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-   -   Old Basement Smell in Fabric (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/old-basement-smell-fabric-t147433.html)

sammygirlqt 08-23-2011 07:51 PM

I know someone here will have a solution for getting the aged basement smell out of fabric I got at a church rummage sale. I have washed it in good soap, Fleecy in the rinse, and dried overnight outside. Put an iron to it and it smells bad again. What is your remedy?

irishrose 08-23-2011 07:56 PM

Borax in with the detergent. Turn off the washer after it's filled and let it soak for a few minutes. Did this some smelly towels last year. Borax is in the detergent aisle.

Lady Crafter 08-23-2011 07:58 PM

I use white vinegar and baking soda to get ANY odor out. Wash on longest setting with your detergent, rinse twice. Works every time for me.

#1piecemaker 08-23-2011 08:01 PM

I don't know if this will work with fabric but it worked when we sprang a water leak at the church and the carpet smelled all musty. Someone bought charcoal brickets annd old newspapers and put them on the floor. the charcoal absorbed the smell. You might put the fabric in a bag with a couple of brick-ets and a newspaper and see if that helps. It's worth a try.

marknfran 08-23-2011 08:06 PM


Originally Posted by Lady Crafter
I use white vinegar and baking soda to get ANY odor out. Wash on longest setting with your detergent, rinse twice. Works every time for me.

that is what worked for me, too.

Rose L 08-23-2011 08:10 PM

Vinegar in with the regular detergent works for me.

OneMoreQuilt 08-23-2011 08:38 PM

All of the above have worked for me at one time or another. You could also try Fabreeze.

EasyPeezy 08-23-2011 09:37 PM

I second the white vinegar.

starshine 08-23-2011 09:43 PM

I just am wondering if when you used your iron on the fabric if that may have "set" the odor, but these suggestions are worth a try. Also you might try laying it out flat on the grass and let it sit in sunshine several hours.

BrendaK 08-23-2011 10:43 PM

I third the vinegar. BrendaK


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