auntnana

Another vote for soaking in white vinegar. I had some towels that were forgotten in the washer and they had a horrible mildew smell to them. Washed and washed and it wouldn't come out. Finally read somewhere to soak them in white vinegar before washing and sure enough, not even a trace of the smell!

MarLeClair

Ammoniawill take out a musty smell. I use it n my was sometimes.

JAGSD

The first four times No. The last time and the fifth it was about very sunny out and 80 degrees,are only warm day this spring) and I started with my smaller long hair german shepherd and she has a tint of red now. I think the sun played in aBIG part in that though. Am pretty sure I went over the 15-25 min time though, (They Re good sized dogs and DO NOT like baths anyways)

JAGSD

Answered this on second page but up until the fourth time of having to do it for skunk smell there had been no hair dye noticed. The fifth time there was it was one of our first warms days this spring and it went to Sunny and 80 degrees I did the smaller one first which is a longhaired german shepherd mix and she now has a deep red auburn tome on top. REALLY BELIEVE THAT WAS DUE TO THE SUN and am pretty sure it was not washed out in 15 minutes because I had both dogs to do and did them pretty much together and by myself.

cathyvv

You could try washing the fabrics with baking soda. It is known for removing odors when dry, so it might work in a washer, too. Otherwise, try the vinegar as others have suggested.

Some time ago. I heard that using dishwasher detergent (for dishwasher machines), can remove odors, but I have no idea what the amount of dishwasher detergent required is, nor have I ever tried it. I'd try this as a last ditch, before I pitch the fabric, attempt to get the odors out.

If the fabrics are old, I would not use bleach, peroxide or borax (it can bleach fabrics as I found out the hard way) on them, since bleaching agents generally weaken fabric fibers.

Maureen NJ

Just a question. No one mentioned Oxyclean. Will that damage the fabric?

SuzieQuilts

An earlier post mentioned a formula for de-skunking a dog, and suggesting to use it on the fabric. I use "Simple Green" cleaner on my dogs when they have run into skunks. It takes two washings. I have also used it in the washing machine on my son's winter coat. He had a skunk in his trap. It worked great. I keep it on hand by the gallon. I also get that musty smell on fabric when I have things in storage. I am going to try "Simple Green" next time.

Girlfriend

Oxyclean has been known to take out color, or cause fading. It probably wouldn't be my first choice, especially if the fabric is old.

katesnanna

Sunshine and fresh air will work for some things but hanging them in the rain will work even better.

sherryl1

Maybe more washing in white vinegar and a long time in the fresh air.This is worth a try before they are discarded.