How to Take Dye Smell Out of Cloth

How to Take Dye Smell Out of Cloth
Published: Jun 30, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

These odors can be seemingly difficult to remove, as washing them even several times won't always do the trick and may fade the cloth. Yet the solution to getting your clothes smelling fresh is right in your kitchen cupboard.

Things You Will Need

  • Soaking bucket or tub
  • Baking soda
  • Washing machine
  • White vinegar
  • Lavender essential oil
  1. Let your dye-smelling clothing soak overnight in a bucket filled with water and 1/2 cup of baking soda and 5 drops of lavender essential oil.

  2. Wash your dye-smelling clothes alone and using a hot water cycle, unless otherwise specified on the clothing's care instructions. Do not use fabric softener, which can amplify the bad dye smell from your clothes. Set your washing machine for a delayed final rinse cycle.

  3. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the wash right before the final rinse cycle.

  4. Hang your clothing to dry outside and in the sun, if possible, or dry them in a dryer.

  5. Leave your washer open to air out after washing your dye-smelling clothes.

The Drip Cap

  • You've probably never wanted anyone to say to you, "Is that bad smell coming from your pants?" These odors can be seemingly difficult to remove, as washing them even several times won't always do the trick and may fade the cloth.
  • Wash your dye-smelling clothes alone and using a hot water cycle, unless otherwise specified on the clothing's care instructions.

Photo Credits

Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images

Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images

Marianne Descott

Based in Paris, France, Marianne Descott has been writing since 2002. Covering subjects such as parenting and travel, she has been published in "Lonely Planet" and "Get Born" magazine. She also regularly blogs on living abroad and…

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