Chester the bunny

I bought premade curtains that no matter what I've done cannot get a chemical smell out of them. I'm pretty sure it is the printing process and dye. When the sun hits them it's even worse. I've taken them down and no they were not returnable. I've washed them twice with borax, hung them outside for days....
Does anyone have any other suggestions?

osewme

My DD thinks our home smells a bit musty so she suggested the unscented Febrege to spray on our curtains in the living room. I haven't tried it yet but that might be something for you to try. My DH does not like scents in the house so that's why she suggested the unscented.

NJ Quilter

Perhaps put in a sealed bag with some charcoal or baking soda? Both are supposed to absorb odors.

nativetexan

or washing with white vinegar.

Chester the bunny

OK, I've put them in a garbage bag with a whole box of baking soda sprinkled in there and will leave them for a couple of days. Then will wash them with vinegar and see if that works.
Thanks everyone.
osewme, thanks for you suggestion as well. I have the other two items on hand so will try them first.

Stitchnripper

There is also a product that sprays on called "Odor Out". It is on amazon and I've seen it at Bed Bath and Beyond, if you need another idea after the baking soda and vinegar.

QuiltingVagabond

I bought a pair of black jeans a while back that smelled almost like gasoline.
It has taken lots of washing for the odor to become less noticeable

greensleeves

Are they insulated or black-out? The insulated sometime have an unpleasant odor. I threw some away especially when the sun hit and the odor was worse.

Chester the bunny

No these are not insulated. I have had those before and know what they smell like when the sun hits them. That's why I bought some that were just a simple poly cotton with a print. But the print/ink feels a little stiff so not sure what it's made of.
Will update after another wash or two with vinegar.

coopah

Vinegar...yes. Baking soda...yes. Borax...maybe? Draft...for baby clothes. It's totally expensive compared to other brands, but it used to take out all sorts of baby smells. Sorry you are having this problem. Not fun.