toverly

I'd let it go. Especially if you are allergic, you will always smell it. It's in the weave of the fabric. We had a Guild member pass who had lots of fabric the family wanted to give up. I think they gave up.

Auntie V

Odoban from home depot or sams club

Skylark53

I second the vinegar, I have heard good things about that. For any yellowing, I've heard good things about http://retroclean.com/retroclean/. Not sure of it's effectiveness on tobacco stains however.

It's worth giving it a try. As mentioned before, some of the fabric might be better off than others. You could probably at least keep some of it.

cathyvv

Note that borax may diminish the color in the fabrics!

cathyvv

I'm allergic to cigarette smoke/residue, too, so understand your concerns.

I washed a bunch of fabric that smelled smokey, but not terribly bad, in the washing machine. I used cold water, purex laundry detergent, vinegar (lots of vinegar!) and color catchers. I found that for my washer, the maximum yardage that could be cleaned in one load was 12 yards on the extra large cycle. Once washed, it was dried on high in the dryer - no fabric softener as I am allergic to that, too!

After it was dried, I folded it. When I want to use it, I'll iron it and that will be soon enough.

It took a lot of time, so only take the fabric if you're willing to do the work that will make it use-able for you.

Twisted Quilter

Ditto...Works for me every time.

ann31039

I wash it the first cycle then back it up after the first one drains. I use oxyclean and vinegar and then let it refill with fresh vinegar and detergent. I let it agitate just a bit then leave it to soak for several hours or overnight and then finish the cycle. I usually let it line dry. and a couple of hours in the sun is not going to fade the colors that quick.

Jeanne S

Vinegar was my first thought too. I would sure give it a go--would have a hard time passing up bolts of free fabric! Let us know what works if you do take it.

mountain-moma

Odor ban from Sam's Club works like a charm

justflyingin

We were given a couch that was used by a heavy smoker. None of us are smokers so we could smell it, of course. I scrubbed and scrubbed, soaking it pretty well with carpet/upholstery cleaner. I got it so it was manageable. I covered it with a quilt and eventually took it to our church where we used it for years. Lately, I ended up giving it away. By the time I gave it away, it didn't smell like cigarettes anymore--you couldn't even tell.

I'd try many things if I were going to be given fabric--even it smelled like smoke. First wash and then let it air out.