Author Topic: De-stinkyfiying a North Face, Down Parka - Looking for ideas please  (Read 1120 times)

Monkeychops

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Hi,


I bought a North Face McMurdo Parka off ebay, advertised as only worn 3 times, as new condition.  It is indeed in as new condition to look at, but it has a revolting stench to it.  It made me gag as I opened the bag it arrived in, it was that bad.  It kind of smells like sour vomit and stale dogs, but very strong.  So I washed it at 40c on a gentle synthetic wash with a 400rpm spin using Nikwax Down Wash Direct.  It came out smelling worse than when it went in.  Now it's wet, it smells like fresh acidic vomit!  So I got onto the seller and he's happy to take it back and he's also happy for me to experiment with different washing methods to remove the smell.


So I've already done the


Down Wash Direct + Vinegar
Next cycle is non-bio and bicarb + vinegar.


Could anyone offer any suggestions to possibly try?  Anything that i can buy to get it stink free?  Thanks in advance and apologies for the graphic description! :)




kinkyboots

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Chav spew and dog sick is not a very nice combination!  ;D

You could try taking to a specialist dry cleaners and asking for some advice? However if the seller has already offered to take it I would back bite their hand off and don't spend any more time and effort on it as you will probably never be happy with it however clean you manage to get it. Also make sure you use a signed for postal service so you can prove it got there should there be any dispute down the line.

This may be of some help https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/help/product-care.html
« Last Edit: 18:31:21, 19/08/17 by kinkyboots »

Welsh Rambler

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What the seller didn't tell you Monkeychops is he wore it three times to clean out the cesspit and fell in on his last attempt  ;D


I'd send it back recorded delivery and if I didn't get my money back straight away lodge a claim with Paypal. Good luck.


Regards Keith

Monkeychops

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Thanks for the replies  O0


The coat itself is like new apart from the smell, so I'm happy to persevere.  I've done 3 non bio / bicarb / vinegar washes and it's almost there, but I have run out of all of the above, now.  Definitely getting there, slowly.


Found some Dettol laundry cleanser, so might give that a try too.  Nothing to lose at this stage :D

willow229

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I'd send it straight back to the seller as it's clearly not in 'as new condition' if it reeks. I'd think it to be far too much hassle to be washing it several times. I'm sure you could pick a replacement quite easily enough too.

Monkeychops

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The smell did become not quite as bad, but after several washes, it still smells bad, so it's going back.  The seller is ignoring me now anyway, so I've started a return. Thanks.

Dyffryn Ardudwy

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Any garments that have an overpowering stench. especially stale or sour vomit, i would seek the advice of the expert Dry Cleaners.
Not that the detergents or fresheners inside your washing machine have caused any damage to the parka, but the dry cleaners have the right kind of fluids for removing stale smells.

They may charge you a few quid, but you will know the job will be done correctly and professionally.

Monkeychops

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Any garments that have an overpowering stench. especially stale or sour vomit, i would seek the advice of the expert Dry Cleaners.
Not that the detergents or fresheners inside your washing machine have caused any damage to the parka, but the dry cleaners have the right kind of fluids for removing stale smells.

They may charge you a few quid, but you will know the job will be done correctly and professionally.


Thanks, yes, dry cleaning was my first thought and I checked the labels and it says do not dry clean.  I have sent it back now, much cleaner, but still stinking! No doubt it will be back up on ebay for the next unsuspecting victim.

 

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