most crazy quilts are backed and tied due to embellishements- you did not say- is it embellished? lots of embroidery, beads, charms?
if it is simply pieced without all the embellishing you could quilt it if you want.
wait until it is finished-quilted or tied- and bound before cleaning it.
if the smell bothers you you could put it in a bag with baking soda to absorb the odors- or put it outside and air it a bit- then finish it- then clean it
show us pictures if you are able- you know we love to see them! :)