[jenkerr1]

I have a new pair of jeans that I got and the first time I wore them I thought they had kind of a strong smell to them, kinda like the dye that was used (they are dark denim) Well I washed them and the smell was still there, then today it was nice out so I hung them outside in the wind to try to blow the smell out of them. That didn't work! The smell is as strong as ever and now it seems like in my whole closet, that is the only thing I can smell! I tried Febreeze and it did nothing. Any ideas of how to get this smell out of this pair of jeans?

I have had other clothes that smelled like the dye or new fabric that was used but the smell always came out right after washing. This pair of jeans is stubborn! Thanks for any help anyone can provide!!!

[LyndaSLP]

Try this:

Take some dryer sheets (I use Downy) and stuff 1/2 of one in each pocket. Then wrap the jeans around a couple more. Leave at least over night.

This is what I used to do to get cigarette smell out of clothes after a college night out partying. You know, cheap college student didn't want to wash jeans after one wearing, but I didn't want to wear ashtray smelling jeans either. Even frugal back then!

[poshpoodle]

How about washing them in baking soda and water- maybe letting them soak over night. Baking soda helps with hard water and should be fine for your jeans-let me know if you try this and it works- good luck!

[jenkerr1]

Thanks! I"ll try them both and let you know. I was wondering if vinegar would help at all? I thought maybe soaking and/or washing in it?

[poshpoodle]

Maybe, I just thought that baking soda is known to absorb odors- worth trying!

[lhart24]

Definitely let them soak on the next washing. Or just get a tub and fill with water. I had a pair of jeans that did this also. I partially filled a plastic tote with some water.. then put a lil extra laudry detergent in the water and let the jeans soak for at least 24 hours.. though I think I got lazy and left them for 48.. HAHA...

Then I washed them like I would regulary do and then the smell finally left...

[SewingFool]

I was going to suggest adding vinegar to your wash. I add to my towels to get rid of that funky smell towels sometime get. Good luck.

[therbel]

Originally Posted by SewingFool

I was going to suggest adding vinegar to your wash. I add to my towels to get rid of that funky smell towels sometime get. Good luck.

I was going to say the same thing!!! I use vinegar all the time in my wash, and it works every time!

[wendy1214]

I thought vinegar too, and it would also help to "set" the dye.

[SewingFool]

Great minds think alike. I also use a 50/50 vinegar/water spray on the underarms of my hubby's t-shirts. It helps break down the deodarant residue and helps keep them whitere longer.

[jenkerr1]

Well i have tried the baking soda soak (24+ hrs) and multiple vinegar uses in the washing machine and the smell is STILL there! Strong as ever! I would just give up but i really like these jeans! I also tired (forgot to mention) hanging the jeans outside in the wind on Sunday when it was 78 here. Usually that works but it didn't phase these stubborn jeans. I dont know what else to try!

[simba123]

Time to test the company's customer service skills. Call the manufacturer and tell them. Maybe you can get some new jeans.

[jenkerr1]

Excellent suggestion!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!

[LyndaSLP]

Did you try the fabric softener sheet idea??

[SewingFool]

Perhaps there is something weird in the dye they used. I suggest taking back to the store or contacting the manufacturer. Sorry none of the suggestions worked.

[jenkerr1]

Originally Posted by LyndaSLP

Did you try the fabric softener sheet idea??

Yes it just mixed in with the dye smell and the dye was more over powering than the fabric softner sheets

[lhart24]

what kind of jeans are these?? I may want to steer clear of them...

Sorry you are having soo much trouble with them...

[jenkerr1]

The brand is Bisou Bisou from JC Penney. I love this brand of clothes! I will not be buying it anymore. This is what the customer service person emailed back to me:
"I don't know what else to say....usually a couple hours in the vinegar water does it. I have several pieces but have never that the smell....

Thanks again,
Lisa"

Apparently customer service is not high on their priority list.

[threefish]

Lane Bryant dark rinse jeans are pretty famous for this. I have two pairs that it took over a YEAR to get the funky smell out! It was an awful chemical smell, too. Ugh.

[sheowolf]

Thank you all for your wonderful ideas. On the jeans AND the mildew smell in our car. My son got a brand new (pretty different and cool) pair of two tone jeans. He is not weird about smells, but this has that very strong odor that you cant overlook, oversmell? Anyhow, I googled and there you all were. Thank the girl/woman that asked and thanks to the rest of you for your ideas.
The one wash that we did (cold water..oops) did NOTHING so I'm going to try every idea that Ive read until I get his new jeans that he adores odorless.

I am so happy to know that there are people that know and care enough to help others still. I will surely come back to let you know which method was the one that did it..and there will be one or many. Its *going* to work!

[cpht]

Sorry for all your trouble, jenkerr1!

Originally Posted by wendy1214

I thought vinegar too, and it would also help to "set" the dye.

-You mean when you put vinegar in your wash it helps to keep the dye from fading out of the new jeans?

Originally Posted by SewingFool

Great minds think alike. I also use a 50/50 vinegar/water spray on the underarms of my hubby's t-shirts. It helps break down the deodarant residue and helps keep them whitere longer.

-So, do you do this right before you throw it in the wash?



As for the vinegar....how much do you guys put in for each wash, and do you just pour it right into the washer or what do you do exactly. I've heard that it also helps with static. Since I have now started cleaning with vinegar, I thought I would give this a try.