Fashion

[Julie_23]

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 

[hennypenny]

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

[DiAnne]

I never wear anything from QVC before I wash it.  

[SilleeMee]

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

[azgal]

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.

[StylishLady]

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.

[september]

@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.  

[ROMARY]

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.

[Katcat1]

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? 

[newagain888888]

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.