I just bought a pair of great jeans, but they smell bad! Even after 2 washes. I don't know if it's the dye they use, or what. I can't really put my finger on what it smells like... sort of musty. Anyone know what this is and how to get rid of it? Thanks!
Wow, thanks! I've never heard of fermaldahyde being used. I'll have to try the baking soda and vinegar and see what happens.
You might not want to use the vinegar and baking soda in the washer at the same time, though - they'll neutralize each other.
But only after a chemical reaction - ever make a model of a volcano?
:-)
depends on where they were made. It's probably formaldehyde. Lots of countries spray the clothes with that for the boat ride over.... so the cotton doesn't develop mold or mildew during the trip or the wait in customs.
Try soaking them in vinegar for about 30 - 45 minutes before the next wash. I used to work in retail and I do this for all my new clothes (secondary benefit.... the vinegar will 'set' the dye so the colors won't run).... you just put in about a cup into the washer and leave the lid open so the washer fills it won't "start". Then after about 30 minutes dump in your detergent and close the lid.
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ETA -
in researching I found an article that also says you can add baking soda.
http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_make-stretch-jeans-g...
ETA #2 - it's not just on jeans. Formaldehyde will be used on MOST clothing that is made overseas and has to ship a long distance to the USA. Anything that would mold or mildew during the trip.
Even the pallets of jewlery, towels, CDs etc.... if it's shipped in cardboard boxes they will spray the whole pallet of goods to make sure the packaging doesn't mold during transit.
YES!!! Are the jeans dark? If they are dark it's the formaldehyde and other chemicals they put the fabric through to keep that dark color. It is horrible for your health, what you are smelling is the off-gassing which can actually cause cancer and other health issues. I make it a habit now to always smell pants before I buy. Express and New York & Co are the worst but I've smelled the chemical off-gassing on jeans from the Gap outlet before. I'd return them, you'll start to notice the same smell on your other clothing that gets washed with them.
I've heard of black jeans smelling a bit like sulfur but a formaldehyde smell is a new one on me.
http://www.getsmellout.com/how-to-get-smell-out-of-new-je...
American Eagle Outfitters brand? It is the chemicals used to lock in the dye - not the dy itself - Try washing with some vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda (during the rinse) - then dry them in the sunlight if possible.
They may have been stored somewhere damp and/or moldy (like a warehouse or truck with poor air circulation.)
I would return them, hopefully you can exchange them for a non stinky pair!
I was going to suggest baking soda and vinegar in the washing machine. I use it for everything that has a smell.
Not surpised about the chemicals. That's why we wash ALL new clothes before we wear them....especially for my oldest who has skin allergies.
I have no clue what that could be, and I am notorious for buying too many pairs of jeans. I'd return them and see if they all smell or just the pair you got. Yuck!
Formaldehyde? OMG, I just bought some jeans and they smell this exact way! AND I spent $20 just to hem these suckers. I'm going to have to research this further. I try to live as healthfully as possible so I'll be getting rid of these jeans if that is the case.
Are they black? I have certain black jeans that stink and it's the dye (cheap)! So frustrating, because I try to buy good brands and they still stink.... in other words, good brands that charge more still use the cheap dys. Anway, could be the issue or not, but I've found that the smell never really goes away :( Let us know if you get rid of it!!
