I have this pair of black pants that is supposed to be dry clean only, but I put it in the washer to clean it.

Question

Now it has this overpowering odor that I can't wear it anymore. I have put it in the closet, but I am afraid that the smell could be from some dangerous chemicals or something. Am I being paranoid? What could be the possible source of this smell? It is a Liz Claiborne pant and I have never drycleaned it prior to putting it in the washer.

Answer 1

I think you are over-thinking that problem. Try to salvage it by hanging it up outside so it gets a lot of fresh air to get the smell out.

If you use the washer and none of your other things have that smell you might have had something in the pocket that spilled onto the pants and is the source of the stink.

The reason for dry-clean only is that the garment is too delicate to survive the tossing and turning or has colors that are not strong enough to avoid fading from detergents. It is not because Liz put some evil ingredient in them to trap those who failed to dry clean.

Answer 2

well if its wool, then it could be the material, and the laundry detergent,
if it was put in the dryer you could have burnt the pants

i would throw then in the laundry again, on delicate and without any other items

this time use plenty of soap, and a double rinse cycle, and delicate. make sure to use alot of water. fill the tank like it was a big load. and throw a little fabric softener in to it, A LITTLE cause it leaves grease marks if it gets on the fabric about a table spoons worth.

and after the cycle let the pants air dry, or if you have a air dry cycle dry them but pull them out damp.

it'll be the cure you were looking for.

and smell great too.

have fun washing.

Meg
mother of 3 boys, and a dog.

expert at removing stains. Ahahaha! and smells with 3 boys i NEVER go to the dry cleaner, i wash everything in the machine except fancy things, like an evening gown or lace, but sometimes even lace if its and emergency.

and that happens alot.

My boys have school uniforms, so you'd better believe i NEVER dry clean only those uniforms , EVERYDAY.

Answer 3

Hi if your pants are less than 90 days old, you could try taking them back to the store. My friend did that once when she had a brand new pair fall-apart--and after some hassle they gave her some store credit!

I would think that the only thing that would make them smell is whatever was in your washer or whatever you washed them with.

I would only wash them from now on on the gentle cycle, cold--but it should not make them smell.

Answer 4

Unlikely to be from dangerous chemicals, unless, of course, you use toxic waste for detergent.
It could be from the type of fabric or the packing used when the store shipped it (that is really common, and a common reason for me to throw things out).
You may want to try washing them again, alone, with Downy or other gentle cleanser. Many dry clean items are actually washable, with the right cleanser and gentle cycle. Don't put them in the dryer, this can melt plastics, etc., in the fabric and make 'em icky.
If this doesn't work, toss 'em.

Answer 5

well I think you should take it out of the closet and give it as much air as possible , they make clothes these days with so many rubbish chemicals in them. once you have aired your pants , and the smell has gone . Take them to the dry cleaner´s and ask there advise. shame you washed them had you know this I´m sure you would´t have done. the smell will go after plenty fresh air

Answer 6

Don't understand why it would have an odour. If it became ruined from washing that is another thing.

Your body produces water in the form of sweat all the time and clothes absorb this, so if there were dangerous chemicals in the fabric, you would have noticed long before now.

I have never heard of any clothing manufacturer putting dangerous chemicals in clothing.

If it bothers you, I would chuck them.

Answer 7

Some fabric fibers have an odd smell when wet. Hang dry them and the odor will probably go away when they are dry.

Answer 8

eeeewwwwwww throw them out