How to Get Chemical Smell Out of New Clothes

A strong factory, packaging, or dye-like odor often fades with airing and a careful wash. Before starting, check the garment’s care label and any separate instructions: delicate fabrics, dry-clean-only items, and garments with special finishes may need different handling. Do not try to mask the odor with perfume or combine cleaning products.

What You’ll Need

Regular laundry detergent
A clean basin or sink, if soaking is appropriate
A clothesline, drying rack, or well-ventilated drying area
Optional: plain white vinegar, only if the care label permits and your washer’s instructions allow it

Step-by-Step

Read the care label. Check the permitted wash temperature, cycle, and drying method. Look for instructions such as “dry clean only,” “hand wash,” or a warning against bleach. If the label is missing, identify the fabric and use a cautious, cool wash only when you are confident it is washable.
Air the garment first. Remove tags and packaging, then hang the clothing outdoors in a shaded, breezy place or indoors near an open window. Keep it away from smoke, cooking fumes, and direct sun that could fade or damage fabric. A few hours may be enough for a mild odor; allow longer if needed.
Wash it separately at first. Turn the garment inside out if appropriate, and wash it with a small load of similar colors so any dye transfer is less likely to affect other items. Use the care-label temperature and cycle, plus the detergent amount stated on its package for the load size and water conditions. Avoid overloading the machine.
Use a cautious odor rinse if needed. If the first wash leaves an odor and the garment is washable, repeat the wash. As an optional alternative, add plain white vinegar to the washer’s fabric-softener compartment only if the machine manual and garment label permit it; follow the appliance instructions and do not pour vinegar into detergent or bleach. Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners. Skip vinegar for delicate or specialty fabrics if you are unsure.
Soak only when the label allows it. For washable, colorfast clothing, dissolve a small amount of detergent in cool water according to its package directions and soak briefly, then rinse thoroughly. Check a hidden area first if you are concerned about color bleeding. Do not soak wool, silk, leather, structured garments, or anything marked dry clean only unless its care instructions specifically allow it.
Dry completely and reassess. Use the label-approved method. Air-drying in moving air is a good choice; keep garments out of harsh direct sunlight if fading is a concern. Do not put an item in a dryer until the odor has faded, since heat can make some lingering odors harder to remove. Once dry, smell the garment again before wearing or storing it.

Common Mistakes

Using too much detergent: Excess detergent can remain in fabric and contribute to a stale smell. Measure according to the detergent label and load size rather than adding extra.
Mixing cleaners: Never combine vinegar with chlorine bleach, and do not mix laundry products in an attempt to make them stronger. Use one product at a time according to its directions.
Using hot water by default: Hot water can shrink, fade, or damage some fabrics. Follow the care label instead of assuming heat will remove the odor.
Masking instead of removing: Perfume, fabric spray, and scented softener may cover the odor temporarily without cleaning the garment. They can also leave their own residue.
Ignoring dry-clean-only instructions: Water, soaking, and home remedies may damage a garment that requires professional cleaning. Air it out and ask a cleaner how to handle the odor.
Storing clothing while damp: Damp fabric can develop a musty smell. Make sure the item is fully dry before putting it in a drawer or closet.

Tips

Wash a new garment before wearing it when the label permits, particularly if it has a noticeable odor or loose dye. Follow the label rather than treating all new clothes alike.
For a strong smell, start with airing and one ordinary wash before trying optional additives. A straightforward process makes it easier to identify what helped.
Check the washer drum and detergent drawer if several freshly washed items smell unusual. Residue or an odor in the machine can transfer to clean laundry; clean the appliance as its manual directs.
Keep the room ventilated while airing clothes, and do not place them near heaters, flames, or other heat sources.
If the odor is unusually sharp, causes irritation, or remains strong after airing, avoid wearing the garment and contact the retailer or manufacturer for product-specific guidance.

Troubleshooting

The odor remains after washing: Let the garment air thoroughly, then repeat a label-compliant wash with the correct detergent dose. Check that the washer is clean and that the item dried completely. If a second careful wash does not help, contact the seller or manufacturer instead of escalating to harsh chemicals.

The clothing is delicate or dry clean only: Do not soak or machine-wash it. Air it in a shaded, ventilated place, then ask a professional cleaner whether the fabric and construction can be treated safely.

The garment’s color runs: Stop soaking or washing it with other items. Rinse gently in cool water if its label permits, keep it separate, and follow the care instructions. Future washes should be separate and cool if allowed; do not use bleach unless the label specifically permits it.

The smell returns after drying: Ensure the garment and the drying area are clean and well ventilated. If the smell seems to come from the machine, clean it according to its manual and wash the garment again. Avoid using a dryer to try to cover or bake away a persistent odor.

The odor transfers to other clothes: Remove the affected items and wash them separately according to their labels. Clean the washer if needed, and do not put contaminated or strongly scented laundry away with clean clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear new clothes without washing them first?

That depends on the garment and your preference. For an odor-prone item, washing before wearing is a practical way to freshen it, provided the care label allows washing. Airing is an option for clothing that cannot be washed at home.

Does vinegar remove the smell from new clothes?

It may help with some lingering odors, but it is not suitable for every fabric or appliance. Use it only if both the care label and washer instructions allow it, and never mix it with bleach or other cleaners.

Can baking soda be used on new clothes?

It is not necessary for most garments. If you consider using it, first check the fabric and appliance instructions, and do not combine it with other cleaning products. A normal wash and thorough airing are simpler starting points.

How long should I air new clothes?

Air them until the smell has noticeably faded; a few hours may work for a mild odor, while a stronger one may need longer. Hang the garment in moving air, away from direct sun and household fumes.

Should I use the dryer after washing?

Only if the care label allows tumble drying. If the smell remains, air-dry first and reassess before applying heat. Always dry the garment fully before storing it.

What if the smell does not go away?

After airing and a careful repeat wash, stop using home remedies that could damage the fabric. Keep the garment unworn and ask the retailer, manufacturer, or a professional cleaner for advice suited to that item.

Sources: American Cleaning Institute. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.