removing fragrance from clothing?

[sadie_sabot]

(if anyone knows a better forum to ask this question in, let me know!)

I'm fragrance sensitive, as in, any kind of synthetic fragrance makes me quite sick. Some of the worst smells are hair products and detergent perfume. I recently got a like new second hand northface jacket (just in time for winter!) but it was obviously washed in detergent with a really strong smell. I've washed it twice and let it hang out for almost a month but it's still too stinky to wear.

meanwhile, my roommate just came back fro central america where she washed her clothes in really stinky detergent. she's re-washing everything, but even after a full wash cycle and dry cycle, her clothes still smell enough to make me sick.

so, does anyone have any ideas about how to remove fragrance/perfume form fabric?

[kjbrown92]

I use All Free & Clear, and if I wash something in it, and dry in the dryer (no fabric softener sheets), it usually takes away the smell. The only time it didn't work was when my dog got skunked and ran around jumping on all the bedding, etc. before I could catch him! It seems like putting anything in the sun for a couple days ought to do it too.

[Punchy Kaby]

I buy clothes from the thrift store and they often have a strong fragrance. It can take me up to 5 washes to get the stink out.

[jocelyndale]

Calgon water softener laundry treatment often takes the stink out. You'll have to wash a time or two to get rid of the Calgon scent.

Dry milk powder--add a cup to a soaking load of laundry and let sit overnight. This often works.

Vinegar might help. A baking soda soak. Hanging your laundry right before a rainy day and letting it sit out in the rain and then in the sun thereafter.

[kjbrown92]

We used vinegar after the skunk incident. I forgot about that. That helped a lot.

[WaturMama]

I have the same problem. For some washing helps. For others I have hung them outside for a few days, all the fresh air going through them often takes care of it. There are a couple thrift store items I have just had to give up on.