I received a question via ‘Ask Suzanne’ and have wondered about it myself.  The question is “Has anyone figured out a way to remove the smell of Bounce from fabric? Sometimes I buy items at a yard sale or thrift store, and the smell lingers a long time, even through washing and hanging in the sun.”

It’s scary that the scent from Bounce sheets manages to linger long after multiple washes.  I was surprised when researching my article Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softener - A Household Toxin with how many chemicals these sheets contain and how unhealthy they are for your family to inhale or wear.  It is amazing when you receive hand-me-downs if the previous owner of the clothes has used Bounce sheets - you are able to detect the smell immediately. 

Any readers of this article - please post via the comments option if you have ideas for this question.  I found two ways to try and rid your clothes of this fragrance.  Both methods are good for the environment, but the 1st is less expensive.  Of course!  You knew it would be…..white vinegar!  ta da.  For clothes with a strong odor, soak first overnight, and then add 1/2 cup to your wash. 

The 2nd method was recommended from hikers/bikers complaining of the lingering smell of BO on their clothes.  I figure if it would work on body odor, let’s try it for chemical odor.  The product is called Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner and the company is Simple Green.  They’ve been around for more than 30 years and their products are non-toxic and biodegradable.

 

Source: Simple Green website.  Here are the directions on how to use this product with your laundry.

Simple Green has been used for over 30 years for laundry and works well at removing natural soils (clay, dirt, grass and blood stains,) but it really shines when removing petroleum oils and grease.  There are several ways that Simple Green can give you outstanding laundry results:

Adding a ¼ cup of Simple Green to the water in a full wash load will clean and freshen fabric.  Do not add any more than ¼ cup of full-strength Simple Green to a full wash load — and be sure to add it to the water once the tub has filled.
Simple Green can be used on washable fabrics as a spot, stain and collar treatment.  Certain stains are beyond correction, but we have received surprising letters from customers saying that Simple Green restored garments, tablecloths, uniforms and more.  To use as a spot/stain/collar & cuff  treatment, follow these steps:

a) Thoroughly wet the stain, spot, collar or cuff with water.

b) Mix 1 part Simple Green with an equal part of water and spray, dab or dunk to get it onto the affected fabric.

c) Gather the fabric on either side of the stain in each hand and rub the stained area against itself for a moment.  You may create a little foaming by doing this – that is good.

d) RINSE OR WASH IMMEDIATELY.

e) When washing, add the ¼ cup of Simple Green to the water-filled tub of water.

Simple Green can also be used as a laundry presoak.  For this application, mix 1-part Simple Green with 10-parts water in a glass bowl or plastic container.  Immerse stained cloth napkins, tablecloths, work clothes, uniforms, etc. into this solution and let them soak for anywhere from an hour to several days.  Put these items into the laundry and do not add any additional Simple Green (the carry-over from the soaked clothes will create the dilution needed in the washing machine.)