How Do You Get Formaldehyde Smell Out of Clothes?
How do you get formaldehyde smell out of clothes? Formaldehyde is a chemical often used in the manufacturing of clothing to make fabrics wrinkle-resistant or more durable. Unfortunately, it can leave a strong, unpleasant odor on new clothes. This smell can be quite persistent, even after regular washing. The good news is, there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of the formaldehyde smell from your clothes. In this article, we will explore simple yet proven ways to remove formaldehyde odors and ensure your clothes smell fresh and clean.
What Does Formaldehyde Smell Like?
1. Wash with Baking Soda
One of the best answers to how do you get formaldehyde smell out of clothes is by using baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can neutralize strong odors like formaldehyde.
Steps to Remove the Smell Using Baking Soda:
- Add baking soda to your wash: When you’re washing clothes with a formaldehyde odor, add one cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. Baking soda helps to absorb and neutralize the smell.
- Use warm water: Wash the clothes in warm water to help loosen the formaldehyde molecules. If the label on your clothing suggests cold water, adjust accordingly.
- Repeat if necessary: If the smell persists after one wash, repeat the process. The strong odor may take a couple of washes to completely disappear.
Baking soda is a great, gentle option to use on delicate fabrics without causing any damage.
2. Soak Clothes in White Vinegar
Another highly effective method for how to get formaldehyde smell out of clothes is using white vinegar. The acidic nature of vinegar breaks down formaldehyde and eliminates bad odors.
Steps to Remove the Smell Using White Vinegar:
- Prepare a vinegar solution: Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a basin or large bucket.
- Soak the clothes: Submerge your formaldehyde-smelling clothes in the vinegar solution and let them soak for about 1-2 hours.
- Wash as usual: After soaking, wash your clothes as you normally would, either by hand or in the washing machine. The vinegar will help remove both the formaldehyde and its smell.
- Air dry: Air drying the clothes outside can help them lose any lingering odor while getting fresh air.
White vinegar is both an inexpensive and environmentally friendly solution that works well for many people dealing with formaldehyde smells.
3. Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural deodorizer that can be used to eliminate the formaldehyde smell. The citrusy acid in lemon juice not only neutralizes odors but also leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean.
Steps to Remove the Smell Using Lemon Juice:
- Create a lemon juice mixture: Squeeze the juice of two to three lemons into a large bowl or basin, and add enough warm water to soak your clothes.
- Soak the clothes: Let your clothes soak in the lemon juice and water mixture for at least an hour. For stronger odors, you can let them soak longer, up to overnight.
- Rinse and wash: After soaking, rinse the clothes thoroughly with clean water and then wash them using your regular detergent.
- Air dry in sunlight: After washing, hang your clothes in direct sunlight. Sunlight is another natural odor neutralizer, and it will help eliminate any lingering smell.
Lemon juice is a gentle and effective way to treat fabrics, leaving them with a fresh citrus scent.
4. Air Out the Clothes Outdoors
Sometimes the simplest solution for how do you get formaldehyde smell out of clothes is to let nature take its course. Airing out your clothes in a well-ventilated area, especially outside in the sun, can work wonders for removing strong odors.
Steps to Air Out Your Clothes:
- Hang clothes outdoors: Find a sunny spot and hang your clothes where they can get both fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight helps break down formaldehyde particles, while the fresh air helps the smell dissipate.
- Leave for several hours: The longer you leave the clothes hanging outdoors, the better. If possible, leave them out for a full day or even overnight.
- Repeat if needed: If the smell is still present, you can combine this method with any of the washing techniques mentioned above for better results.
This method is especially effective when paired with one of the washing techniques, helping to freshen your clothes completely.
5. Use Activated Charcoal or Odor Absorbers
If you want to know how to remove the formaldehyde smell from clothes without washing, using odor absorbers like activated charcoal can be a great option. Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb odors and chemicals from the air.
Steps to Remove the Smell Using Activated Charcoal:
- Place charcoal near the clothes: You can either place the clothes in a sealed bag or box with a few activated charcoal bags or hang the clothes in a room with the charcoal nearby.
- Leave for a few days: Activated charcoal works slowly, so leave the clothes sealed with the charcoal for at least 2-3 days.
- Air out the clothes: After removing them from the sealed container, hang them to air out for a day.
Activated charcoal is a great option for delicate or dry-clean-only garments that cannot be washed.
6. Wash with Borax
Borax is another powerful solution to get rid of strong odors like formaldehyde. This laundry booster is known for its ability to neutralize smells and clean deeply.
Steps to Remove the Smell Using Borax:
- Add borax to your washing machine: Add half a cup of borax to your washing machine along with your regular detergent.
- Wash with warm water: The warm water helps the borax dissolve better and penetrate the fabric more deeply.
- Air dry: Once the wash is complete, air dry the clothes to help the smell disappear.
Borax is particularly helpful for clothing items that have absorbed a lot of formaldehyde during manufacturing.
Conclusion: How Do You Get Formaldehyde Smell Out of Clothes?
In conclusion, how do you get formaldehyde smell out of clothes? There are several effective methods to remove the odor, such as washing with baking soda, soaking in white vinegar or lemon juice, and using borax or activated charcoal. Air drying clothes outdoors is another simple yet powerful solution that can help eliminate odors naturally. These methods are easy, affordable, and can leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean again.