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Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,697
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

 

Options.

 

There are products specific for odors you can add to your detergent. I like the Lysol one best.

 

There are detergents that specificially say they remove odors.

 

Add a little vinegar to the detergent. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I would try a detergent that has enzymes in it ,there are several ,i use one for dog smells in bedding,hang to dry outside,

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,411
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Pardon my ignorance, but how did formaldehyde get into the fabric in the first place?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,080
Registered: ‎10-04-2010

@dotsam    Soak it in distilled vinegar then wash it.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,536
Registered: ‎04-28-2010

Re: Formaldehyde smell

[ Edited ]

Years and years ago, I purchased denim pants that smelled like gasoline.

 

Then I thought, wondered, and asked myself: 'Are they flammable'?  

 

Anyway, as cr*zy as this sounds, if airing out doesn't work:

 

Wrap the item in newsprint newspaper.

 

Store in a clean, white kitchen trash bag (unscented), for a week or two.  Keep checking each week or so.  

 

Doing this works (for me) for eliminating clothing that was stored in moth balls or strong dryer sheets.   Given to me as gifts, re-gifted, etc.

 

Important:  Make sure that you mark the bag, stating '"Do NOT throw out'.  Clothing (or whatever) inside this bag."

 

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,083
Registered: ‎06-11-2024

Ive bought a couple of As Is items that just reeked of dryer sheets.  I'm assuming they were used to cover up some more unpleasatn smell, like BO.

 

Thanks for this idea. 

 

Especially about the part of making sure to label Do Not Throw Out !Smiley Very Happy

Regular Contributor
Posts: 224
Registered: ‎04-09-2015

They used to use formaldehyde in Mascara!  Several years ago I had a bad reaction to a new mascara I tried. When I started reading the ingredients I found formaldehyde on the list.  Vinegar would be  my choice to get rid of that smell.  Good Luck!   ✌.|•͡˘‿•͡˘|.✌   

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,536
Registered: ‎04-28-2010

Years ago (as usual), I bought a white dresser for a spare room.

 

Well, the drawers had a strong formaldehyde odor.

 

Needless to say, they still have that odor, after airing them out for days/weeks.

 

So, instead of storing clothing in the drawers, I use them for paper work, and office supplies.

 

Items have been placed in large, clear food storage bags so the odor doesn't penetrate through the paper work and other items.

 

 

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).
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Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,157
Registered: ‎06-09-2010

Formaldehyde can be effectively reduced or removed from clothing through soaking, 

washing and airing techniques using baking soda, vinegar, or other safe agents. Fill a bucket or bathtub or sink with hot water ad 1-2 cups of baking soda,and soak for 8 hours or overnight. Sometimes it may be necessary to soak for 2 days.  After soaking, rinse the clothes in cold water and air dry in a well ventilated area.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,285
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

@dotsam ...........That is the chemical put on fabrics from 3rd world countires so the bugs wont be introduced to the US.

 

If it were me I would launder it first (if it can be) or dry cleaned first.  Then I would hang it streched out as much as possible and leave it out 2 or 3 days and nights.  That should help.

LIFE IS TO SHORT TOO FOLD FITTED SHEETS