Musty Smell
 

I just purchased a beautiful old quilt top and I really like it. However, there is a very strong musty smell. How do I get that smell out? I'm afraid to wash it because it's only the top and I don't want it to fall apart. Thanking everyone in advance

From previous post, what I remember is no agitation. With old quilts, I soak them in the bath tub. You have to be so careful with rinsing because you don't want the seams to start unraveling like a rag quilt.

try vinegar

You could try hanging it outside to air out for a while. That sometimes works wonders.

I had some from my grandmother that were this way, I hung them outside because I knew I couldn't wash them til they were finished. Letting them air worked and once I finished them I washed them and they were fine.

Tartan is exactly right. The cure for musty/moldy smells is baking soda. (I'll yield to others as far as washing technique, tho.)

Baking soda, as Tartan said. I was given fabric with a very strong cigarette odor. I sprinkled baking soda on my driveway, laid the fabric down on it, then sprinkled more baking soda on top and left it for several hours. It worked beautifully.

I agree with using the baking soda method of Tartan. You really, really do not want to try to wash an old quilt top. Aside from dye bleeds, there is a huge risk of distortion from the fabrics shrinking at different rates. The distortion from shrinking issue is removed if you are washing a quilt because the quilting ties the quilt top to the batting, and the batting prevents distortion from uneven shrinkage rates.

Also, leaving the quilt top outside in the fresh air for a couple of days can work wonders. If you do this, be sure to leave the quilt in the shade (light fades fabric dyes fast). If it is not in a protected area, such as a screened porch, layer it between sheets in the shade (to protect against droppings from birds and other critters) and anchor the edges securely with rocks or bricks.

But, I think the baking soda will work.

If you do have to resort to water, I highly recommend basting the quilt top to an old white sheet before immersing in water. The basting lines would need to be pretty close together, similar to quilting lines. The sheet would protect against fraying of the seams and also will help somewhat with uneven shrinkage provided you lay the quilt top/sheet combo out on carpeting to dry and block it as it dries.

Put it outside in the fresh air.

Good non-scented clay cat litter. It absorbs odors very well. Unlike baking soda, you can stick it somewhere warm and dry it out and reuse it. Let fabric sit until you don't smell it anymore, then finish up with a good airing outside.

It's good for grease and other spills, too.

Don't be afraid to use a little chlorine bleach if everything else fails. Probably I would finish it first, then do the final wash.

I had a piece quilted a while back and it picked up terrible odors from the house. I put it in a tub with several (4 I think ) bars of DIAL soap. Left it for a few weeks and the odor was gone......worth a try.....Be sure to use a very aromatic soap.

I was going to suggest the baking soda process, too. It's a great absorption product. After doing as Tartan suggests, you might also tumble it in the dryer, very low heat, gently, for a few minutes. Sometimes heat does wonders.

You could also put it in a plastic container or a large plastic bag that seals closed with two or three dryer sheets and leave it for awhile.

This is excellent advice from Tartan. I am familiar with museum conservation practices for textiles and her advice is right on. The rule is sort of like a doctor's oath: First do no harm. Always try the least harmful technique first. Often fresh air or a little indirect sunlight (careful of direct light which fades) will work if you monitor the fabric carefully.

Adding this to my favorites "Notes to resuscitate quilts and tops"

I agree with Bearisgray. Good fresh air will make a big difference.

I agree with Tartan.