We’ve all been there. You excitedly buy those trendy new American Eagle jeans, wear them a few times, then…sniff sniff…uh oh, they’ve started to smell. Not so fresh!?
Getting odours out of American Eagle jeans can seem impossible, but don’t fret. With a few simple tricks, you can get those American Eagle jeans smelling fresh again in no time. This handy guide will walk you through effective methods, homemade solutions, and pro tips to de-stink your denim. Wave goodbye to jean funk forever!??
Why Do Jeans Get Smelly in the First Place?
Before diving into odour removal, let’s understand what causes jeans to smell in the first place. There are a few key culprits:
Sweat: The sweat and body oils that build up when you wear jeans get trapped in the fabric’s dense weave. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria that causes unpleasant odours. The sweat-wicking stretch fabric in many American Eagle jeans makes them extra prone to funk.
Heat: Heat speeds up the bacterial growth that produces stench. Wearing tight, non-breathable jeans amplifies body heat, accelerating the smell process.
Washing habits: Not washing jeans enough or using too-cold water prevents odours and bacteria from getting flushed away. Harsh detergents can also break down jean material faster, making it absorb smells quicker.
Storage: Leaving jeans balled up or damp promotes odour growth. Storing clean jeans improperly allows smells to take hold again.
By understanding what makes jeans stinky, you can be proactive about prevention. But when funk inevitably strikes, it’s go time for de-stinking!??
Quick DIY Methods to Get Smell out Of American Eagle Jeans
When American Eagle jeans (or any denim) start to reek, you can whip up homemade deodorizing solutions using ingredients from around the house. Here are fast, fuss-free options to get rid of american eagle jeans smell:
Baking Soda Scrub
The antiseptic and absorbent qualities of baking soda make it a deodorizing dynamo. Just mix 1⁄4 cup baking soda with enough water to form a spreadable paste. Apply it to stained or smelly areas of the jeans. Let it sit for a few hours before washing as usual. The baking soda scrub pulls out stubborn odours and stains for fresh-smelling pants!
Freezer Time
Stashing jeans in the freezer overnight can zap bad smells. The icy temps kill bacteria and neutralize odours. Simply place the jeans in a sealed plastic bag and freeze them for 8-12 hours. In the morning, remove and wash as normal. Say bye to jean funk!
White Vinegar Soak
Soaking jeans in a vinegar solution helps break down odour-causing bacteria. Fill a bucket or tub with cool water and 1 cup white vinegar. Submerge the American Eagle jeans and let them soak for 1-2 hours. Drain, rinse, and launder as usual for refreshed, odour-free jeans.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal absorbs and traps odors really well. Put a few charcoal briquettes or an odour-eliminating charcoal bag in the wash along with jeans to extract smells. You can also hang charcoal bags near where jeans are stored to keep the freshness lasting longer!
When to Use Bleach, Vinegar, or Baking Soda in Your Wash
Adding specific laundry boosters to your regular American Eagle jean wash helps remove stubborn smells, stains, and bacteria buildup. But which to use and when? Here’s a breakdown:
- Bleach: Great for disinfecting and whitening. Use for set-in odours and getting that bright American Eagle jean colour back.
- Vinegar: Removes odours and acts as a fabric softener. Use for general smell removal and to soften.
- Baking soda: Deodorizes and lifts stains. Use for oily smells or set-in stains.
To maximize freshness, alternate using these boosters with each load. And don’t go overboard on bleach – it can damage fabric over time.
Deep Cleaning Methods That Require Some Effort
When quick DIY fixes just won’t cut through overpowering jean funk, it’s time to break out the big guns. These intense odour-eliminating methods require more work but yield longer-lasting freshness.
Oxygen Bleach Soak
For seriously smelly jeans, an oxygen bleach soak works wonders. Avoid chlorine bleach – it fades denim. Mix an oxygen bleach like OxiClean with hot water in a bucket or tub. Soak jeans 6-8 hours, agitating occasionally. Rinse thoroughly and wash normally.
Borax Treatment
A borax soak deeply cleanses jeans and obliterates odours. Add 1⁄2 cup borax and 1⁄2 cup baking soda to a tub of warm water. Soak jeans 1-2 hours, swishing them around. Rinse and wash as usual. (Avoid borax on coloured jeans as it can lighten dye over time).
Hot Wash + Extra Rinse Cycles
Washing jeans in very hot water (140F+) kills more odour-causing bacteria. Doing an extra rinse cycle flushes out any lingering smells. Use heavy-duty detergent to penetrate dense jean fibers. Let jeans air dry fully before storing to prevent mildew smells.
Air Dry Outside
Letting jeans dry in the fresh outdoors instead of the machine naturally deodorizes them. Sunlight kills bacteria while breezes air out smells. Lay jeans flat to dry on a drying rack or clothesline in the sun. The natural light and wind work together for odour-free denim!
Lifestyle Tips to Keep Jeans Fresher Longer
De-stinking jeans when they get smelly is just half the battle. Preventing odour in the first place saves time and hassle! Implement these simple tips into your lifestyle to keep American Eagle jeans (and all denim) smelling cleaner longer:
- Let jeans fully air dry between wears – dampness promotes odours
- Alternate between 2 or more pairs so jeans get a rest
- Wash before smells set in so bacteria doesn’t build-up
- Turn jeans inside out before washing – outer layers get smelliest
- Use odour-fighting detergent made for athletic wear
- Wash jeans in cold water on gentle cycle to preserve colour/shape
- Hang jeans up properly after washing – avoid balling up
- Store jeans folded in breathable areas, to avoid stuffiness
- Consider freezing clean jeans for a fresh boost
- Spot clean stain prone areas like knees/back pockets
- Shower before wearing jeans to remove body oils and sweat
- Avoid wearing jeans multiple days in a row
A few simple preventative habits keep jeans like new – and smelling that way too. Ditch theEmbrace these jean hygiene tips, and you can worry less about funky smells and focus on looking fashionable! ??
When to Cut Your Losses and Replace Super Smelly Jeans
Sometimes, even with your best de-stinking efforts, jeans remain hopelessly stinky. The bacteria and odour-causing compounds can get permanently embedded in fibres, impossible to remove.
It may be time to cut your losses if jeans still smell bad even after:
- Several hot washes with detergent/fabric boosters
- Trying soak methods like vinegar, OxiClean, borax
- Freezing or drying in sunlight multiple times
Heavily used jeans with years of wear will get irreparably smelly. Signs it’s time to replace are:
- Overpowering smell returns quickly after washing
- Visible grime that can’t be scrubbed out
- Weakened, thinning fabric (bacteria can penetrate easier)
- Permanent stains around knees, back pockets, ankles
- Shrunken, misshapen jeans that don’t fit right anymore
While all denim eventually wears out, American Eagle jeans tend to have a shorter lifespan than more expensive brands before odors and damage take over. Don’t waste too much effort trying to rescue a pair well past its prime. Invest in some new, fresh smelling American Eagle jeans and start your cycle anew! ?
Frequently Asked Questions About De-Stinking Jeans
Will freezing jeans really remove smells?
Yes, freezing kills bacteria that causes odors and can de-stink jeans. For best results, seal pants in an airtight bag and freeze 8-12 hours before washing.
Can I put jeans in the washer if they reek too bad to wear?
Yes, dump super-smelly jeans straight in the wash if needed. Use hot water, heavy-duty detergent, and extra rinse cycles to thoroughly remove odours. Avoid wearing them until the smells dissipate.
Should I wash jeans inside-out or right-side out?
Wash jeans inside-out. The outside surfaces (especially knees) get the smelliest from wear. This exposes the dirty parts directly to the detergent.
How often should I wash my jeans?
Wash jeans every 5-6 light wears, or whenever they smell or look dirty. Overwashing fades jeans faster; underwashing allows odour buildup. Find the right balance.
What temperature water should I wash jeans in?
Lukewarm or cold water (60-85F) helps preserve jean colour and fit. But use hot water (140F+) occasionally to kill bacteria and combat odors more effectively.
Can I put vinegar and bleach in the wash together?
Avoid mixing vinegar and bleach, as this creates toxic chlorine gas. Use one or the other and rinse jeans thoroughly if concerned about chemicals mixing.
Will air drying vs. machine drying jeans reduce odours?
Yes, air drying allows fresh breezes to naturally deodorize jeans and prevents mildew smells from trapped moisture in machines.
Can I use odour-eliminating sprays or Febreze on jeans instead of washing?
Only as a temporary quick fix. Sprays mask odours but don’t eliminate the bacteria causing them. You’ll still need to launder jeans to fully de-stink.
Conclusion
Smelly jeans are never fun, but armed with the right tricks, you can keep your American Eagle denim looking and smelling great. Reclaim your favourite funky jeans with these effective DIY odour removal methods and preventative laundry tips. Wave goodbye to jean stinks for good!
Now get out there, be bold, and rock those American Eagles in confidence once more knowing how to stop smells in their tracks.?? Just don’t forget the Febreze – just in case! ??
