Suggestions on getting smell out of fabric

rona118

Woah long post title..... ok so I ordered these Anna coronation dresses from some random site online for DD and niece. They came super quick and I was actually impressed at quality for $14.99. I've seen on that Jane site also for $10 more. Same dress. I figures made in china. Well, when they arrived they were in clear sealed bags..... got them out to look at more and they smell like gasoline. I've put outside two different times for a few hours to air out. They are a silky material, so afraid to spray with febreeze or something. A friend suggested maybe putting in a bag with some arm and hammer to "soak" up the smell. Haven't tried yet. I thought you ladies might also have some suggestions. Thanks!

waltsgirl102503

Charcoal works good at getting smells out, not sure if you could lay it in a bag with charcoal without the charcoal touching it. (maybe wrap it in tissue paper or something?)   My ex's dad got a work car that someone spilled perfume in the glove box.  He used the charcoal and it eventually took the smell away.  

rona118

Good to know. I will give it a shot.

amyjoy18

I think putting them in a plastic bag with baking soda for a day or two would be good.  Then once I did that I'd probably put them in a new plastic bag with some Downy Unstopables sprinkled in (I put them in the tote of barbie clothes/cabbage patch dolls that were mine that I gave to DD.  They smelled a little musty, but they're better now.

rona118

Oh thank you. Also a great suggestion!

kris356

You could try putting them is a paper bag with baking soda. 

1. Baking soda absorbs unwanted odors well and can be used for items such as feather boas, stuffed animals, wigs, etc. that cannot be washed or cleaned with other methods.
2. Place the item in a brown paper sack.
3. Add baking soda to the bag.
4. Close the bag by folding over the top.
5. Shake the bag gently to move the baking soda around and cover all areas of the object.
6. Allow the baking soda to set on the object for several hours.
7. Take the bag outside and remove the item.
8. Shake the item to remove the excess baking soda.
9. Repeat as necessary until the smell is removed.

kris356

You can also use coffee grounds (fresh, not brewed). You don't need to shake them on the item, just place them in the bag with the item. This may be riskier though than the baking soda.

You can also spray them with vinegar, either 1 part to 1 part water or straight. But this might cause spots. Turn it inside out and then spray and leave to air out for a few days.

rona118

Thanks Kris! I am willing to try anything at this point.

MrsAmers

Also, if we get any sun between now and Christmas, sunshine will help get out odors, too. Obviously you don't want to cause fading, but even a couple hours can help.

Vinegar+sunshine got an old, stubborn smell out of Heather's mattress.

rona118

thank you. Come on sun!!

kris356

Yeah, sun is magical. It works for stink dog beds and Nathan's work clothes when he takes a bath in diesel.

amyjoy18

kris356 said:

Yeah, sun is magical. It works for stink dog beds and Nathan's work clothes when he takes a bath in diesel.

Good to know about the diesel!  I think it's time to up the priority on my clothesline.