Question from Mary
I like to shop in used clothing stores. However, many of the clothes have left-over scents in the fabric from perfume, cologne, and deoderant. I recently discovered that if I soaked clothes in 20% vinegar, 80% water for at least three days, this removed the perfume in most cases. I wash the item in cold water after soaking and usually hang it to dry.
We have recently purchased a vapor cleaner. We chose the LadyBug 2350 but I’m certain there are plenty others out in the marketplace. We have been able to not only get the perfumes and odors out from the clothes we purchase online but also out of furniture, walls, cleaning appliances, etc… I have only had the machine for a week but it’s working wonderfully! I hang the clothes outside for a week (without them in the direct sun, then I vapor them (minus any silk items) once or twice and then hang them outside for a few more days. Voila! They are as fresh and clean as I could ask them to be.
I have experienced this problem a lot, since most of my clothes come from resale shops. I use the vinegar and water soak method, overnight, then wash with warm soapy water and dry outdoors in the sun. I will do this up to three times, if necessary, and if it fails I take the item back to the store for resale.
From the strong aroma (and burning, soapy taste left on my tongue), I think that many thrift store workers must be dousing items with long-lasting, so-called “odour remover” or “fabric refresher” spray like Pro-solve etc.
Most fragrance is highly toxic, containing Phthalates which are known hormone-disrupters that can cause birth defects and breast cancer. (not required to be listed on labels); and PAH which is a well known carcinogen.
Check any available ingredient list at Environmental Working Group on the web.
Laura, I, too, get burning, soapy taste on my tongue. Someone spent 4 days and nights in my house and now I can’t go in the guest room, sit in my upholstered chair, ride in the backseat of my car, or use my grandmother’s afghan. I’ve washed items in baking soda and rinsed with vinegar twice to no avail. What has worked for you?
Unfortunately, you can’t soak wool for 3 days, but I have tried baking soda, vinegar, and now the sweater is drying, and I’ll hang it outside after the snow dissipates.
It still seems to smell.
I understand. I’m going through the same thing with a 100% cotton scarf made in India. Second on like this that I can’t remove the scent. From two different stores.
This works. Make washing soda from baking soda. You can look up how to make it. Bake an inch layer or so for 2 hours in a glass lasagna pan at 400 degrees in the oven. It changes from baking soda to washing soda chemically. Wash twice with it and either dry on hot or dry in the sun. Works like a charm for me.
Edy, thanks for this tip! I’ve never heard of baking—baking soda to create washing soda. So interesting!
sometimes powdered milk helps
Sometimes vinegar, by itself, doesn’t cut it. I wait til the weather’s nice (easy in Colorado), wash the offending item in vinegar, then hang it out to dry and/or I air it out first. Eight hours in the sun does wonders. Also, sometimes I try vinegar mixed with baking soda (carefully – they react together) – This is not guaranteed, but if it’s frigid outside, it’s worth a try.