Get Rid of Heating Oil Spill Smell from House Basement

- Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2014/04/04 - Updated: 2022/04/16
Topic: Household Tips - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Tips on cleaning up and getting rid of odor from heating oil spills and leaks in your home basement.

A heating oil spill should be treated as quickly as possible, for both personal safety and to minimize any lasting effects to your home. Even after clean up, the smell of oil may linger indefinitely.

If your heating oil tank is in-ground, and you smell oil, it is most likely coming from your furnace, filter, or pipes, and it is a good idea to schedule an appointment promptly to have your heating system inspected and, if needed, repaired.

Introduction

Heating oil is a low viscosity, liquid petroleum product used as a fuel for furnaces or boilers in buildings. Home heating oil is often abbreviated as HHO. A heating oil spill should be treated as quickly as possible, for both personal safety and to minimize any lasting effects to your home. Even after clean up, the smell of oil may linger indefinitely.

Main Item

If you use oil to heat your home, it is not uncommon to sometimes smell heating oil, a pop bottle cap full of heating oil can permeate an entire room and even a single drop is noticeable. If your tank is in the basement of your home, go down and inspect it for leaks immediately. If your tank is in-ground, and you smell oil, it is most likely coming from your furnace, filter, or pipes, and it is a good idea to schedule an appointment promptly to have your heating system inspected and, if needed, repaired.

There are two types of home fuel oil spills, small and large;

Fuel oil odor can also come from incomplete combustion in the furnace, a bad nozzle, or a bad vent pipe. Have your furnace examined by a professional if you cannot find any visible oil leaks.

CAUTION:

Fuel oil contains many substances which vary in their toxicity. Short-term exposure may cause headaches, nausea and dizziness, prolonged exposure can cause serious health problems. Getting fuel oil on the skin can cause skin irritation. Be aware that infants, small children, certain adults and pets cannot tell you that they are suffering from headaches or breathing difficulties.

Heating Oil Spill Tips

Open basement windows to ventilate the area and turn off all flame and spark sources. Don't smoke or light matches in the area. Extinguish pilot lights on furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers. Turn off gas appliances that have electronic ignitions. Do not attempt to clean up spilled oil with a shop vac or use any electric appliances or power tools.

For smaller spills

For large oils spills (over a gallon)

For lingering odor after cleanup

If fuel oil spills are promptly and spotless, residual odors should go away after several days. Call a professional cleaning service if you need help with the cleanup, or if the fuel oil odors remain.

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Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2014, April 4 - Last revised: 2022, April 16). Get Rid of Heating Oil Spill Smell from House Basement. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 12, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/household/tips/heating-oil.php

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