getting a smell out of a shirt

[Bumbles]

I won a shirt on eBay and I decided to take a chance since I knew it wasn't new. The shirt is in great shape, but it has that kind of funky, storage smell - kind of a moldy smell.

I love the shirt and don't want to send it back and it's in great shape except for the smell. I've washed it twice and there's still a hint of the smell there. Does anyone have any suggestions how I can get it out? I was thinking they sold a Febreeze type product for the washer but when I checked at Target I couldn't find anything.

Thanks in advance!

 

[browneyes106]

This might work. Put the shirt in a plastic bag with a dryer sheet in it. Leave it that way for about 8 hours and then wash it again.

 

[karibritt01]

What about baking soda in your washer? Baking soda is known to take smells out. You could even do that with the PP tip... put it in a ziploc with some baking soda and let it sit for a bit. They did used to make a Febreeze laundry soap, because I used it for DHs work shirts. I haven't seen it in a while, but I think I bought it at Wal-Mart or the grocery store.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Try washing with a cup (or more of white vinegar. DS13 has the rank-est smelling shirts and they come out smelling CLEAN. (And not like an Easter egg either, don't worry!)

 

[Imzadi]

They did used to make a Febreeze laundry soap, because I used it for DHs work shirts. I haven't seen it in a while, but I think I bought it at Wal-Mart or the grocery store.

They still make the Febreze Laundry Odor Eliminator. It's expensive but it works so much better than vinegar or baking soda. I will use two cups of vinegar in the wash and there is still a lingering odor. With the Febreeze, it gets it out. My clothes still smell fresh 2 weeks later when I finally pull them out of the drawer to wear. That never happens if I use anything else.

If the smell is really bad, try soaking it overnight in the Febreeze Laundry Odor Eliminator.

If you can't find it at Walmart, you can get it at
www.drugstore.com

 

[HsvTeacher]

I have to agree with using white vinegar. It does wonders with stinky laundry! If the smell is really bad, you can soak the shirt with the vinegar and your regular laundry detergent. Otherwise, just add about a cup to the wash cycle.

 

[rie'smom]

When my sons played sports, the best detergent for the smell was Arm and Hammer. It got rid of the stench.

 

[golfgal]

I also agree with vinegar. For $1.28 or whatever a gallon costs it is one of the best ways to deal with laundry issues. We use it frequently as often the kids will start a load of laundry and "forget" it is there for several days

 

[shortbun]

The Febreeze stuff works but you'd better LOVE the way IT smells, kwim? I gave mine away. I'd try a couple cups of vinegar first with some baking soda. I use Arm and Hammer on my husband's work clothes-very grimy and fragrant. Works pretty well.

 

[golfgal]

The Febreeze stuff works but you'd better LOVE the way IT smells, kwim? I gave mine away. I'd try a couple cups of vinegar first with some baking soda. I use Arm and Hammer on my husband's work clothes-very grimy and fragrant. Works pretty well.

You do NOT want to mix the vinegar with the baking soda-you will have a HUGE mess on your hands. Do one or the other.

 

[Cindy B]

You do NOT want to mix the vinegar with the baking soda-you will have a HUGE mess on your hands. Do one or the other.

So true.. vinegar and baking soda are the ingredients for all those elementary school volcanoes!

 

[happygirl]

Don't they make Tide with febreeze?

 

[MichelleinMaine]

You do NOT want to mix the vinegar with the baking soda-you will have a HUGE mess on your hands. Do one or the other.

We use Arm & Hammer detergent with the vinegar (though I've used the vinegar with Tide too and it works.) A scoop of A&H with a cup of vinegar in that big ol' washer doesn't make a mess. (Foams up and looks neat, maybe that helps too, lol.) It's not enough volume to go beyond the wash tub.

 

[Imzadi]

So true.. vinegar and baking soda are the ingredients for all those elementary school volcanoes!

Also, don't mix vinegar with bleach. Some toxic gas gets formed. Although, I did that for quite some time in the front loading washer. I didn't know better, and I never hung around to smell any gases once the washer is loaded & turned on. Clothes came out clean and smelled less.

 

[Ohiodislover]

You do NOT want to mix the vinegar with the baking soda-you will have a HUGE mess on your hands. Do one or the other.

The two mixed together works great on dog pee spots though

I'd try vinegar. I've been adding it to my loads of towels when the girls leave them piled in the corner while still wet. Works wonders.