Can't clear febreeze/detergent smell from Ebay purchase

[tulips27]

I've bought a second-hand skirt on Ebay and it's arrived smelling strongly of Febreeze or possibly strong laundry detergent. It's absolutely stomach-turning, I couldn't even leave it in my bedroom because I could smell it from my bed! And I don't have a particularly strong sense of smell or anything.

It's cold wash only. I've washed it through four times now and while it's lighter, I can still smell the Febreeze.

Is there anything else I can do?

Can you wash it with some vinegar? Don't if it's a delicate fabric. Maybe hang it outside in the sun if you can

Thanks, I'll try both of those today. I've never smelled such a strong smell on clothing, ever.

Put it in the freezer for a while. Inside a bag obviously!

Send it back. I tried washing something and several attempts failed. When another purchase had that smell, I returned it. I think it might have been Unstoppables or something, but it leaves a plasticky feeling on the clothes. It's vile

I've tried washing it several more times, albeit in tepid water per the label. Then I just held it under the tap because I thought soaking is just keeping it in the same scent, dispersed in the water. I did quick a vinegar soak which did help a little, and now an overnight vinegar soak which I was hoping would do it. But no! It's definitely less smelly but if I hold it to my nose I can still smell this absolutely sickening scent. 🤮

I'm now going for a bicarbonate of soda soak but I'm not hopeful. I just don't understand how a scent can defy physics and cling so much, surely it's not actually bonded to the fibres? I'm also annoyed at having to use my bicarbonate of soda up.

I feel bad messaging the seller, too, as she was really nice when I paid a day or so late because I was ill in bed.

@tulips27, don't do the bicarb soak. You could try using stinky malt vinegar.

Use washing soda or powder, and add non-floral disinfectant.
Leave to soak, then wash as normal.
Then hang it out to dry.

It will still stink of the fabric conditioner but not as bad.

I think that it has some sort of gunk that sticks to the fibres

Update: I thought more and washing up liquid is quite a harsh remover of grease - you get dry skin if you wash your hands with it for example - so I gave that a go and there's been a big improvement after two washes through. It's soaking in washing-up liquid still and I'll leave it in the sun to dry/air. Goodness knows what that and all the washing/agitation will have done to the fabric but it would have been unwearable anyway. It is man-made and not silk or anything so I hope it won't be too bad.

Thanks for all the tips and advice.

I hope it works. Let us know.

I've just hung out 3 pairs of Converse. They were minging, i wanted to bin one pair as they were revolting. 2 soaks in strong washing soda and a trip in the washing machine and they're looking good.