Don’t be surprised if your new clothes have a strong chemical odor. To prevent mold, mildew, and insect damage, many clothes made in other countries are treated with formaldehyde and other chemicals.
Why Do New Clothes Smell Bad?
To keep new clothing from mildewing and wrinkling, clothing manufacturers typically use harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. However, this can leave a lingering odor in your new clothes.
The “new clothes” smell is caused by chemicals in the fabrics, such as dyes, sizing, and others. This is why clothes should be washed before wearing them.
Some of these chemicals may cause skin irritation in some people, and others may be absorbed through the skin.
Furthermore, depending on the origin of the fabric and the finished product, as well as where it has been while in transit, the cloth may contain tiny insects and other undesirable things. Always wash your clothes before putting them on. Don’t be concerned about keeping that odor.
How To Remove The Chemical Odor From New Clothes?
Everyone enjoys purchasing new clothes to refresh their wardrobe on occasion, but the odor of new clothes can be unbearable for some. This strong odor is caused by formaldehyde.
Here are some methods for removing the chemical odor from new clothes without washing them:
1. Hanging Them In The Open Air
This method will remove any odors, fumes, or smoke that may have become trapped in your clothes. The clothes should ideally be hung outside in the fresh air.
Alternatively, simply hang them in a room with adequate sunlight. It’s a plus if you live in an area where plants are common. These plants will aid in the absorption of residual chemicals from the garment.
2. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent absorbent of chemical odors from clothing. Fill a plastic garbage bag with 12 cups of baking soda.
Place the clothing in the bag and vigorously shake it. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes without being disturbed. Remove the clothing from the bag and brush away the baking soda. Your clothes will now be odorless and fresh.
3. Use Vinegar
Because vinegar is a great deodorizer, it is the simplest ingredient to use to remove the odor. Fill a bucket halfway with warm water, add 12 cups of vinegar, and toss in your clothes. Vinegar will easily remove the unpleasant odor from your new clothes.
4. Use Oxiclean
Put your jeans in a bucket of warm water and OxiClean. Don’t forget to put on your cleaning gloves. Soak the jeans in water overnight. This solution will quickly remove the odor from the jeans, leaving them odorless and fresh.
How Do You Quickly Make Your Clothes Smell Good?
Spraying a few drops of your favorite perfume on your outfit won’t work if you’re in a hurry. You may search for alternative ways to make your clothes smell good.
The good news is that there are three homemade solutions that will make your clothes smell good every time:
Spray A White Vinegar Solution:
In a small spray bottle, combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Turn your clothes inside out and spray the inside of the garment. Hang the clothes to dry naturally. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell will fade in a few minutes. Keep a small bottle in your purse for when you need it.
Spray A Lemon Juice Solution:
Lemon juice solutions neutralize odors. Simply combine one tablespoon of lemon juice with one cup of water. Fill a spray bottle halfway with the mixture and mist it all over a shirt or dress. Always test the lemon juice solution before using it because the acid will discolor certain fabrics.
Spritz Vodka On Your Clothes:
Spritzing vodka on your clothes instantly removes bad odors. The good news is that you don’t have to dilute it with water. Carry a small spray bottle of vodka with you and use it as needed. After a few minutes of air-drying, you won’t be able to smell the vodka.
Related Questions
Why do some new clothes smell after they’ve been washed?
Unwanted odors can sometimes be caused by your washer. Fabric softener and detergent can accumulate and clog filters, as well as harbor bacteria. As a result, as you wash your clothes, again and again, they are exposed to bacteria in the water.
Why don’t my clothes smell good after they’ve dried?
The water circulated in the washing machine may contain minerals and/or chemicals that permeate the clothing and are not detectable until they are dry. The air circulating through the dryer may have been filtered through a dirty filter, or the hoses may need to be cleaned.
What’s the deal with my new jeans smelling like Sulphur?
The strange odor that some new clothes emit may appear to be a minor annoyance, but you should be concerned about the source of that odor: formaldehyde. Yes, the chemical causing the strange odor on your pants is the same one used in embalming.
Conclusion
So, if you are among those having the habit of keeping their wardrobe up to date by buying new clothes, then this article would be very helpful for you.
Use the basic steps to remove the foul smell from new clothes and enjoy wearing them.