That (sometimes) Vintage Smell

[BlueTrain]

I've purchased a number of used garments on eBay, none exactly vintage, but the only bad odor on any of them was cigarette smoke (I think). But it came out in the wash. My basement smells a little like an army surplus store. My father-in-law's garage had a distinctive oily smell. But after we inherited a number of his tools and half-empty cans of various lubricants, our garage began smelling the same way. But it's not a bad smell and it reminds me of a place my father once worked.

Sometimes brand-new clothes have a certain odor that you have to wash out before you use it and in fact, some things say to wash before wearing. That seems like strange advice, really.

 

[LuvMyMan]

I've purchased a number of used garments on eBay, none exactly vintage, but the only bad odor on any of them was cigarette smoke (I think). But it came out in the wash. My basement smells a little like an army surplus store. My father-in-law's garage had a distinctive oily smell. But after we inherited a number of his tools and half-empty cans of various lubricants, our garage began smelling the same way. But it's not a bad smell and it reminds me of a place my father once worked.

Sometimes brand-new clothes have a certain odor that you have to wash out before you use it and in fact, some things say to wash before wearing. That seems like strange advice, really.

Material when in the process of manufacturing has a powder residue on it, that is not good to be in contact with a person's skin. That is why some labels will say wash before wearing.

 

[-30-]

Results pending for this thread?

Regards,
J T

 

[tropicalbob]

I tried out the newspaper tactic this week and it reduced the smell somewhat. I'll give it another go this week, and then try the bakingsoda. For the sweater I used Woolite and white vinegar, which works beautifully. I only wish I could use it on the jackets.

 

[AdeeC]

I tried the coffee treatment as well as activated charcoal. Both seem to work for a while but musty smells returned. Dry cleaning has cured a couple of my leather jackets but hessitant to try out with true vintage gear. However this week I learned from someone that I should try granulated kitty litter. This person swears by the treatment to remove bad odours. Use the cheap plain paper/cardboard type but not the deodorised kind. Place item and a generous amount of kitty litter in rubbish bag, seal and leave for one week. I will try it this week with a smelly but otherwise perfect M422A jacket

 

[BlueTrain]

Some people find the smell of a new leather garment objectionable. A store that specializes in leather jackets and coats can have a strong smell, in the same way a tobacco shop does. Of course, some people like it.