The smell attached to your clothing from propane is an odorant called ethyl mercaptan, which is added to the gas to detect its air concentration, much like a warning. The strong smell of mercaptan sticks to clothes. Instead of trying to mask the smell with perfumed detergents or spray, remove the smell by releasing the chemical attachment to your clothing. If you spilled propane on your clothes, you may have to repeat the washing cycle to fully remove the odor.
Things You'll Need
Baking soda
Distilled white vinegar
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Step 1
Fill a sink or tub with warm water. Add 1 cup of baking soda to the water and soak your clothing for six to 12 hours.
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Step 2
Transfer your clothing to your washing machine. If you don't have one, rinse your clothing thoroughly in warm water to remove the baking soda.
Step 3
Soak the clothing in warm water and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar for one hour. If using a washing machine, stop the machine before the spin cycle and allow the clothing to soak in the mixture. If you don't have a washing machine, clean out the area you used for soaking before adding your clothes, vinegar and warm water together.
Step 4
Complete the wash. Wring out the clothing if you washed by hand. Air-dry your clothing by hanging on a line or sitting on a laundry rack in fresh air.