How to Eliminate Odors from Denim

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Denim is a durable and versatile fabric, but it can absorb unpleasant smells over time. To get smells out of denim, follow these simple steps:

1. Air it out: Hang your denim in a well-ventilated area to allow fresh air to circulate and eliminate odors naturally.

2. Freeze it: Place the denim item in a plastic bag and freeze it overnight. Freezing helps kill odor-causing bacteria and freshen up the fabric.

3. Use baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the affected areas and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, brush off the baking soda and wash the denim as usual.

4. Vinegar soak: Fill a basin with equal parts water and white vinegar. Soak the denim item for 30 minutes, then wash it as usual.

5. Sun-dry: Hang your denim in direct sunlight. The UV rays will help eliminate odors and freshen up the fabric.

Remember, always check the care instructions on your denim item before attempting any cleaning methods.


To remove unpleasant smells from denim clothing, the most effective method is to wash it in a washing machine. However, some denim enthusiasts consider washing denim undesirable because it can cause shrinkage and ruin the natural fading patterns. If you prefer odor-free denim without using soap and water, you can try storing your denim in the freezer or in a drawer with baking soda. Another option is to use a small amount of vodka and expose the denim to sunlight. It’s important to find the odor removal method that works best for you, so feel free to experiment with different strategies until you find the one you prefer.

Step 1

Place your jeans in the freezer and leave them overnight. Bacteria from your skin and your skin cells can transfer onto the denim as you wear pants, shirts, and jackets. Freezing the denim kills the bacteria and eliminates the odor.

Step 2

Similar to the freezer, alcohol can also kill bacteria. Mix vodka and water in a spray bottle, creating a solution that is 70 percent vodka and 30 percent water. Spray the mixture onto your jeans and allow them to dry. Both the odor on the denim and the smell of vodka will fade away.

Step 3

Take an old sock or a square of cheesecloth and fill it with baking soda. Place it in your dresser drawer along with your jeans or denim shirts. The baking soda will absorb any odors and keep your denim smelling fresh. Alternatively, you can use coffee grounds instead of baking soda for a coffee scent.

Step 4

Expose your denim to direct sunlight for a few hours by either laying it out or hanging it. This will help eliminate any unwanted smells.

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