Gasoline can effectively remove stains due to its solvent properties. It dissolves many types of organic substances, including grease, oil, and tar, which are common causes of stains. The volatile nature of gasoline allows it to penetrate deep into fabric fibers, breaking down the stain molecules and lifting them away.

The reason gasoline is effective in stain removal is because it is a non-polar solvent. Non-polar solvents, like gasoline, are capable of dissolving non-polar substances, which are often found in stains. For instance, grease and oil are non-polar, and gasoline can dissolve them, making it easier to wash them out. According to a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, gasoline has a high solubility parameter, which is a measure of the ability of a solvent to dissolve other substances. This parameter is particularly useful in understanding the effectiveness of gasoline in dissolving stains (Smith et al., 2010). Additionally, the volatility of gasoline means that it can evaporate quickly, reducing the risk of damage to the fabric and leaving minimal residue.