the charcoal can be put in a plastic bag and poke small holes in it, that way it will absorb, but not hurt the fabric. Hope this suggestion helps. Sunshine and outdoors does about the same thing..

Rita

Thank all of you I did some with every tip. Including one my SIL gave me. I am still washing, I had a lot of erreands to run today. So washer and dryer rested. All together, so far I have washed 5 large loads of material. Still have a least that much more. I had charcoal from our aquarium. febreeze I use all the time, just had to get more. They all smell pretty fresh. I think all of the material is going to be fresh smelling. Thanks again.
Bonnie

I didn't see if anyone else mentioned it while I read, but white vinegar will take musty smells out of fabric too. I would put it in the mesh bag mentioned before. I use a cup to a full load in ALL my laundry, keeps whites better than anything else I've used, and really cuts the orders from factory grease and a hard working man from hubby's clothes!!

My experience with white vinegar is like strawberry's experience. When Febreeze and Lysol don't work, the white vinegar always does. My husband read that it was a great odor killer. Good luck.

Hi, I'm new to the board. Just signed in but have read the messages for a long time.
I found that putting a couple of dryer sheets into a large bag with the fabric and shaking it up every day for about a week will take the musty, old odor away. Might give it a try.
Char :-)

Eucylyptus is something that I have used over the years. After washing with the vinegar, I put fresh eucylyptus in a bag with the fabric etc, and it works great.
I use it at the cottage in the spring just to give it a fresh smell.
Wow it sure sounds like you lucked out with that box of fabric.
Good luck