carbon monoxide how long till air is clear?

Question

I did something really stupid this afternoon. I put my lawn mower in my enclosed garage while still running and forgot about it until it ran out of gas. It probably ran for an hour or more. If I open the garage door and turn on a fan, how long until it is safe to go inside. Will the carbon monoxide be stuck to the walls in a film or something? It also smells, how do I get rid of the odor?

Answer 1

If you open the garage door for about 10 minutes or so it should be fine. Carbon monoxide doesn't stick to walls or anything, it is tasteless and odorless, etc hence the danger. The lingering smell is the exhaust fumes and that may be more difficult to get out completely without cleaning the walls, ceiling and floors. However, it is just your garage and not like your living room.

Answer 2

Carbon Monoxide: Open all doors and windows, the danger should be gone in minutes especially with the fan you mentioned. If your house is connected, do the same just in case. Again, 20 minutes tops. Carbon monoxide isn't going to soak into anything of consequence to get you later.

Smell: This might be a problem. The exhaust might have particles of partially burnt oil which will linger and stink. Scrub down whatever you can reasonably, and let time diminish the rest.

Answer 3

Carbon monoxide is heavier than air. If you just open the door it will roll out and disappear in a few minutes - probably by now it will have been sucked out by the passing breeze.