Jeremy asked: I purchased a long-sleeved shirt/sweater that is 70% acrylic and 30% wool. The first washing I did by hand, but apparently the water was too warm, because it was left with a burned smell that lingers weeks later even though I have washed it since with lukewarm water more than once. Is there anything that can be done to get rid of this smell?
Table of Contents:
There are many advantages to wool garments. However, ease of cleaning is not one of them. Wool garments need to be carefully cared for or cleaned professionally. It can easily develop a “burned” smell or odor if washed in water that is too hot. Fortunately, the acrylic that it is mixed with can tolerate any cleaning methods that the wool can. Here is a simple step that can be added to your washing routine to remove the burnt smell.
You Will Need:
- Water
- White vinegar
- Sink or tub
- Towels
Steps to Remove the Smell:
- Fill the sink or tub with cool or cold water.
- Wash the sweater by hand as normal.
- Rinse with plain water.
- Combine one part vinegar with one part water.
- Complete the final rinse using the vinegar and water mixture.
- Gently squeeze the excess water out of the sweater.
- Hang or lay the sweater flat on towels to dry.
- Once dry, keep the sweater in an open area (do not put it in the closet just yet).
- Let it air out for a few days to allow the vinegar smell to dissipate.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Vinegar is a natural odor remover and is safe to use on almost every fabric type.
- Yes, your shirt will smell like vinegar, but don’t worry, it will go away in a few days.
- Since the vinegar smell may not be gone right away, make sure you complete this several days before you plan to wear the sweater.
- If you still can’t remove the odor, have the sweater professionally cleaned. They may have access to chemicals that will remove the smell.
- This vinegar rinse can be used after each washing to keep odors and smells away.