Mineral spirits is a solvent distilled from petroleum. It has a wide range of applications, both in industry and around the home. Because of its dissolving power, it is commonly used as an automotive and mechanical degreaser. In an artist's studio, mineral spirits may be used to clean silkscreen templates or to dissolve collected paint from between brush bristles. If you accidentally spill the solvent on an article of clothing or your carpet, you should clean the area thoroughly to get rid of its lingering odor.
Removing the Odor From Clothing
Step 1
Hang the article of clothing outdoors and allow the mineral spirits to fully evaporate.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Spray a generous amount of stain remover onto the spill.
Step 3
Wash the article of clothing as you normally would using a mild detergent. Avoid washing contaminated garments with other laundry.
Step 4
Remove the garment from your washer and hang it outside to air dry. Once it is completely dry, check the article for any lingering odor. Some garments may require several washings before the odor is completely removed.
Removing the Odor From Carpet
Step 1
Allow the solvent to fully evaporate.
Step 2
Coat the spill with a generous layer of carpet cleaner. Allow the cleaner to soak into the carpet for several minutes.
Step 3
Rub the area thoroughly using a bristled scrub brush. Apply firm pressure to reach the very bottom of your carpet.
Step 4
Wipe the area free of cleaner using a wet towel. Follow with a dry towel to absorb any water.
Step 5
Check the carpet for any lingering scent. If you still smell mineral spirits, repeat Steps 2 through 4 until the odor is gone.