I add some to the wash, and it definitely gets rid of smells.
GrannieAnnie
02-20-2013 05:09 PM
Originally Posted by parrynj
(Post 5875195)
Hi - I was recently given two large boxes of assorted quilting fabric, lots of fat qtrs and some yardage. My problem is that the person who gave me the fabric is a former smoker and all the fabric reeks of cigarette smoke. I washed some of it and it still smells (I'm in the process of washing it a second time). Is there anything I can do to get rid of the smell? Thanks!
soak in Oxy-clean for a hour or two, dump that water and make more. If you're not worried about bleeding, make a put it all in your bathtub, and soak an hour at a time then repeat. Let the water drain well before the next soaking. About the third time, add a bit of regular detergent.
AND TURN THE BATHROOM FAN ON! You will smell the smoke as the fabric soaks. Oh, and you'll be amazed by the bright colors, too.
I'm unwound
02-20-2013 05:55 PM
This worked for me for a smelly quilt. Cut a bar of plain old Dial soap (gold) in half. Wrap each half in a paper towel. Secure with rubber band around it. Place in a container like rubber maid with fabric. Might take a while-maybe 2-4 weeks. Check periodically to see if it's improved.
Grandma58
02-20-2013 06:40 PM
Vinegar and baking soda with a tad bit of downy in the rinse, I washed about 12 tons of smelly fabric that way and it all came out great. Well maybe not quite 12 tons but close.
earthwalker
02-20-2013 06:51 PM
I use white vinegar or baking soda in the final rinse. Also, if you can, drying outside really does remove most smells.
Nammie to 7
02-20-2013 06:54 PM
Great suggestions - will have to keep this one in mind for future issues!
