Percale sheet smells of chemicals!

BallandChain

I don't know if this is the right section but please feel free to move this post if it's in the wrong place.

The problem is I bought some Percale 100% cotton sheets (in cream) and after taking them out of their individual packets got a strong smell of chemicals! The smell is like petrol and I've done a search here and can't find anything on this. Has anyone experienced this? The sheets were made in Pakistan and after googling noticed other people have had the same problems. Only links I seemed to end up with were from America. Honestly the smell is quite over powering and I am going to wash the sheets and hope the smell goes.

This is the link to the sheets I got: (For some reason page opens by the reviews, you need to scroll up to see the product.)

http://www.additionsdirect.co.uk/non-iron-cotton-percale-fitted-sheet/585454901.prd?cm!!!!!o&_requestid=44755&browseToken=/q/sy5781d#productReviews

Here is a link about this. (Please note it is an American website and this problem seems to go back a couple of years too.)

http://www.dld123.com/q&a/index.php?cid=568

Paulie'sGirl

Hi,

I would call the supplier and complain. Be sure to ask them if they'll take the sheets back once you've tried washing them. They may then consider them used and refuse to refund you.

I would also line dry them, to give them a good airing, that may take away some of the smell.

I'd assume, based on what you've said that the smell comes from inferior plastics used in the packaging.

Best of luck!

PGxx

BallandChain

It's a possibility it could be the plastic packaging but the smell seemed to be stronger in the material itself rather than the packaging. It's a bit difficult to line dry living in a flat but I'm hoping to just wash them and hopefully the smell will go.

BitterAndTwisted

If they really are Percale (weave) 100% cotton (fabric content) I don't see why you can't wash them on a 60 degree wash (or higher) and use some fabric conditioner afterwards and then give them a good airing outside on the line. If that doesn't work I'd be tempted to use a dilute chlorine bleach solution and soak them for a bit and then a wash.

Or, you could take the path of least resistance and return them to the retailer for an exchange