New jeans smell like mothballs

[Anonymous]

Title says it all. How can I get the smell out? I've washed twice with regular detergent, let them air dry, and then let them run on the "air dry" setting of my dryer for literally hours to air them out. Still smells, although maybe a tiny bit better. Internet says wash again with vinegar rinse. Anyone tried that? Any other tips?

[Anonymous]

Maybe put some charcoal packets with them and seal them up in a container? Did you actually use moth balls? Or they just smell funky from some distribution warehouse?

[Anonymous]

DP and I have some pairs with a strong smell too. Washing has not eliminated . . .

[Anonymous]

Are the jeans a dark wash? I notice an odd smell with dark blue jeans when they are new. I soak them in cold water overnight and then wash them a couple of times in a row, then air dry. The smell is reduced and eventually goes away after several washes.

[Anonymous]

I'm so curious what brand you are talking about! Frame jeans have smelled like straight up rotten moth balls for me. I have washed with vinegar and it's fine. I actually add vinegar to lots of loads instead of softener. Really helps.

[Anonymous]

You need to sanitize it in the washer. Lysol clothes sanitizer. Check Target.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the replies. These are brand-new jeans, not jeans I've had for some time stored in mothballs. And yes, they're a dark wash. I read online that this can happen with dark washes (?). Sounds like the vinegar trick worked for at least one of you so I'll try that.

[Anonymous]

Formaldehyde. Avoid the brand in the future and give a prayer for the poor women, men and children who had to sew them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Formaldehyde. Avoid the brand in the future and give a prayer for the poor women, men and children who had to sew them.

It's a brand I've purchased from before. It sounds like it's a dark wash thing and might be something sprayed on the jeans for distribution (?) rather than incorporated into the cloth when sewing. I don't know, but I do understand your point about hazards. I imagine store employees would also be exposed to these fumes too.

[Anonymous]

NP and chiming in to say I’ve had this issue for years with dark wash blue and black jeans, from Lucky Brand to recently purchased cheap D Jeans from TJ Maxx.

I am always buying black jeans as a work wardrobe staple. Recently bought D Jeans ($17) because I love the fit and these are very comfortable.

I’ve now washed and worn these 3x and the smell has finally subsided;

-washed in cold/delicate (inside out) with white vinegar rinse. Tossed in dryer with 2 dryer sheets. Smell remained.

-repeated above but added small scoop of Borax booster and lined dried - outside.

-washed in delicate/cold but used a lavender scented liquid detergent (for delicates) and dried in dryer w/ bounce sheet until damp. Line dried outside.

I know this seems like a lot but I do laundry all the time -and am nearly obsessed w/ clothing care. I see it as a challenge.

[Anonymous]

PP 10:35 - the smell could best be described as inky. Not as repulsive to me as the moth ball/off gassing smell. The moth ball stench is even more of a challenge!

For that stink, sunshine is best. Wash or even rinse the jeans, place outside on a white sheet or towel and place directly in the sunshine. The smell will bake out. Flip the jeans.

Another trick: wrap the dry jeans in newspaper, place in a ziplock bag for 24 hours. The newspaper absorbs smells.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! I'm rewashing them now and doing a soak cycle with a bunch of white vinegar first before a regular wash cycle. I don't have any scented detergent. I'll see if this helps.

[Anonymous]

I’ve had this before. Nothing worked and I never wore them. I ended up throwing away. Now I always make sure to smell them in the store.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had this before. Nothing worked and I never wore them. I ended up throwing away. Now I always make sure to smell them in the store.

OP here. Unfortunately I bought them online so wasn't aware of the issue until I opened the package. I thought it would wash out but it didn't, at least on the first try.

[Anonymous]

PP w/ all the advice. You could also wash the jeans and let them dry overnight - it would be ok if they freeze and then thaw! Was also going to suggest if you can let them air dry overnight and then into the sunshine, try sticking the damp folded jeans in a ziploc and stick in your freezer.