Today, second-hand stores appear like mushrooms after rain. In recent years, their number has increased by a huge number of times (only pharmacies can outnumber them). Here you can buy used clothes at very low prices. But at the same time, buyers have one question: "How to get rid of the smell of second-hand?". After all, even new things that are rare, but still come across here, to put on before processing is unpleasant.
So, how to get rid of the smell of second-hand? Consider this issue in detail.
How to get rid of the smell of second-hand? Frequently Asked Question
To such things in people, the attitude is still ambiguous. To someone without them, as they say, life is not nice. And someone is categorically against such clothes. And all because (most often) because they simply do not know how to get rid of the smell of second-hand. But he is really quite persistent and unpleasant. Why is this happening? What is the reason for such a repulsive aroma?
What's that smell?
Let's try to figure it out. This smell is the result of sanitizing things with special chemicals. This is mainly formaldehyde and methyl bromide. And this, as you know, the most powerful poisons. The purpose of this treatment is to destroy bacteria, insects and fungi that live on human clothing (including dust mites). Experts assure people who do not know how to get rid of the smell of second-hand and where it comes from, that you can safely use chemicals designed for disinfection. They are absolutely safe for humans. However, this can be argued. Often, the neutralization of poisons in our country is carried out poorly.
However, in any case, if you have already thought about how to get rid of the smell of second-hand clothes, then this clothing practically does not contain insects, fungi and microbes. But there is too much poisonous formaldehyde in it. Therefore, even if you bought such clothes, you have to work on it properly at home.
What to stop at?
So still, how to get rid of the smell of second-hand on things? Today there are more and more recommendations and advice on this matter. Although a considerable part of them are absolutely useless. You can trust, of course, the industrial scale of purification from toxic substances. However, what to do with purchased items at home? Everything is very simple! We take the essence of the idea of ridding things of an unpleasant smell from the same industrialists. That is, we use ammonia and fresh air.
The easiest way
So, if you need to get rid of the smell of second-hand clothes, pay attention to the following recipe. You will need only ammonia and water. It is only necessary to monitor the proportions. If the item is not very large (for example, a skirt or a light blouse), use 20 milliliters of alcohol per 5 liters of water. For a larger thing, you will need the entire hundred-milliliter bottle. Water in this case will need to take 10 liters.
To remove the smell, it takes from half an hour to two hours. It all depends on the material and volume of clothing. It takes half an hour or an hour to clean cotton items. The skin, fur and synthetics will have to be soaked in a solution for about 6 hours. After that, the clothes are wrung out and hung out in the fresh air for a couple of days.
Then everything is as usual. Just wash with powder and conditioner and dry. Note, in contact with liquid ammonia, clothing does not lose its color, does not stretch and does not “dry out”.
Some housewives soak things for a couple of hours in a shampoo with a pleasant smell. After that, they should be rinsed with washing powder (preferably liquid) and conditioner. In the open air, things dry during the day.
When hand-washed with soap, the smell also goes away quite quickly. And white things, by the way, become even whiter. One minus - the clothes become stiff.
Washing with gel in capsules is also a good option. Things for a very long time retain their new pleasant smell.
Folk methods
However, there are other ways if you intend to get rid of the smell of second-hand. Customer reviews say that you can do without ammonia and powders. Especially if the smell is not too pronounced.
Firstly, you can wash things with a scented salt or with the addition of a few drops of essential oils. True, several washings may be needed.
Secondly, you can soak your clothes in an aqueous solution of vinegar or salt (or both). It also does not hurt to add soda.
Thirdly, you can use a special deodorant. Such products are sold in household chemistry departments.
In addition, you can put soap, toilet water, perfume or coffee next to things, and close for a couple of days. You can give your clothes dry cleaning, iron with steam or wash in fresh air without spinning.
By the way, there is another problem - the smell from second-hand shoes. For example, you cannot wash your skin. And sneakers after soaking for a long time can just burst open. But the worst thing is the fungus! He hides in every second pair and is able to give you a lot of trouble. Mushroom spores survive even in the most extreme conditions. Therefore, in this case, it is best to use special disinfectants.
Summary
In general, if you do not know how to get rid of the smell of second-hand clothes on a leather jacket, fur, knitwear, natural or synthetic things, use one of the above methods. For this, you will not need anything special - only improvised tools that are, of course, found in everyone’s house.
In short, second-hand clothes today are more and more often acquired by people. Especially those whose monthly income is not so much. Buying such things allows you to regularly replenish your wardrobe with new things - second-hand or even new. The main thing is that you can choose for yourself something original and stylish.
The only problem you will encounter is the unpleasant smell of formaldehydes coming from things. Therefore, after their purchase, it will be necessary to wash out water-repellent substances and soluble chemicals from the structure of the material. In this case, be sure to monitor the temperature of the water. It must be valid for a particular type of fabric.
Things should be disinfected from people who already managed to go to the fitting room with these outfits. In addition, you do not know how well the clothing was sanitized after its former owner.
However, everything is extremely simple. None of these procedures will require special efforts from you. Therefore, you can safely purchase what you like in economy-class stores, without worrying at all that the people around you will guess where exactly these things were bought. Enjoy your shopping and good mood!