Need to get Fabric Softener smell OUT!

[jamsmama]

I was given a ton of great baby clothes for my DD, but........they reek of fabric softener and the water just beads up on the clothes in the washer. Does anyone have any suggestions as how to get this smell out of the clothes. I have washed them 5 times with baking soda AND vinegar and now they smell like cheap perfume. UGH....those poor kids that had to wear these before being given to us.

[fek&fuzz]

have you washed them in hot?

[2swangirls]

Thats what I was thinking. maybe not put so much in one load so theres more water to rinse it out.

[thomlynn]

We had this problem but there was smoke too. :Puke I had them all laid out on the bed organizing what I wanted and didn't want then when DH went to bed he couldn't sleep b/c the smell was so strong in the sheets.

I did hot water, bs and vinegar, dish detergent, laundry detergent, and borax all in different combos. Both detergents were Seventh Generation Free and Clear. I got most of it out but there's still a little bit of smell. I probably did five or six loads. The one thing I didn't try was washing soda but is that for clothes or just dishes?? We just use it in the dishwasher now.

Good luck

[2swangirls]

Smoke is the hardest to get out and is absorbed in to every thing. Both my parents are smokers and any time they bring something over it reeks. From plastic bags to wrapping paper.

My mom is trying really hard to quit, for the last month she’s been having one a day. They are going on a trip to Hawaii next week. she says she not going to smoke and when she gets home she’ll be a non smoker! I’m so happy for her and my daughter is really proud of her.

[jocelyndale]

I'd try a soak in dry milk. Just pour a cup or so into the washer with warm/hot water and let the clothing soak overnight. Soured milk is a much easier smell to remove. Rinse and wash.

If that doesn't work, you might have to try sunlight.

Washing soda might work, too.