goldenpig

15 Comments

• Jjsloane replied 11 years ago

  I have the same problems with scents. Airing them out can help somewhat, but if they are washable try vinegar in the rinse cycle. Sometimes it can take a few rinses to really get everything out of the fibers.

• replied 11 years ago

  Since these items are machine washable, try putting white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. That might help.

• replied 11 years ago

  I was going to suggest vinegar, but others beat me to it. You might also try some baking soda in the wash water.

• Diana replied 11 years ago

  Agree with the vinegar suggestion but I have to say that I have had very limited luck with this. Even if the smell reduces with vinegar, baking soda, etc, it often seems to return when the item gets warm (i.e. when you are wearing it). Synthetics seem to hold smells more strongly too, so you may have better luck with natural fibers.

  This is the primary reason why I don't thrift other than jewelry and accessories.

• catgirl replied 11 years ago

  I just read something about this in Instyle from this month but can't remember what it was. It may have been spritzing with vodka - something about the alcohol drying and lifting the smell. Will check when I get home!

• replied 11 years ago

  I once thrifted a nylon half-slip that reeked of cheap perfume. The smell didn't come out in the wash either. I finally read somewhere (like Heloise) to soak it in a really strong ammonia solution. Believe it or not, the odor came out completely, and the ammonia odor came out when I laundered it again, after soaking. Good luck!

• catgirl replied 11 years ago

  Okay, InStyle say "Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vanilla vodka and water, generously mist the article and let dry." Vodka apparently kills the spores that cause the odor. Have not tried it but sounds plausible! And bonus cocktails!

• Jonesy replied 11 years ago

  I wonder if washing it or treating it with some of these suggested solutions would work, then maybe letting it dry outside in the sun? Sunshine and fresh air seem to help with smells, though I could just be imagining it :).

• goldenpig replied 11 years ago

  Thanks for the suggestions! Will try some of them and hope for the best!

• lyn* replied 11 years ago

  Have you tried airing them after tossing into the freezer? I find this works for most of the shirts my dad gets from Winners - he complains they smell like "Man Perfume" :p

• Queen Mum replied 11 years ago

  Baking soda is always my go-to odor remover. You could either sprinkle the garment with BS, or put a half cup or so of BS in a paper bag with the garment, close up and let sit over night.
  Let us know what works!

• Mander replied 11 years ago

  Definitely try the vodka, or any kind of alcohol you are willing to sacrifice for the cause (that is, don't use the single malt scotch!).

  ;-)

  I had a couple of polyester scarves that reeked of old perfume despite multiple washings, hanging out in the sun, etc. Soaking them overnight in some cheap gin I happened to have in the house helped a lot.

• Kelly replied 11 years ago

  i am a fervent thrifter, but sensitive about smells. i have great success with hanging smelly things outside (sometimes for several weeks, so it should be in the shade). time conquers all.

• Isis replied 11 years ago

  Mander, single malt scotch, LOL!

  GP, out of curiosity, do patients who wear perfume bother you?

• Abie replied 11 years ago

  I got a top one time resale that was very perfumy. I washed it 3x and it didn't come out. I left it outside on my covered deck for a few days and it all came out.