Have you ever opened up your closet only to be hit with a waft of a chemical smell? Making you wonder how to get chemical smell out of clothes.
You might have been storing some new clothes in there that still have that unfamiliar scent from the store or even some old items that have not been washed for a long time.
Regardless of the source of the chemical odor, getting rid of it can be challenging.
Fortunately, you don’t need harsh chemicals to do so — some natural and effective solutions are out there!
In this article, I will share my guide on how to get rid of chemical smells from clothes safely and efficiently.
Why Does Clothing Get a Chemical Smell?
Have you ever had your favorite pants or shirt that reeks of chemicals? The source of this disturbing scent can come from various places, so let’s figure out where it’s coming from.
Most chemical smells come from a few main culprits –
The fabric itself
Some materials, such as polyester and rayon, are often treated with formaldehyde-based chemicals during manufacturing to reduce wrinkling and shrinkage, resulting in an off-putting odor.
Deodorant or body spray.
If you have yet to wash your clothes after wearing them, body oils, perspiration, and deodorant residue can make the fabric smell musty.
Cleaning solutions or fabric softeners used while laundering your clothes may also be the source of strong odors. This is if not rinsed away correctly.
Find the source
Finding the source of this smell is essential as it helps you know the best way to eliminate it. Depending on the cause, you may need to take a different approach to eliminate the stench!
Washing as a Solution for Removing Chemical Smells
If you dint already know, washing clothes is the quickest and easiest way to eliminate that unwanted smell.
This is especially true if the odor comes from a piece of recently purchased clothing or if you have used a chemical cleaner on it.
You’ll need to use a gentle detergent designed to remove odors and a cold-water cycle setting to remove the smell.
We recommend adding a few drops of essential oil to the detergent during the rinse cycle for extra odor removal.
This will help neutralize any strong odors still present after washing.
At the same time, vinegar can prove helpful in removing odors.
Once your clothes are washed and free of any chemical smell, line-dry them instead of using the dryer to preserve the fabric’s integrity.
And remember—it’s always best practice to pre-treat stains before laundering too!
Using Natural Products to Remove Chemical Odors From Clothing
Some easy household items can do the trick if you’d rather use natural products to remove chemical odors from your clothing.
Baking soda
Baking soda has natural odor-absorbing qualities that make it great for eliminating smells, including chemical odors.
To use baking soda, wash your clothing in the hottest water setting without detergent or fabric softener.
Once cleaned, add one cup of baking soda to the machine and run a complete cycle on the hottest setting again.
White vinegar
Another great option is white vinegar! Make sure to use regular white vinegar—not distilled, which won’t be as effective.
Add one cup of white vinegar directly into the washing machine and your normal detergent.
Then, run a complete cycle on the hottest temperature setting possible for all those pesky odors.
After a cycle or two with vinegar, you may want to perform an additional wash with just detergent to ensure no vinegar trace is left in clothing either!
Using these natural products combined with other treatment methods, such as air drying in direct sunlight and spot treating with essential oils, you can get that chemical smell out of your clothes quickly and efficiently!
Cleaning Advice for Specific Materials
Certain fabrics require special care when trying to eliminate a chemical smell.
The safest way to deal with chemical smells depends on what material your clothes are made from, so here’s some cleaning advice for specific materials.
Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are easy to care for if they have a chemical smell.
Start by washing on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and the water temperatures should be below 104°F.
If you need extra odor-removing power, add an oxygen-based cleaner (like baking soda) and let the spin cycle do its thing!
Delicate Fabrics
For fabrics like silk, rayon, or even polyester might require special treatment if you want to get rid of any chemical odors.
You’ll want to avoid using harsh detergents or settings that could damage the fabric; use cold water and a mild laundry detergent instead.
You can also soak the clothing in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes before giving it another wash—this should help lift out any stubborn odors without damaging delicate fabrics.
Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics such as nylon and spandex will respond well to the same cleaning methods mentioned above.
However, if those don’t work, add vinegar or baking soda to lukewarm water into the wash cycle before spinning.
It should help lift out stubborn odors without damaging your clothes.
And on removing stubborn odors, have you ever encountered a stubborn stain, like a melted crayon on your shirt?
If you thought adors was the worst task in laundry, you need to also look into how to get melted crayons out of clothes.
Important Safety Tips to Consider When Removing Chemical Smells From Clothes
When dealing with removing chemical smells from clothes, it’s important to remember some essential safety tips. Here are the most important ones:
Always wear protective gear like gloves, glasses, and a face mask when working with chemical removers or other cleaning agents.
Ensure the area you use is well-ventilated by opening windows or using a fan to blow the fumes out of the room.
Always read the label on any product you’re using to check if it’s safe for the type of fabric and how you should use it.
Test any solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure no discoloration or damage to your clothes before proceeding with the entire treatment.
Follow all directions carefully, as not doing so could cause more harm than good in removing the chemical smell in your clothes.
Avoid mixing different products, which could create toxic and dangerous fumes that could be harmful to breathe in or even cause a fire hazard if not handled and disposed of properly.
These simple steps can help eliminate chemical smells while keeping you safe!
FAQs on Removing Chemical Odors From Clothes
You may have some questions about getting the chemical smell out of clothes. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can vinegar remove chemical odors from clothes?
Yes, white vinegar is a great way to remove odors from clothes. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and soak your clothes in it for 30 minutes.
Then, wash your clothes as usual.
Can baking soda help?
Baking soda can help absorb odors, so add ¼ cup of baking soda for smaller loads or ½ cup for larger loads in the washing machine when washing your clothes. This can also help freshen your laundry and make it smell clean.
Is there a special detergent for removing chemical smells?
Yes, special detergents are formulated specifically for removing odors from clothes.
Look for ones that contain natural ingredients like baking soda or enzymes, which can break down and eliminate unpleasant smells from fabrics.
These FAQs will help you understand how to effectively eliminate odors from your clothing to keep them looking and smelling fresh!
Final Thoughts; How To Get Chemical Smell Out Of Clothes
There’s no one-fits-all solution for getting the chemical smell out of clothes.
Different fabrics, different kinds of chemicals, and time frames are all factors in what may or may not be the right solution for you.
So, the next time you are wondering how to get chemical smell out of clothes.
The above are essential tips and advice that you can use to tackle the scent and enjoy your clothes.