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PlanetaryOrbit

(155 posts) Mon Aug 15, 2016, 08:41 PM Aug 2016

Formaldehyde-infused clothing in the dryer.......what could possibly go wrong? [View all]

So I bought a pair of new pants and it has an intense chemical odor, like formaldehyde (which I understand is used in wrinkle-free clothing.)

When washed and then put in a dryer, what could/would the heat do to that formaldehyde? It's bad enough as is, but as I understand it, heat causes formaldehyde to split into carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

What other..........noxious stuff gets released during the heating/drying process? (asking our DU chemists........)

20 replies

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Formaldehyde-infused clothing in the dryer.......what could possibly go wrong? [View all] PlanetaryOrbit Aug 2016 OP

You are putting wrinkle free clothing in the dryer on a hot setting? jberryhill Aug 2016 #1

The dryer should vent outside. MicaelS Aug 2016 #2

There be a potent solution ChairmanAgnostic Aug 2016 #3

Thats what I say sorefeet Aug 2016 #4

Unfortunately, Hanging them to dry outside is not an option. PlanetaryOrbit Aug 2016 #9

even worse, you get these little guys living in your dryer snooper2 Aug 2016 #16

Some of us with HOA are banned from hanging out clothes yeoman6987 Aug 2016 #5

formaldehyde is in most fabrics KT2000 Aug 2016 #6

sometimes I wash new clothes two times with vinegar before putting in dryer womanofthehills Aug 2016 #7

Vinegar Won't Help On Formaldehyde ProfessorGAC Aug 2016 #10

Unfortunately, it's a bit too late PlanetaryOrbit Aug 2016 #8

Formaledyde is Very Volatile ProfessorGAC Aug 2016 #11

As I understand it the formaldehyde can't be washed out PlanetaryOrbit Aug 2016 #17

It is VERY(!) Water Soluble ProfessorGAC Aug 2016 #18

Heat causes formaldehyde to decompose, eventually to CO + other products. Igel Aug 2016 #12

do you think sweetapogee Aug 2016 #14

No, There Is Not ProfessorGAC Aug 2016 #19

I know sweetapogee Aug 2016 #20

You Are Correct ProfessorGAC Aug 2016 #15

You can't tell it's formaldehyde just from odor Bonn1997 Aug 2016 #13