How to get detergent smell out of clothes?

[macha10]

My SIL and cousin lent me a bunch of maternity clothes, which is wonderful. Unfortunately they smell like strongly perfumed detergent. I use 7th generation, planet or some other clean/natural detergent, and I can't stand this smell. I just don't want it on my body, or in my closet.

Is there any way to get this smell out? I have tried washing the clothes two times, but the perfume is still there. Any advice?

[Annie Mac]

No suggestions, but I'm replying in case someone else knows the answer. I've found myself in this position before. Those chemical companies specifically and purposefully cause the fragrance to bind with the fabric (this is supposed to be a benefit?) so it makes it really hard to get out.

[fruitfulmomma]

I just have to keep rewashing until it is gone. The lasts ones I got were really strong and took three or four washes I think to get it to a wearable state, though it still had a slight scent to it.

[Amy0417]

I have this problem with hand-me-downs for DD... I get itchy just smelling them. I wonder if a wash with vinegar would work?? I've washed her the HMDs many times but they still feel sticky & perfumie...

[ASusan]

I would wash without soap/detergent and do a vinegar rinse.

Every time you wash them, see if there are suds in the washer before you add your regular soap/detergent. If there are enough suds to break the surface tension of the water, then don't add anything. Continue with at least 1 c white vinegar in the rinse cycle. No fabric softener or anything like that - it coats the fibers and holds in the scent.

Maybe do a "stripping" wash like you do with cloth diapers? Put Dawn in the load, and use super-hot water (if the clothing can stand it).