Any thoughts to help me keep these clothes?

[sbgrace]

We got a full wardrobe for my boys from a former neighbor (about 40 fall/winter items). But the clothes have a very heavy fabric softener odor.

I washed them about 10 times (most on hot), soaked in vinegar, soaked in baking soda, and used an enzyme cleaner. He broke out in a horrible rash/eczema last week after I called it "the best I can do" and let him wear them.

Last year's stuff doesn't fit one kid so I really want these to work. Any ideas I've not thought of?

[JTA Mom]

I've never had perfume be that clingy, but I found this tip online for you:

I agree that washing with at least a cup of vinegar and baking soda can take out some things, but as products get stronger or the longer they are used it seems to take more to get it completely out. I usually do the above on the first load, second I use the Scent Away hunters product, with my free and clear laundry detergent. It sometimes takes a few washes and some time outside to air out but most of it comes out eventually.

The other thing to try is enzymes, you can put them in or on nearly everything in your home and it makes the best carpet cleaner! Just add to the water in your machine and rinse and leave it in over night and it eats the proteins, oils and odors out as you sleep.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf510555.tip.html


Ami

[nathansmum]

Do you have an outdoor line you can just hang them up and let them swing in the air for a few days (or leave them laying around the house all spread out)? Not sure if it'll work, but you've got nothing to lose. I get clothes from a friend that is very strongly scented but usually within a few washes the smell is gone and I hang outside. The clothes that seem to have the smell cling are those that I store after washing rather than getting a constant airing/wearing.

[Sotevenn]

how about washing them w/a grease cutting dish detergent (like dawn if you have or can borrow a small amount) - or if not dawn a natural dish detergent? Maybe that would help strip the residue? It works on diapers. Airing outside has helped too.

[partymoo]

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