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How To Get Smell Out Of Jeans

I’ve noticed a bit of a strange odor coming from my new jeans. They smell of chemicals. It’s so strong, and I can’t wear them! Is there a way to get rid of the intense aroma? How can I get the smell out of jeans?

Wash jeans with a standard laundry detergent to remove everyday smells. For chemical residue from the manufacturing process, extra steps may be needed. Adding white vinegar to the wash will act as a deodorizer. Hand washing jeans with castile soap is also effective at removing smells. Spraying with vodka is a good alternative if washing jeans is not an option.

Getting the smell of chemicals out of your new jeans can be tricky. In this article, we’ll take a look at some methods you can use. From vinegar to using the freezer, there’s bound to be a solution to your smelly jeans problem.

How To Get Smell Out Of Jeans

Why Do New Jeans Smell Bad?

Jeans are a popular casual garment beloved by people across the globe. Because of this, denim jeans can travel miles in containers to reach consumers. This can create a bit of a problem.

The longer the jeans stay cooped up in crates on their long journey to department stores, the more chance they will go moldy. Particularly if the climate becomes humid or even slightly damp. You see, denim jeans are made from cotton. As a natural fiber, cotton is incredibly susceptible to damage from mold.

Mold buildup occurs due to cotton’s ability to absorb moisture. It sucks it up like a sponge. The only trouble is, while the cotton-based jeans are couped up inside delivery trucks or packing crates, the moisture can’t evaporate.

It permeates the fibers of the jeans and turns into patches of unsightly green mold. Worse still, the mold can plume into the atmosphere causing respiratory problems for those unfortunate enough to breathe it in. This is bad news for clothing manufacturers. No one is going to want to buy unhealthy, moldy jeans.

To counteract the risk of mold damaging the jeans while in transit, some manufacturers have started spraying new clothing with a protective chemical. Known as formaldehyde, this chemical stops mold spores in their tracks. Great news for the garments, not so great for your nose. Or your lungs.

Formaldehyde has an unpleasant odor reminiscent of mild chlorine mixed with pickles. You’d be right in thinking you’ve heard of this chemical before. For generations, it has been used as an embalming fluid to preserve bodies before burial.

It’s not a particularly nice chemical and has been associated with a sensation of burning eyes, coughing, nausea, and skin irritation. All that and a nasty, pungent stench to boot.

The aroma of formaldehyde can stay with your jeans long after they have arrived at the clothing store or supermarket. It can follow you home and continue to emit its foul bouquet as you wear your prized new denim out and about. Making you regret your purchase and encouraging your friends to sit further away.

One of the first things you should do with your new jeans, or any new garment, is wash them before wearing them. Not only will this reduce the smell of the formaldehyde, but it will also stop the chemical causing skin irritation or nausea.

Of course, being new isn’t the only reason your jeans can give off a nasty whiff. Sometimes, jeans can pick up pollution in the atmosphere as you go about your daily activities. You might have spilled some food or drink on them. Any staining on denim jeans can lead to a buildup of bacteria. Germs and microorganisms like bacteria are prime candidates for the production of smells.

How to Get Smell Out of Jeans

 

Get the Smell Out of Black Jeans

You might be thinking your new jeans are doomed to a life in the closet. But fear not, they can be rescued from any lingering smell. Even the less aromatic ones. There are several methods you can use to rid your denim jeans of the acrid scent from a troublesome fabric finish.

We’ve put together step-by-step instructions for some of the more reliable ways to rid your jeans of their enduring odors. The best one for you will depend on your jeans and the smell they are suffering from. But all should be successful in alleviating even the strongest of scents.

1. Wash Your Jeans

Whenever you buy any new clothing, it doesn’t have to be jeans. You should wash it before wearing it for the first time. This will ensure any residual chemicals from the production process are removed.

You will need:

  • Washing machine
  • Your usual laundry detergent
  • Clothesline

Step 1

Check the care label in your jeans for the washing instructions. Select the recommended wash setting on your machine. Normally, this will be a cool setting for jeans, so the denim doesn’t shrink too much. Add your usual laundry detergent and wash on a regular cycle.

Step 2

Remove the jeans from the washing machine as soon as the wash cycle has finished. Do not put your jeans in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause smells to become deeply set within the fabric fibers. Always air dry new jeans after washing them for the first time. This will ensure you are successful in removing foul odors. Hanging them to dry on a clothesline outside is best as even the slightest breeze will help eliminate smells.

2. White Vinegar

VinegarA handy staple in any kitchen, white vinegar has more strings to its bow than a seasoning for food. It’s known to be an effective cleaner for all sorts of tasks. From stain removal to a multi-surface disinfectant, it can even eliminate odors.

You will need:

  • White vinegar
  • Large bucket or sink
  • Cold water
  • Washing machine
  • Your usual laundry detergent
  • Clothesline

Step 1

Fill a sink or bucket with enough cold water to completely submerge your jeans. Add 1-2 cups of white vinegar according to the level of odor you are trying to get rid of. For extra smelly jeans add 2 cups.

Step 2

Leave your jeans to soak in the water and vinegar solution for a minimum of 1 hour. Remove your jeans from the bucket or sink and rinse in fresh cold water.

Step 3

Once you’ve rinsed your jeans your next step is to wash them. You don’t want to replace a bad smell with a vinegar smell, even if it is less putrid. Use your normal detergent and set your washing machine on a regular cycle with a cool setting.

Step 4

Allow your jeans to air dry outside on a clothesline. The fresh air should remove any remaining odor. Don’t be tempted to speed up the drying phase by using your dryer. The heat from the dryer has been known to permanently set smells into the fabric.

3. Baking Soda and Water

Baking sodaAnother kitchen favorite with a multitude of uses is baking soda. Its odor-eating properties make this option a popular choice for getting the smell out of new jeans. You can even use it to remove stains.

You will need:

  • Baking soda
  • Cool water
  • Large bucket or sink
  • Washing machine
  • Your usual laundry detergent
  • Clothesline

Step 1

Fill a large bucket or sink with cool water. You don’t want to use hot water to shrink your jeans. Add 1-2 cups of baking soda to the water and mix well. Adjust the number of cups according to the amount of smell you are trying to remove. For particularly pungent odors, try 3 cups.

Step 2

Put your jeans in the mix and make sure they are completely soaked. Give them a swirl to make sure all the fibers are wet through. Leave your jeans in the bucket or sink overnight.

Step 3

Wash your jeans on a regular cycle in your washing machine. There’s no need to purchase a special detergent for this. Any laundry detergent will work, so you can use your normal one. Use a cool setting to avoid shrinking them. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse stage will help remove any residual smells.

Step 4

Dry your jeans by hanging them on a clothesline outside. Even if there is only a slight breeze, the fresh air will eliminate any remaining stink leaving your jeans smelling clean.

4. Oxygen Bleach

BleachYou’ve probably given chlorine bleach a wide berth when it comes to your laundry needs. That’s because bleach isn’t usually something you want anywhere near your jeans. Regardless of whether they are new or old. Chlorine bleach will strip the color out of the fabric and potentially damage the fibers.

Oxygen bleach is slightly different. It’s essentially a mix of hydrogen peroxide, sodium carbonate, or washing soda. It can also contain sodium percarbonate, which is a powdered form of hydrogen peroxide. A popular form of oxygen bleach is Oxiclean. A versatile and trusted laundry treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach and is considered safer to use than a chlorine-based version. However, it is still bleach, so always do a spot test before committing your jeans to a full treatment.

You will need:

  • Oxygen bleach or a tub of Oxiclean
  • Large bucket or sink
  • Cool water
  • Washing machine
  • Your usual laundry detergent
  • Clothesline

Step 1

Check the box or packet of oxygen bleach for the recommended dose. Depending on the level of odor you are trying to remove, this is likely to be a scoop. Add this to a large bucket or sink of water. There needs to be enough water to cover your jeans.

Step 2

Completely submerge your jeans in the bucket or sink and give it a bit of a stir. This will help make sure the oxygen bleach gets into all the little nooks and crannies. Leave your jeans to soak overnight.

Step 3

Rinse your jeans in cold water to remove any oxygen bleach residue. Once you are happy you have removed as much of the bleach as possible, you’ll need to wash your jeans. Put them in your washing machine on a regular cycle and cool setting. Your usual laundry detergent is fine for this.

Step 4

It’s time to dry your jeans. Don’t use your dryer for this step, as heat can cause smells to become permanently embedded in the fabric. Hang your jeans out to dry on a clothesline. The outside air will help to eliminate any remaining whiffs.

5. Borax

Borax is another cleaning product you’ve probably already got in your kitchen. It has been used as a stain and odor remover for generations. Marketed as a detergent booster, it packs a powerful punch. You won’t need to use a lot to get rid of the strongest chemical stinks.

Be careful, though, as borax has been known to cause color fading. Always test a small area of your garment before committing to a full-on borax treatment.

You will need:

  • Borax
  • Washing machine
  • Your usual laundry detergent
  • Clothesline

Step 1

Set your washing machine on a regular cycle with a cool or cold setting. Add your usual washing detergent and half a cup of borax. Remove your jeans as soon as the cycle has completed.

Step 2

Dry your jeans outside on a clothesline, which will help eliminate any residual smell from the chemicals. You shouldn’t use your dryer as the heat can make nasty odors permanent.

6. Lemon Juice

It never ceases to amaze me how many normal everyday kitchen items can be used for odor removal. Lemon juice may make a tasty drink and add a citrus zing to your cooking, but it also kicks nasty whiffs straight out the door.

You will need:

  • Lemon juice
  • Large bucket or sink
  • Cold water
  • Washing machine
  • Your usual laundry detergent

Step 1

Add one cup of lemon juice to a large bucket of cold water. You can also use a sink for this if you don’t have a bucket. Make sure the water is high enough to completely cover your jeans. But not too high, it overflows when you put the jeans in.

Step 2

Submerge your jeans in the lemon and water mix. Stir them around to make sure the lemon can soak into the fibers. Leave your jeans to soak for a couple of hours.

Step 3

Rinse your jeans in fresh water to remove the lemon. As lemon is acidic, you don’t want to leave it on your jeans for too long. Next, using your usual washing detergent, you’ll need to wash your jeans. Set your washing machine on a regular cycle and a cold setting.

Step 4

Dry your jeans. The safest way is to leave them outside to air dry on a clothesline. Do not be tempted to use your dryer. The heat from dryers has been known to lock smells into the fibers of a fabric. This could make your new jeans smell of chemicals forever.

8. Castile Soap

Available as either liquid soap or a bar, castile soap is a personal hygiene staple that doubles up as an impressive odor eater. It’s an all-natural product that uses a combination of oils, including coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil. Some castile soaps contain palm oil which can cause dry skin. So if you have sensitive skin, check the label to make sure it’s palm oil-free before purchasing.

You will need:

  • A bar or bottle of castile soap
  • Large bucket or sink
  • Cool water
  • Washing machine
  • Your usual laundry detergent
  • Clothesline

Step 1

Using either a bar of castile soap or half a cup of castile liquid, hand wash your jeans in a bucket or sink. Make sure to twirl the jeans in the water and rub the soap into the fibers. If you find the water is a little too cool for your hands, add a bit of warm water until it is hand hot. Don’t go too warm, though as your jeans might shrink.

Step 2

Leave your jeans in the castile and water mix for an hour. Once the time is up, rinse out the castile soap as much as you can using fresh, clean water.

Step 3

Grab your usual washing detergent and wash your jeans. Set your washing machine on a cool setting and a regular cycle. Once the cycle is complete, remove your jeans from the machine.

Step 4

The final step is to dry your jeans. For this, you need to step away from your dryer and take a trip outdoors. Hang your new jeans out to dry on a clothesline. The fresh air and sunlight will help erode any remaining stench of chemicals. Don’t be tempted to use your dryer, as the heat will trap the chemicals in the fibers of your jeans.

How to Remove Odor From Jeans Without Washing

How to Remove Odor From Jeans

Some methods to get rid of the smell from new jeans involve washing and lengthy soaking processes. You don’t have to wash your jeans to remove residual whiffs from the production process, though. In this section, we’ll take a look at some options that can be used without the need for a washing machine or sink.

1. Use the Power of the Sun

It might sound strange, but utilizing UV rays is the easiest way to rid your new jeans of chemical smells. Even on a cloudy day, you’ll get some odor-busting strength emanating down from the sun.

You will need:

  • An outside clothesline
  • Coat hanger with clips suitable for pants
  • Clothes pegs

Step 1

Grab a coat hanger designed for pants and jeans. Clip the jeans to the hanger and then hang it up somewhere outside. You can use a clothesline or the frame of your gazebo. Anywhere will do as long as it’s outside and the jeans can sway back and forth freely in the breeze. You can also use clothes pegs instead of a coat hanger.

Step 2

Leave your jeans outside for a couple of hours or a whole day. When you bring them back inside, you should notice the chemical smell has been replaced with the fresh, clean fragrance of the outdoors. If it hasn’t, repeat the process.

2. Store in the Freezer

There’s more to the humble freezer than being somewhere to keep your ice cream. You can also use it to kill bacteria and smells. Freezing your clothing can also help protect it from moth damage. The freezing process destroys any body odor left on the garments after wearing. Without the smell, there’s nothing to attract moths.

Be a little careful with this method, particularly if you treat chemical smells on your new jeans. You do keep food in your freezer, after all. Make sure the jeans are never in contact with any open packets of food.

You will need:

  • A freezer
  • A plastic clothes bag or trash bag

Step 1

Put your new jeans in a plastic bag. This can be a clothes storage bag or a trash bag. Lay it flat in your freezer. If you have any open bags of peas or other food items in there, keep them out of the way of the jeans.

Step 2

Leave your jeans in the freezer for a couple of days. They need to be frozen for this to work. Check on your jeans a few times while they are in there to see how well they are freezing.

Step 3

Remove your jeans from the freezer and take them out of the bag. Throw the bag in the trash. Leave your jeans out in the sunlight to thaw out slowly. Once they are defrosted, you should find the new jeans smell has evaporated.

3. Coffee Grounds

This one is for the jeans-wearing coffee lover. Although coffee grounds can dispel odors, you could end up with coffee-smelling jeans. You’ll also want to keep your jeans away from any wet coffee grounds. Otherwise, you might find you’ve dyed your new jeans a coffee color.

You will need:

  • Dry coffee grounds
  • Large brown paper bag
  • Tissue paper or crepe paper

Step 1

Put some dry coffee grounds into a large paper bag. The bag needs to be big enough to house your jeans. Next, wrap your new jeans in tissue paper or crepe paper. You can find either of them at craft stores or your local supermarket. Make sure the jeans are completely enclosed in tissue paper.

Step 2

Put your jeans in the bag with the coffee grounds. Then, roll the bag up into a sausage shape. Leave it for a couple of days.

Step 3

Take your jeans out of the bag and give them a shake. This will loosen any of the coffee grounds attached to the fabric. You should find any chemical smell has disappeared. Remember to throw the bag and coffee grounds into the trash.

4. Vodka Spray

A splash of vodka and some time out in the sun sounds like the perfect pick-me-up after a hard day at work. Particularly if you add a touch of tonic water. Strange as it may sound, vodka can also work wonders for your new jeans. Vodka has been used as a deodorizer for years.

You will need:

  • Bottle of vodka
  • Spray bottle
  • A coat hanger or clothes pegs
  • Clothesline

Step 1

Pour some neat vodka into the spray bottle. Hang your jeans outside on a clothesline. You can use a coat hanger designed for pants or skirts for this. Clothes pegs will also work.

Step 2

Spray your jeans with vodka. Make sure to completely cover them on both sides and between the legs. Leave your jeans to soak up the vodka in the sunlight.

Step 3

There’s no need to dry your jeans with this method. The sun will make the vodka evaporate, leaving your jeans dry to the touch. They’ll also be smell free. You won’t need to wash them to remove the aroma of alcohol either. Vodka doesn’t leave any trace of smell behind.

5. Baking Soda

Once more, our trusty friend baking soda comes to the rescue. There’s no need to get your jeans wet if you have a box of baking soda to hand. As denim tends to shrink when it’s washed, using baking soda dry can help you get rid of smells without changing the size of your jeans.

You will need:

  • Baking soda
  • Large trash bag
  • Coat hanger
  • Hook on the back of a door
  • Clothesline
  • Sticky tape

Step 1

Pour 2 cups of baking soda into the bottom of a trash bag. Shake it a little to make sure it covers the inside base of the bag. Please note the baking soda has got to be dry for this method.

Step 2

Hang your new jeans on a coat hanger designed for pants or skirts. It should have a couple of clips on each end. Gently pull the trash bag over the jeans, so you don’t disturb the baking soda layer. The jeans need to be inside the bag but not touching the baking soda.

Step 3

Tape the open end of the trash bag to the hanger. Leave the bagged jeans to hang on the back of a door for a few days. You can also leave them to hang on a clothesline if your door doesn’t have a handy hook on it.

Step 4

Remove your jeans from the bag and give them a shake. Any residual chemical smell should have been absorbed by the baking soda. Throw the bag and baking soda into the trash.

How to Get the Smell Out of Black Jeans

Black jeans tend to be more prone to chemical smells lingering after production. This is because they usually have to spend more time being dyed to create the black shade or color. The more time a garment is surrounded by chemicals, the more it will retain the pungent aroma.

Getting the smell out of black jeans is similar to any other jeans color. However, you might find it can take a few more attempts. Although you can use the methods that don’t require washing your jeans, you might not get all the stink out in one go.

For a quick and easy solution to getting the smell out of black jeans, try washing them in your usual detergent. Make sure you wash them separately from any other garments. Black jeans are also more prone to color runs.

Once they are washed, leave them to air dry outside. This should clear up any residual chemical smell from preservatives like formaldehyde. If it doesn’t, and you can still find traces of the pungent odor, rewash the jeans. Only this time use oxygen bleach or baking soda in the wash.

Don’t be tempted to use both at the same time! That will end badly. Pick one or the other, they are equally good. Follow the step-by-step guide in the section on how to get the smell out of jeans earlier in this article.

Conclusion

You can get the smell out of new jeans by using simple but effective methods. Most of the time, washing your jeans will do the trick. For stubborn smells, you can use vinegar, baking soda, and even vodka.

Have you tried any of the methods in this article? If you did, which one did you use? How did you get on? Is there another method you use that I haven’t mentioned? Let me know in the comments.