Oil Everywhere

There is little in Azerbaijan that is not somehow related to the oil industry. The main boulevard in Azerbaijan is called "Neftchilar," which translates to "Oil Worker's Street." Oil rigs dot the skyline of the Caspian as well as inland. Most local lawyers I meet work (or want to work) for SOCAR, the state oil company, while many of our expat friends are employed by BP or one of the seemingly hundreds of related service industries. Oil is what put this country on the map and it will continue to play a central role in the social, political, and cultural life of Azerbaijan.

It is also now playing a central role in my laundry room. Somewhere between the mountains of Georgia and arriving back in Baku my big REI suitcase was plopped down in a puddle of gasoline. Unfortunately for me, it is a soft shell bag and the benzine slowly leached its way through the bag into all of my ski clothes. My cute blue vest, my Patagonia fleece, my trusty ski pants -- all of them now smell like the floor of a mechanic's garage.

After soaking the clothes in vinegar and baking soda (two tricks I picked up online) I put a few items in the washing machine last night. This morning they still reeked of gas. I read somewhere else that soaking clothes in Coca-Cola will also do the trick, although I'm somewhat reluctant to try this solution. I have a feeling I might just be adding more stains.

I think my new REI bag is a goner -- I have no idea how I'll ever be able to use it again. But I'd love to save the clothes. Anyone have any brilliant gas-removing solutions?