New jeans often come with a strong dye smell that can be quite off-putting. This odor can linger even after a few washes, making it uncomfortable to wear your favorite denim.
Fortunately, there are several effective methods to eliminate this smell and leave your jeans smelling fresh. Whether you prefer natural solutions or tried-and-true household remedies, here are seven ways to get the dye smell out of your jeans and enjoy wearing them without the unpleasant odor.
7 Ways To Get Dye Smell Out Of Jeans
Here are seven tried-and-true ways to get the dye smell out of your jeans.
1. Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak
Why It Works: Vinegar neutralizes odors, while baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer and cleaning agent.
How to Do It:
- Fill a basin or sink with cold water.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water.
- Submerge your jeans in the mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Let them soak for at least an hour, or overnight for stronger odors.
- After soaking, rinse the jeans thoroughly with cold water and air dry.
2. Lemon Juice Rinse
Why It Works: Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer with a fresh scent that helps to neutralize and eliminate strong odors.
How to Do It:
- Fill a basin with cold water.
- Add 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water.
- Submerge the jeans in the lemon water, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Let them soak for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse the jeans thoroughly with cold water and air dry.
3. Charcoal Odor Absorbers
Why It Works: Charcoal is highly effective at absorbing and neutralizing odors.
How to Do It:
- Place your jeans in a large plastic bag or container.
- Add a few charcoal odor absorbers or activated charcoal briquettes to the bag.
- Seal the bag or container and let it sit for 24-48 hours.
- Remove the jeans and air them out for a few hours before wearing.
4. Essential Oil Spritz
Why It Works: Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree have natural deodorizing properties and leave a pleasant scent.
How to Do It:
- Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spritz the jeans with the essential oil mixture.
- Hang the jeans outside or in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
- Repeat if necessary until the dye smell is gone.
5. Baking Soda and Sunlight
Why It Works: Baking soda neutralizes odors, and sunlight helps to freshen fabrics and eliminate lingering smells.
How to Do It:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface of your jeans.
- Hang the jeans outside in direct sunlight for several hours.
- After a few hours, shake off the baking soda and check if the smell has diminished.
- If the smell persists, repeat the process or combine it with another method like the vinegar soak.
6. Borax
Why It Works: Borax is a powerful, natural cleaner that neutralizes odors and removes residual chemicals from fabric.
How to Do It:
- Fill a basin or sink with cold water.
- Add 1/2 cup of Borax to the water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Submerge your jeans in the Borax solution, covering them fully.
- Let the jeans soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- After soaking, rinse the jeans thoroughly with cold water.
- Wash the jeans in your washing machine gently with your regular detergent.
- Air dry the jeans outside or in a well-ventilated area.
7. Oxygen Bleach (OxiClean)
Why It Works: Oxygen bleach, like OxiClean, effectively removes odors without damaging fabrics.
How to Do It:
- Fill a basin or sink with cold water.
- Add the recommended amount of OxiClean to the water according to the package instructions.
- Submerge your jeans in the solution, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Let them soak for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse the jeans thoroughly with cold water and air dry.
Get The Smell Out Of Jeans Without Washing Them
To remove the smell from jeans without washing them, try a few effective methods. First, place your jeans in a plastic bag and freeze them overnight; the cold temperature kills odor-causing bacteria. Alternatively, spritz your jeans with equal parts water and white vinegar, then let them air dry.
You can also use a fabric refresher spray designed to neutralize odors. Another option is to hang your jeans outside in the fresh air for several hours, as sunlight and ventilation help eliminate smells. Finally, sprinkle baking soda on your jeans, let it sit for a few hours, then brush it off. These methods freshen your jeans without the need for a full wash.
Conclusion
Getting the dye smell out of your jeans can be simple with the right techniques. Whether you choose to soak them in vinegar and baking soda, rinse with lemon juice, use charcoal absorbers, spritz with essential oils, or rely on baking soda and sunshine, these methods will help you eliminate unwanted odors and keep your jeans smelling fresh. Experiment with these approaches to find the best one for you and enjoy your jeans without the strong dye smell.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why Do My Jeans Still Smell After Washing?
There are several reasons why your jeans may still smell after washing. One common cause is using too much detergent or fabric softener, which can leave a residue that traps odors. Another reason could be not washing your jeans at a high enough temperature to kill bacteria causing the odor.
2.Why Do My Blue Jeans Stink?
Blue jeans can develop a stinky odor due to the dye used in manufacturing and bacteria build-up from sweat and oils. Improper washing or drying techniques can also trap odors in the fabric. To remove the smell, try washing with vinegar, baking soda, or odor-eliminating laundry detergents.
3.What Is That Smell/Odor On My New Jeans?
The smell of new jeans is typically caused by the dye and chemicals used in manufacturing. It can be described as a chemical or musty scent. To remove the odor, wash the jeans with vinegar or baking soda. If the smell persists, consult a professional cleaner.
4.What’s Is New Clothes Smell?
New clothes are the result of chemicals used during manufacturing. It can vary based on fabric and dyes. Some find it unpleasant, while others don’t notice. To eliminate the odor, wash or air out the garment in a well-ventilated space.
5.What Is The Smell, And How Can You Make It Go Away?
The odor in jeans is caused by the chemicals used in the dyeing process. To eliminate the smell, try washing your jeans with vinegar or baking soda. Hanging them outside to air out can also help. If the odor persists, consider taking them to a professional cleaner.