The smell of your jeans can stem from different causes depending on whether they are new or have been worn.
Why New Jeans Might Smell
If you notice a strange odor on new jeans, it's often due to chemicals used during the manufacturing process. These chemicals are applied to achieve certain finishes, dye colors, or to make the fabric resistant to wrinkles and mold during shipping.
According to one reference on the smell of new jeans, the chemical causing the strange odor is Formaldehyde. This is the same chemical that's causing the strange odour on your pants is the same one used for embalming. Formaldehyde and other chemicals are used in textiles primarily for their wrinkle-resistant and dye-fixing properties. While the levels in clothing are generally considered low, they can off-gas and create a distinct smell.
- Cause: Chemical treatments like formaldehyde.
- Purpose of Chemicals: Often for wrinkle resistance, dye setting, or preventing mildew during transport.
- Solution: The best way to remove this factory smell is to wash your new jeans before wearing them. Use a standard laundry detergent and follow the care instructions on the label.
Why Worn Jeans Might Smell
Over time, worn jeans accumulate sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and environmental odors. These substances provide a breeding ground for bacteria that naturally live on your skin and in your environment. As these bacteria break down the organic material, they produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the source of unpleasant smells.
- Primary Cause: Accumulation of sweat, body oils, and bacteria.
- How Odor Develops: Bacteria consume sweat and oils, releasing smelly byproducts.
- Other Factors:
- Infrequent Washing: The longer jeans go between washes, the more material accumulates and the stronger the odor can become.
- Drying: If jeans are not dried completely, moisture can lead to mildew or mold growth, causing a musty smell.
- Environmental Exposure: Smoke, food odors, or other airborne particles can cling to fabric fibers.
Common Odor Sources in Worn Jeans
Here's a quick look at common culprits for smells in jeans after wear:
| Odor Source | How it Occurs | Resulting Smell Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat & Bacteria | Body oils and sweat fed on by bacteria | Body odor, sour |
| Mildew/Mold | Incomplete drying, stored while damp | Musty, earthy |
| Environmental | Absorption of external smells (smoke, food) | Specific to source |
- Solution: Regular washing is essential for removing accumulated dirt, oils, and bacteria. Ensure jeans are completely dry before storing them to prevent mildew. For stubborn odors, consider adding baking soda or white vinegar to the wash cycle or using a fabric odor eliminator spray specifically designed for clothing.
Understanding whether the smell is coming from new manufacturing chemicals or accumulated wear can help you determine the best course of action to keep your jeans smelling fresh.
