Now that we’ve run out of suitable weather for throwing something smelly, specifically new black jeans, over the clothesline or porch railing to air, it’s time to investigate Forum readers’ suggestions for hopefully eliminating this stinking problem.
Charlotte Stickney of Stanwood writes, “Regarding the problem of the smelly black jeans, try either soaking them in plain vinegar or, if that doesn’t work, also try the old tomato juice trick for skunk odor.
“As a last-ditch effort, seal them up inside a plastic bag sprinkled liberally with baking soda and let them age in a sunny spot. I sure hope one of those works. Nothing hurts worse than finding a sale and learning too late that you’re the one that’s been skunked!”
Charlotte also says, “I haven’t written lately, but read your column diligently and feel like I know some of your regular responders. They make me feel part of the community.”
Next, Jennifer Benson of Everett tells us, “I have a few suggestions regarding the stinky black jeans mentioned in the June 17 Forum. Years ago, I worked as a professional pet groomer. For the most persistent, awful smells on dogs, white vinegar worked great as a rinse, as did the original, blue Dawn dish soap, or even tomato juice (think skunk smell!).
“I’m thinking if those products worked great on pets, they might work great on jeans, too?”
And last but not least, Alderwood Manor helper-outer Kandace Aksnes has tracked down what she calls “two potential solutions” for the offending black jeans.
“According to Joe Tusty, to remove bad smells from clothing, simply wrap them lightly and bury in the ground for a couple of days. This is the advice written on page 125 in ‘A Grassroots Survival CompanyCookbook of Memories Remedies & Receipts from the Great Depression.’
“Linda Cobb, Queen of Clean, highly recommends Odorzout. Intense odors can be treated for several days with no harm to the fabric. Just make sure you allow air to circulate.
“Odorzout won’t work in an enclosed space. The reference is ‘Talking Dirty Laundry with the Queen of Clean,’ page 48. Odorzout is also an extremely effective odor eliminator, page 80; Odorzout is an odor eliminator, not a cover-up, page 114. Odorzout is a fabulous, dry, 100 percent natural deodorizer. It’s nontoxic, so you can use it anyplace you have a smell or a stink. For more information, call 1-800-88STINK or visit their website at www.88stink.com.”
Just to see what was what, I took a look for all of us, and discovered Odorzout is available in several different formulas, each supposedly specifically designed for certain odor problems — pets in general, cats, laundry, etc.
The formulas are also available in a variety of sizes running from a small container to gallon-plus whoppers. So that’s the what!
The Forum is always happy to receive your contributions and requests, so don’t hesitate to send them along to Judyrae Kruse at the Forum, c/o The Herald, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206. Please remember that all letters and e-mail must include a name, complete address with ZIP code and telephone number with area code. No exceptions and sorry, but no response to e-mail by return e-mail; send to kruse@heraldnet.com.
The next Forum will appear in Monday’s Good Life section.
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