Stinky throws

Old 04-09-2014, 02:33 PM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
sewellie's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southern Idaho
Posts: 1,171
Default Stinky throws

I had 3 boughten throws on a chair by my door. I picked up one of them to use the other night and it smelled awful. So I got the second one, and it too, stunk. The third one was fine, no smell.
My question is: What can I do to get the stink out? It smells a little like petroleum or old something. I have washed them several times. The first time I soaked them in vinegar all night and washed them the next day, still stinky. The next time I washed them with some cheap soap from the $ store that had a powerful smell, no luck, still stinky. I've used fabric softener and fabric sheets. I need help. I don't want to throw them away, but I can't stand to use them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks, Ellie

Last edited by sewellie; 04-09-2014 at 02:35 PM. Reason: Additional info.
sewellie is offline  
Old 04-09-2014, 02:49 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Jo M's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,352
Default

You could try washing them yet another time and hang them outside to dry all day in the sunshine, if you have a clothesline...or a fence to drape them over. I hate that chemical-y smell of some new items. Good luck.
Jo M is offline  
Old 04-09-2014, 02:53 PM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,324
Default

What was your water temperature? I bought some rather expensive sheets and when I washed them for the first time the smell did not leave. So I read the washing directions and it said to wash them in hot water. I never use hot water - but I did this time and it did the trick. Did you check the washing directions for your throws?

Also, when I have very dirty items now, I use Oxy-Clean, it it is just smells, I use baking soda.
quiltingcandy is offline  
Old 04-09-2014, 03:00 PM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
Default

Put them on the soak cycle with your regular washing soap and a quarter cup of ammonia. Then put it through the cycle. If the oil smell is gone was it again as per usual and no ammonia. That is what has been working for me. Fabric softener (scented) only add to the problem. I have been using Seventh Generation softener dry sheets and will discontinue because they leave a residue in my dryer. One half sheet will go through 3 loads but not liking the residue. I have alternated with using a sponge soaked in white vinegar (squeezed out of course) and like the results from that. I don't use the Mr. Clean eraser sponge. the microfiber falls apart.
tessagin is offline  
Old 04-09-2014, 06:49 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,378
Default

I have had success getting diesel odor out of my husband's work clothes using an "orange" based cleanser. It can take several washes. I almost want to just throw them away. Sometimes hanging them in the sun will help with odors, but sometimes not. Good luck!
Barb in Louisiana is offline  
Old 04-11-2014, 05:44 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Carlisle, PA
Posts: 1,964
Default

The only thing I've found that really removed any and all odors is called 'Odo-ban". It is primarily used for animal smells (cat urine, etc), but when I put a cup of it in my washer, everything comes out smelling clean and fresh!! You can buy it at pet stores (Pet Smart and the like). It comes in quart to 5 gallon containers and worth its weight in gold!
Debbie C is offline  
Old 04-11-2014, 10:34 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,344
Default

What is the fiber content?
Peckish is offline  
Old 04-11-2014, 12:38 PM
  #8  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 294
Default

I washed some clothes that had smoke from a fire I just
poured some Febreeze. Into the washer along with tide detergent and they came out with no trace of smoke
honeybea is offline  
Old 04-11-2014, 06:07 PM
  #9  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
sewellie's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southern Idaho
Posts: 1,171
Default

Well thanks to all of you for your suggestions. Looks like I've got a lot of choices. These throws are not new, I have had them for a couple of years. It was strange to me that the 3rd one (very expensive), did not pick up the odor, whatever it was.

I will try and figure out which works best. Right now my husband is having some heart problems and will go to the hospital on Tuesday to take care of whatever it is. Then today he cut himself badly and I had to take him to the ER to have stitches. He's not feeling very well tonight. Our kids are coming home for a short weekend and will finish the job he was working on. So the throws will just have to wait in the utility room until I can get to them.

Again, I can always find answers to problems here on the Board. What a great group of people.

Thanks again! Ellie
sewellie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Marcia_PA
Main
13
03-07-2024 06:25 AM
Up North
Main
22
07-19-2011 10:14 AM
grammaJilly
Main
35
01-20-2011 06:23 PM
Antdebby1
Main
15
10-27-2010 10:06 AM
tortoisethreads
Main
20
07-07-2010 07:12 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter