My mother had a Bates George Washington bedspread that had never been used. It was in the original box wrapped in tissue paper for over 40 years. She gave it to me (still in the box) a couple years ago and when I opened it, the tobacco stench was horrible. Into the front loading washer it went with detergent. I put it thru one complete cycle then started the washer again and added a hefty dose of white vinegar. Twice. Then I washed it again with detergent and dried it. Finally got the smell out. I did not put it in the dryer until I couldn't detect any odor at all when it was wet. I had the thought that if I dried it before I was sure, the odor would be locked in. I had asked her for this bedspread back in the early 70s but she was one of those people who had to 'own' even tho they don't take care of things. It's lovely now and takes it's turn on our bed.