topic Re: chemical smell -- how to remove? in Fashion

chemical smell -- how to remove?

Julie_23 — Mon, 08 May 2017 23:42:56 GMT

Any suggestions on how to remove the strong chemical odor that sometimes accompanies cltohes?

It's a denim jacket from QVC, and I didn't want to wash it yet (trying to keep as much structure to it as possible). I am not able to leave it outside to air out; but, I have been letting it hang in the shower.

It's been about 5 days, and it still has a scent. Thankfully, it has improved; but, it stil has a scent. I'm just wondering if there is anything else I could do to help remove it.

Thanks

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

hennypenny — Mon, 08 May 2017 23:52:44 GMT

From what I have experienced you have to wash out the chemicals. Sometimes that doesn't even work.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

DiAnne — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:02:33 GMT

I never wear anything from QVC before I wash it.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

SilleeMee — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:07:59 GMT

I always wash new clothes before wearing them. You never know what those chemicals will do to you.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

azgal — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:10:42 GMT

It's hard to remove it. I have a pair of jeans that I soaked in white vinegar and washed several times but there is still a slight odor.

You can Google how to remove chemical smell from jeans.

I made the mistake of using baking soda and vinegar at the same time. Then I read you only use one or the other.

Good kuck.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

StylishLady — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:25:48 GMT

Most fabric odors can be washed out and aired out. Leather not so easily. I've mentioned the nice long leather coat I bought a few years ago that reeked of an odor like kerosene. I just sent it back. Do'nt recall any other leather pieces, and I have many, that came with a bad smell. Maybe I've been lucky.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

september — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:27:58 GMT

@Julie_23 I know just what you're talking about. I received a denim jacket from HSN that had that awful smell. I returned it and marked it as defective so I wouldn't be charged for return shipping. The clothing we receive shouldn't smell like chemicals and we shouldn't have to waste our time trying to remove this odor. And....I also wonder what it is that produces that smell and if we really can "wash it out". No thanks....don't want my skin coming into contact with anything like that.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

ROMARY — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:29:25 GMT

O.K. I think I finally figured it out (for myself). For years and years, I've aired the items out for a couple of weeks first. That usually works. I've also found that washing the chemicals first only makes them worse. It must activate the chemicals, etc. ............ However, lately, I found this to work quite well, as strange as it sounds: After airing the item out for a week or two, wrap the item in clean newspapers. Make sure that the newsprint is placed inside the item, too. Wait a week or more, and most of the strong chemicals will be absorbed. .......... Now, I don't recommend doing this with white or off-white, or light-colored items unless they are completely casual/washable fabrics. You don't want newsprint marks on silky, expensive fabrics. And, my experience tells me that most light colored items don't have that strong petroleum odor, anyway. Well, that's about it for now. Lots of good luck. If the odor doesn't dissipate in three weeks (after airing it out), then I suggest returning that item before the 30-day return expires.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

Katcat1 — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:33:05 GMT

I can not believe the Q allows clothes to be sent out with that awful smell. I returned a top from D&Co. The smell was so strong. I never experience that when I order clothes from other companies. Are the clothes made in a stink factory?

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

newagain888888 — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:33:45 GMT

You could try one of those over those affordable over the counter, do-it- yourself dry cleaning kits like Dryel. They include a bag for your garment and pre-moistened, pleasantly scented cloths that you add into the bag along with your item. Then you put the filled bag in the dryer for a few minutes to give everything a clean, fresh smell.

A simpler approach would be to simply toss the jacket into the dryer with something pleasantly scented. You could use a satchet, a very light spritz of cologne, a dryer sheet, or even a light spray of Neutra Air (citrus zest) spray by Lysol. Ten minutes or so usually helps.

For the worst chemical odors, I usually soak the item in a bath of baking soda and warm water for a full day before washing.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

ROMARY — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:34:38 GMT

September; It's the inhaling of the odors that couldn't be too good for us, too. Just be careful re: newborns and babies. Make sure their laundry detergent is unscented. Moms used to use Ivory Flakes and Ivory Snow years ago. I guess they had a more natural, instinctive common sense (without having to research 'this and that') in those days.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

ROMARY — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:44:55 GMT

Not just the Q. It's everywhere. B&M stores, too. I'm now able to wear a hooded striated (melange) zippered top that I've been airing out, in a spare room, for about a month or so. I actually forgot all about checking on it (smelling it). It's wearable now, and I don't have to wrap it in newspapers or wash it first. Yay! Anyway, most (or many) clothes I buy in person have that petroleum odor. As far as pants, I air out the right side for a couple of weeks, then the inside for another couple of weeks. The darker the colors, the longer it takes. Must be the dyes, too, in addition to the anti-moth, and other sprays. Well, we wouldn't want to see moths and spiders or mildew on our items, so I can see them being treated for those reasons, during long shipping trips.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

azgal — Tue, 09 May 2017 00:47:24 GMT

@Katcat1 wrote:
I can not believe the Q allows clothes to be sent out with that awful smell. I returned a top from D&Co. The smell was so strong. I never experience that when I order clothes from other companies. Are the clothes made in a stink factory?

I got my jeans from Macy's. I bought 2 pairs of the same jeans one smelled and the other didn't . Weird, huh?

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

ROMARY — Tue, 09 May 2017 01:09:28 GMT

Years ago, when clothing was manufactured here, it was a fairly short trip in any direction (via train or truck) to a store. So, within a week or less, clothing was delivered and placed on hangers to hang on store racks or placed on shelves. Not much need for various sprays and chemicals. It's 'different' now-a-days. Long trips via ships which carry a variety of goods in all kinds of changing weather. So, items must be protected against various pests, mildew, moths, etc. Well, that's my lecture for the evening, lol. Sweet dreams, and Enjoy the rest of our week.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

AussieLuvr — Tue, 09 May 2017 01:12:08 GMT

Its called outgassing, and it is not uncommon in fabrics from China. I have an extremely expensive Coach handbag that stinks. I've been working on getting rid of the smell for three years and its still there. I've tried coffee grounds, dryer sheets, Dryel (home dry cleaning/refresher kit), cotton balls soaked in lavender, a bar of soap with the bag zipped up for three months, setting it outside on sunny days, cotton balls soaked in Febreze, stuffed it with newspaper...and I'm probably forgetting some things I've done. I've literally put some of these items in the bag, zipped it up and let it sit for months at a time and all to no avail.

Coach refused to do anything, and I'm sure they are aware of this. It isn't uncommon to have mattresses with outgassing either with the new gel foam mattresses.

This online article talk a little bit about it. As you can see at the bottom, Cotton polyester blends are commonly treated with formaldehyde and softened with chemicals such as ammonia.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

ROMARY — Tue, 09 May 2017 01:39:55 GMT

Try wrapping your handbag in newspaper. Also, stuff the interior with newspapers. The mostly print pages are better than the pages with photos. Let it sit for a couple of weeks. See what happens.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

luv-the-Q — Tue, 09 May 2017 01:52:31 GMT

When something smells so bad that you can't wear it or use it send it back. I've received a couple of pairs of jeans that reeked of a chemical smell and it wouldn't wash out. I got a chenille bedspread from Stan Herman that was so bad you couldn't even be in the same room with it. That is unacceptable and I sent it back. How can that possibly be okay? It can't be good for you.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

Julie_23 — Tue, 09 May 2017 01:57:37 GMT

Wow -- thank you, ALL. Your input was really helpful. Glad I asked! Thanks again. Much appreciated.

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

september — Tue, 09 May 2017 03:09:03 GMT

@ROMARY wrote:
September; It's the inhaling of the odors that couldn't be too good for us, too. Just be careful re: newborns and babies. Make sure their laundry detergent is unscented. Moms used to use Ivory Flakes and Ivory Snow years ago. I guess they had a more natural, instinctive common sense (without having to research 'this and that') in those days.

yes! I bought unscented laundry detergent for my granddaughters when they visit. Then I asked myself why I don't use this for me as well? I have sensitive skin, and this is what I now use. I've become more aware of scents recently, which is why that stinky jacket just had to go back!

Re: chemical smell -- how to remove?

hopi — Tue, 09 May 2017 10:35:06 GMT

I remove the smell by returning items that come to my home with that stench. Who knows how what it is and it can be ingrained and lays against your skin which takes in all those toxins.