A safe product to use is Gonzo odor eliminator for homes. It comes in a mesh bag that you can hang in a closet with the quilt. I got it at Bed, Bath and Beyond some years ago, and it worked well on a musty lamp shade, which I thought was hopeless. It comes with directions. I found it on Amazon just now. Cheap and lasts for years.

I am a smoker and I try hard but realize that the smell is on me and can transfer ot my fabrics. Before sending anything out that I can't wash first (fabric pieces to a friend) I package them in a baggie with a couple of fabric dryer sheets - lavander ones. Most have said they can't smell the smoke on it. On things I can wash - my washer and dryer are out in the garage - I still package them that way.

I realize the smell - especially since I am around so many non smokers and so I do try - but I recognize that it doesn't always work and I apologize for my bad habit to the person!

I am a former smoker, my husband still smokes a pipe. I do not participate in swaps for this reason. Threads like this tend to delegate smokers and or their families to 2nd class citizen status. Especially when the go on and on. Do nonsmokers have no habits that offend others??? Use a little kindness toward each other. None of us are without faults.

If your weather's okay in Southwest Florida, hang it outside for an all-day airing.... Sunshine and fresh air beats fabric softener or Febreeze any day!

Offending is one thing, but causing a possible life-threatening asthma attack to another person is something else indeed!

not arguing with anyone - this is a true question but can the smell of the smoke on clothes alone cause an asthma attack?

I know that there are a lot of places I go - church; airports; and such where the perfumes are so heavy that I get a searing headache but I didn't think it could cause an asthma attack in and of itself??? If it does - are there other strong smells that can set it off?

It sure can for me! As well as perfume, deodorant, hairspray, any household cleaning supplies, smell of some flowers, freshly cut grass, campfire smoke, and many other things. It doesn't even have to be a "strong" smell. Sometimes even a small whiff is enough to trigger an asthma attack.

I have had to go find another line in a grocery store if I catch just the hint of an odor of smoke or perfume on the person in front of me.

Sorry, I did not mean to sound argumentative either.

I'm a smoker who actually hates the smell of tobacco. We don't smoke in our house because we don't like the way a house can reek from it.

From the times that I've managed to quit, I know that smokers smell like cigarettes just from going outside for a smoke break, so I'm very conscious of how I smell. The other day, the doctor said to me, "So you're still smoking, hm?" Of course, he smelled it on me - which I can't do, any more.

I hesitate to participate in swaps, as well. Even though I don't smoke in the house or around my fabrics, the odor can transfer from my clothes to the fabric I'm handling and if someone is really sensitive to it, they'll be upset with me.

I don't think anyone hates smokers - that would be silly, like hating fat people or people who drive SUV's. :mrgreen:

It's our habit that they don't like. Try not to be offended - it's not you, it's just the odor they don't like. I'm sure that you wouldn't intentionally inflict that nasty smell on anyone, but we don't even know it's there. It smells okay to us! :)

didn't sound argumentative to me - I didn't know that smells themselves could trigger....thanks for that information...

my postal carrier smokes in her truck....I have made complaint after complaint, and told to suck it up....I have a business that deals in fabric...I get envelopes filled with fabric all the time...and if you think it is hard to get the odor out of cotton, try getting it out of ultrasuede...it aint easy...at all...