Have you ever been hit by a strong chemical smell when you opened a package containing a new shirt or a pair of jeans? You are not the only one. This situation is very common for clothes bought online.
This “factory smell” is a result of the chemicals used during the production and transport of the clothes. These chemicals are helpful to prevent the clothes from wrinkling and to protect them from mold during the long trip to your home.
The positive side is that getting rid of this odor is possible. We are going to teach you how to make your new clothes smell fresh and clean in a few easy ways. In a couple of days, with the right amount of fresh air and some simple things found in your home, that factory smell will disappear.
The “Why” Behind the “What”: A Brief Explanation of the Smell
The best way to fix the problem is to know why it occurred. The factory smell is made from various things that the clothing has taken on during the trip from the factory to you. Once you learn this, it is easier to do the cleaning.
The most important sources of the smell are as follows:
- Formaldehyde: This is the chemical that keeps clothes from getting wrinkled. It also helps with mold growth during shipping if the containers are damp.
- Azo Dyes: Some dyes used for coloring fabric can give off vapors that have a pungent smell.
- Finishing Agents: These chemicals are responsible for the feel of the fabric. Some are soft and water-resistant.
- Plastic Packaging: The plastic wrap that is used to pack the clothes can pass their smell right on to the fabric.
The life story of a piece of clothing is really long. The fabric is created, dyed, treated, and sent to be packed in a factory. After that, it may travel miles and kilometers in a shipping container or trailer. More information is available at Why do my new clothes smell like chemicals?.
The best clothing makers are adopting practices that will help them cut the use of chemicals. We, at ClothingManufacturerLTD, are focusing on safer materials and processes.
Before wearing new clothes, it is always a great idea to wash them. Some of these substances can be a cause of skin irritation. This is more likely the case for the ones who have sensitive skin. As per A Guide to Getting Strong Smells Out of Your Clothes, washing is imperative for health and comfort.
The Complete and Thorough Step-by-Step Removal Guide
At this point, let’s have a look at the solutions. If you want to get the factory smell out of clothes, here are the most effective methods. We are going to guide you through each one, in a stepwise manner.
Step #1: Look at the Care Label before Anything Else
Before you start anything, check the tag inside your clothing. This care label has symbols and words that tell you how to wash and dry it properly.
Not paying attention to this can lead to shrinking, color loss, or even the damage of the fabric. If it says “Dry Clean only” then the best choice is to consult a professional. For cotton or similar fabrics, the label will show the maximum water temperature allowed.
Method 1: The Fresh Air & Sunlight Band-Aid
This is the easiest first step you can take. It is usually the best for light smells or can be used as a starting point before the washing. Sunlight is a natural UV light giver, which kills odors.
- Turn the clothing inside out. This protects the color from fading in the sun.
- Hang them outside on a clothesline or use a hanger being put near an open window.
- Leave it for at least 24 hours to air out. For stronger smells, 48 hours is even better.
This easy trick can very often solve the dilemma of how to get factory smell out of clothes by just utilizing a little effort.
Method 2: The Deep-Cleaning Vinegar Soak
If the fresh air is not enough, a vinegar soak will likely be a powerful, next step for you. White vinegar consists of mild acid that is effective in dissolving the problematic chemical particles.
- Fill a clean sink, bathtub, or large bucket with cool water.
- Add one cup of white vinegar to the water and stir it around.
- Place your new clothes in the water. Make sure they are fully underwater.
- Allow the clothes to soak for an hour. For very strong factory smells, you may leave them to soak overnight.
- When they are done soaking, take the clothes out, squeeze out the extra water, and wash them in your machine as you normally would. The vinegar smell will wash away completely.
This method is highly recommended for tough smells by experts, as seen on Spruce.
Method 3: The Odor-Absorbing Baking Soda Wash
Baking soda is another excellent tool you will find at home to remove odors. It is working by stopping the smells instead of just covering them up. It is a prime way to use it right in the washing process.
- Put the smelly clothes into the washing machine drum.
- Add your regular laundry soap as you normally would.
- Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly on top of the clothes in the drum.
- Run a normal wash cycle using cool or warm water, based on the care label.
- In case your machine has an “extra rinse” option, apply it in order to make sure that all of the baking soda as well as the smells that were just released are out of the laundry.
Method Comparison: What’s Best for Your Clothes?
The confusion about which method to choose is something you can quickly get rid of by trying this table. It highlights the differences that exist in every approach based on fabric, smell level, and time.
| Method | Best For | Time Required | Fabric Safety | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Air & Sunlight | Mild smells, delicate items | 24-48 hours | Safe for most, but can fade dark colors | Pro: Easy, free. Con: Slow, not for strong odors. |
| Vinegar Soak | Strong, stubborn chemical odors | 1-8 hours | Safe for most fabrics like cotton & synthetics | Pro: Very effective. Con: Requires an extra step before washing. |
| Baking Soda Wash | Moderate smells, general freshening | 1 wash cycle | Very safe for all machine-washable fabrics | Pro: Easy, adds to normal wash. Con: May not be enough for intense smells alone. |
| Activated Charcoal | Non-washables, “Dry Clean Only” | 3-7 days | Safest for all fabrics, including silk & wool | Pro: No water needed. Con: Very slow, requires a sealed bag. |
When the Smell Won’t Budge: Some Advanced Tactics
Every once in a while, you will encounter a factory smell that is quite persistent. This may happen in specific cases. You should not give up. Here are some advanced ideas to remove chemical smells from new clothes.
Dealing with Stubborn Fabrics
Heavy fabrics such as denim and man-made materials such as polyester can get trapped with smells deeper than other fabrics. Consequently, these materials usually call for a stronger treatment.
When dealing with new denim or sportswear, try a longer vinegar soak (up to 24 hours). This longer soak gives the vinegar time to work its way through the fibers, thereby dissolving the chemicals.
The “Repeat Cycle” Methodology
In case one cycle of treatment isn’t enough, feel free to combine methods. This one-two punch is great for the most stubborn smells.
What you should do first, is to carry out the vinegar soak for a couple of hours. Following that, without rinsing, put the clothes directly in the washing machine. Add the soap and half a cup of baking soda and run a complete wash cycle. This mix eliminates the smell from two different areas.
Non-Washable Solutions: Activated Charcoal
What about clothes labeled as “Dry Clean Only”? You can still get rid of the factory smell without washing them. The way to do it is to employ something that absorbs stink.
Activated charcoal is ideal for this kind of thing. It is available in small pouches in the internet and pet store.
- Place the stinky clothing in a big, sealable plastic bag or a bin with lid.
- Add an activated charcoal pouch or an open box of baking soda into the bag with the clothing.
- Seal the bag or container tightly.
- Leave it for a few days. The charcoal or baking soda will gradually pull the chemical smells from the fabric.
A Proactive Approach: Smart Shopping Tips
The best way to deal with factory smells is to avoid them in the first place. A few smart shopping habits will help you select clothes that are less likely to have strong chemical smells.
Look for certifications on the label. A label like OEKO-TEX® means that the clothing has been tested for a range of harmful substances.
When you can, go for natural fibers. Fabric types like organic cotton, linen, Tencel, and wool allow your body to breathe. They are often produced with significantly fewer and less harmful chemicals than synthetic ones.
If you are shopping in a store, trust your nose. Give a piece of clothing a quick sniff before you buy it. If it is very strong on the rack, it will probably be harder to remove the smell at home.
Promote brands that are transparent about their clothing’s production. The choice of a brand partner who values transparency is a solid one in the clothing industry. We stand for sustainable and ethical production, which you can learn about on ClothingManufacturerLTD.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does it take to get the factory smell out of clothes?
It really depends on the power of the smell. For instance, a mild smell could be out of the clothes after one day of being aired out. On the other hand, a pungent chemical smell might have to go through a vinegar soak, and a baking soda wash, which altogether could take a few days. The crucial tip for you is to never put the clothes in a dryer until the smell has gone fully. This is because the heat can set the smell in the fabric forever.
2. Can I get the factory smell out of clothes without washing them?
Yes, absolutely you can do that for light smells. The best is to hang the clothes in the sun. You can also place them in a bag with activated charcoal or baking soda for a few days to absorb the smell. But for the very strong smells, the washer is always the best and fast solution.
3. Is the chemical smell on new clothes harmful?
For most people, the chemical levels in the low are not a big health risk. However, they can cause skin irritation, headaches, or allergic reactions for the ones who are sensitive to the chemicals or have chemical sensitivities. Therefore, we always recommend washing new clothes before you wear them for the first time.
4. Why do my new jeans smell particularly strong?
Jeans undergo a whole range of treatments to get their color and texture. Processes like synthetic indigo dyeing, softening, and distressing, which all use chemicals, are to blame. The denim thick, dense cotton fabric also holds these chemicals well which results in a stronger and lasting smell.
5. If I get the smell out, will it come back?
Not at all, it will not come back. The factory smell is created by the chemicals that have been left from the clothes being manufactured. After you have washed these chemicals out of the material, the smell is gone forever and it will not return.
