evaporates more easily than gasoline and evaporates very quickly. It smells like gasoline from the gas station.
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Possible risks when using washing gasoline
Washing gasoline is highly flammable. A single spark is enough to ignite the vapors emitted by the substance. According to the ChemInfo database of the Federal Environment Agency, the vapors can cause headaches and nausea when inhaled intensively. Additionally, low-boiling gasoline is classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic according to the European Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on the classification, labeling, and packaging of substances and mixtures. This means it can cause cancer and genetic damage. Therefore, protective gloves, tightly fitting safety goggles, and protective clothing should be worn during regular use.
It goes without saying: Open flames, sparks, or electrical devices without explosion protection have no place near washing gasoline. If washing gasoline is accidentally swallowed, a poison control center should be called immediately.
Storage & Disposal
Since washing gasoline evaporates quickly, it should be stored in a well-sealed, rust-free steel container. This should be clearly labeled. A storage temperature of 20 degrees Celsius is recommended. Due to the risk of ignition, the container should be kept away from heat and ignition sources.
According to the ChemInfo database, excess residues of washing gasoline should not enter the sewage system or the environment, as it is toxic to organisms and harms groundwater. Residual stocks are properly disposed of at the municipal hazardous waste collection point. Information about the next collection dates is provided by the local waste authority.