The key facts

  • The smell of new clothes is created by dyes and color fixatives, sizing agents, flame retardants, as well as transportation and packaging
  • Washing and airing usually remove the smell; baking soda, vinegar, and odor absorbers also help
  • A sharp smell of acetone or solvent, eye irritation, and a tickle in the throat are reasons not to wear the item

Where the smell of new clothes comes from

The chemical smell of new items is a trace of substances used in the production, treatment, and storage of clothing. This was reported to Gazeta.Ru by Associate Professor of the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the M.V. Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies of RTU MIREA, Leonid Martynov. According to him, there are several sources of the smell: dyes and color fixatives used to treat fabric so it does not fade; sizing agents that give fabric stiffness, smoothness, or water-repellent properties; and flame retardants — treatments that protect certain types of fabric from ignition. In addition, the smell may appear during transportation and come from the packaging — films and bags.

When the smell can be dangerous

In most cases the smell is not dangerous if the item is washed or aired out before use. However, the specialist listed warning signs: a sharp smell resembling acetone or solvent; a smell that does not go away after washing; a sensation that the item stings the eyes or causes a tickle in the throat. According to him, this is a reason not to wear the item — it may contain volatile substances capable of causing irritation or allergy. This especially applies to items that come into contact with the skin: underwear, T-shirts, and bed linen.

How to get rid of the smell

The basic method is washing or airing the item for a couple of days. If that does not help, Martynov suggested several more options: an open box of baking soda can be placed in a wardrobe or in a bag with the item — soda absorbs odors; half a cup of vinegar can be added when washing; special odor absorbers are sold in household goods stores. The chemist also warned against typical mistakes: do not mask the smell with perfume or deodorant — the mixtures will only get worse, and do not dry a smelly item in a closed room, otherwise the smell will remain in the air and be absorbed by other things. If the smell does not go away after washing, it is better not to wear the item, the specialist concluded.