One thing I would do is to test and see if they are rotten first. Being in an old house without heat etc, for 5 years may have caused them to get rotten. Before cleaning and wasting time and money, try and rip or tear it just with your fingers on the cut edge, not the selvage edge and see how easily it rips. If it is hard to rip or you can't rip it it should be good to wash and use. If it rips really easily I would hesitate to use it for much. I have usually gotten this smell out with just a good laundry soap but the sun works wonders.