[quote=cindyw
I knew the basement leaks but what I didn't know was the cabinets I had installed on an outside basement wall would let water enter the back of the cabinets. Now about half of my fabric is damp/wet. I didn't discover it until today and it smells but I haven't found any mildew. (BTW, the contractor that installed the cabinets for me is also surprised water got into them and will try to figure out what to do to avoid this in the future.)
What do I do??? I know normally when you wash fabric you sew the raw edges but there are literally hundreds of pieces. (I inherited my mothers stash plus what I already had so it's a lot!) Can I wash it without sewing the raw edges? Will it be a big mess? Will it unravel much? Or should I just start sewing, washing and drying? I can't imagine how long that will take but I will do whatever is necessary.
Can you buy those laundry bags that you use for lingerie etc. I used mine for scraps and never had the tangled mess and loss if fabric that happens in an ordinary wash. I also only hand wash my fabric and line dry them but with the amount you have you would be better putting them in the dryer on a cool setting so they will not shrink. In case the smell lingers put a bit of conditioner or lavender oil in the water. I hope this works for you and all your fabric comes out clean .