My Black Jeans Smell Funny! How to Make Them Not Stink — Gal Pal Fashion Tip (2024)

Have you ever bought a new pair of black jeans only to find they smell funny?I just bought a new pair of skinny jeans and when I brought them home I gave them a sniff, YUCK! I always wondered, why the heck do black jeans smell funny and what exactly is that smell? I made sure that I was not crazy so I went (back out shopping) sniffing around to different stores and all the black jeans do smell -- try it the next time you're out!

So what makes your black jeans smell? When researching I found super science terms trying to explain: hydroxy-polycarboxylic acids, aminomethyl phosphonate, and sodium polyphosphates, and reducing agents such as sodium bisulfite and hydrosulfite. I have no idea what most of these words mean.

Really it comes down to this, black jeans have been dyed, dyed again and yet died again, just to be black. To make that color stays they have to use a ton of chemicals and the end result they smell like sulfur! If you love the smell of sulfur then you're just weird and you can ignore the steps below! If not then try the "Smelly Jean Washing" recipe below!

Things You'll Need:

  • Smelly Black Jeans
  • Washing machine
  • Laundry detergent
  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar
  • Dryer

Step 1: wash your Black Jeans at least once inside out and with other dark items. with all your normal smell good detergent.

Step 2: If your jeans still smell start the washing process again but this time doesn't add any fabric softener-set your washing cycle to pause before the final rinse.

Step 3: Wait on pins and needles- for the final rinse cycle. When the final rinse is going, open the washing machine and pour in 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

Step 4: Once the rinse cycle is finished, move your jeans over to the dryer and dry them completely! This smell should be completely neutralized; there should be no need to re-wash or rinse them again.

Would you try this on your Black Jeans? Or have something else worked?

My Black Jeans Smell Funny! How to Make Them Not Stink — Gal Pal Fashion Tip (2024)

FAQs

How do you get the weird smell out of black jeans? ›

Should those black jeans still smell weird, baking soda is also good for eliminating odors. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your regular detergent for a medium load. After the machine fills with water, let the jeans soak there for about an hour before continuing to the next wash cycle.

Why do my new black jeans smell weird? ›

Really it comes down to this, black jeans have been dyed, dyed again and yet died again, just to be black. To make that color stays they have to use a ton of chemicals and the end result they smell like sulfur! If you love the smell of sulfur then you're just weird and you can ignore the steps below!

How do you get a strong smell out of jeans? ›

If an ordinary wash just isn't getting rid of the smell, presoak your clothing for a half hour in a 1:4 solution of vinegar and water. Another effective natural method involves presoaking with a 1/2 cup of baking soda in a sink full of water.

Why do my jeans smell funny? ›

The formaldehyde gives off a strong and weird odor on your new jeans making it not so suitable for wearing the first time. Formaldehyde is classified as a chemical irritant, making those that are sensitive to harsh chemicals at risk for a reaction from exposure to formaldehyde through clothing.

How do you deodorize black clothes? ›

Vinegar: Add one cup of vinegar to a bucket of cold water and soak your smelly clothes for up to 30 minutes. Baking Soda: Add one cup of baking soda to your wash load with your detergent and wash in cold water. Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into your wash load to extinguish odor-causing bacteria.

How do you get the smell out of jeans without washing them? ›

Try a fabric refresher spray like Febreze to neutralize odors to leave clothes smelling fresh. You can also try a DIY version: Add 16 ounces of witch hazel to 10 to14 drops of your favorite essential oil, suggests Reichert. Just shake before using and spray your clothing for a gentle scent that will cover up the smell.

Why do fast fashion jeans smell bad? ›

The funny smell that some new clothes give off seems like a small annoyance, but you may be alarmed by the root cause of that scent: Formaldehyde. That's right, the chemical that's causing the strange odour on your pants is the same one used for embalming. How good can that be to inhale?

Why do black clothes smell after washing? ›

A dark, wet environment like a washing machine is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew to thrive. These can build up in your clothing as time goes on, eventually leaving them with a permanent odor.

How do you get the sulfur smell out of black jeans? ›

Wash your clothing with vinegar.

Adding a 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your detergent when you wash your clothes will help get rid of any odors that tend to stick to the clothes. This includes the strong smell of sulfur. Wash your clothing in the water temperature indicated on the tag.

How do you get the vintage smell out of jeans? ›

How to get the old smell out of clothes with baking soda
  1. Sprinkle some dry baking soda into a large plastic bag.
  2. Put in your vintage garment.
  3. Close the bag with a knot.
  4. Gently shake the contents around a bit.
  5. Let the clothing sit with the baking soda in the bag for a day or two.

How long to soak jeans in baking soda? ›

Add your stinky clothes and allow them to soak overnight and then wash as usual. If you have garments that need refreshing and they are not washable, place them in a sealable container like a storage tub with an open box of baking soda. Leave them for at least 24 hours—longer is better—to help remove odors.

Why do my pants smell weird? ›

Poor hygiene. Refraining from regular bathing can lead to dirt, sweat, and dead skin cell buildup that leads to strong smells through your clothes. You can reduce these effects by showering regularly and washing with mild soap and warm water.

How do you know if your jeans smell bad? ›

You can smell them at arm's length

Pick up your jeans and hold them out as far as you can from your face. Can you still smell them? Now you know that anyone you've ever shaken hands with has too!

Why do my jeans smell even after washing? ›

Bacteria Buildup In Your Washing Machine

If you take your clothes out of the washing machine immediately after their wash cycle is complete, and you notice a smell that wasn't there before, your washing machine likely needs a deep clean!

Why do my washed jeans smell bad? ›

Leaving wet laundry in the washing machine means the fabric can't 'breathe' Leaving wet or damp laundry in the tumble dryer will also cause clothing to smell. Storing clothing in enclosed spaces (drawers/wardrobes) while they are still damp. A smelly washing machine can also leave your clothes smelling less than fresh.

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