Wow, it is so amazing how willing the people on this board are willing to help when asked. There have been some really good suggestions and so many only require a trip to the grocery or dollar store. The piece of fabric that I washed with a load of clothes last night (a bunch of white vinegar added) is dry now and I don't think I can detect an odor. It will be the backing for a couple of lap quilts that I just finished--gifts to a friend and my step-MIL. I will bookmark these suggestions for future reference. What great ideas!!!