How to Take Dye Smell Out of Cloth

Air out your dye-smelling clothing in the sun.

These odors can be seemingly difficult to remove, as washing them even several times won't always do the trick and may fade the cloth. Yet the solution to getting your clothes smelling fresh is right in your kitchen cupboard.

1. Let your dye-smelling clothing soak overnight in a bucket filled with water and 1/2 cup of baking soda and 5 drops of lavender essential oil.

2. Wash your dye-smelling clothes alone and using a hot water cycle, unless otherwise specified on the clothing's care instructions. Do not use fabric softener, which can amplify the bad dye smell from your clothes. Set your washing machine for a delayed final rinse cycle.

3. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the wash right before the final rinse cycle.

4. Hang your clothing to dry outside and in the sun, if possible, or dry them in a dryer.

5. Leave your washer open to air out after washing your dye-smelling clothes.

Tip

Wash dye-smelling clothing alone. Use hot water if possible.