How to Safely Remove Formaldehyde from Clothes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Formaldehyde is a common chemical used in clothing production to enhance durability, prevent shrinkage, and reduce wrinkling. However, it can be harmful to our health if not properly removed from fabrics. This article will guide you through the best methods to safely wash formaldehyde out of clothes, ensuring they are safe and comfortable for daily wear. We will discuss three methods: airing out your clothes, soaking in baking soda, and washing with vinegar. Each method is carefully explained to help you understand how to remove this harmful chemical effectively.
Airing Out Your Clothing
One of the simplest ways to remove formaldehyde is to air out your clothes. This involves hanging your clothes in a well-ventilated area to allow the chemical to evaporate naturally.
Choose a well-ventilated area to hang your clothes. A clothesline outside is ideal. If you don’t have one, open your doors and windows to increase air circulation. Inside, place a fan to blow the chemical outdoors.
Hang your clothing on a clothesline or clothing rack.
Drizzle your clothes over a clothesline and use clothespins to secure them. Hang clothes over a clothing rack, ensuring they are centered to prevent falling.Avoid hanging clothes in direct sunlight, as this may cause fading.
Allow your clothes to off gas for at least 12 hours. Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound that evaporates when exposed to air for long enough. For best results, let your clothes air out for at least 12 hours. Continue airing them out if you still detect a formaldehyde smell.
Soaking in Baking Soda
Another effective method is to soak your clothes in a mixture of warm water and baking soda.
Fill a bucket, sink, or bathtub with warm water. Ensure the container is large enough to fully submerge your clothes. Fill it to about 3/4 of the way full.
Add 1 cup (230g) of baking soda to the water. Baking soda is a natural odor eliminator and gentle cleanser suitable for all fabric types and colors.
Soak your clothes for 8 hours. Submerge your clothes in the baking soda water mixture. Let them sit for at least 8 hours or longer if they are heavily saturated with formaldehyde. Up to 2 days is recommended for heavily polluted garments.
Rinse your clothing in cold water and air dry. Remove the clothes from the baking soda mixture and rinse with cold water. Squeeze out the excess water, and hang them on a clothesline or in a well-ventilated area.
Washing with Vinegar
For those who prefer a more chemical-free approach, washing with white vinegar is a suitable option.
Pour 1 cup (240mL) of white vinegar into your washing machine. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and may even brighten your clothes. Add it to your washer before starting the cycle.
Wash your clothing using cold water and mild detergent. Cold water helps preserve the fabric, and a gentle detergent is recommended. Use a cold wash cycle to clean and tumble dry your clothes.
Air dry your clothes. Hang them on a clothesline or in a well-ventilated area. Ensure the clothes are fully dry before wearing.
If you need your clothes to dry quickly, use the dryer on a low setting to prevent any residual formaldehyde from bonding to the fabric fibers.
These methods effectively remove formaldehyde from clothes, ensuring they are safe for daily wear. By following these steps, you can enhance your safety and comfort while maintaining the quality of your garments.
Key Takeaways
Air out your clothes: Hang them in a well-ventilated area with a fan or dryer. Soak in baking soda: Create a water and baking soda mixture for an extended soak or overnight. Wash with vinegar: Add vinegar to your washer for a natural and chemical-free wash.By choosing the right method, you can remove formaldehyde from your clothes and enjoy a healthier environment and better clothing quality. Follow these steps to keep your wardrobe and your family safe.