lydialee

Charcoal works good on taking smells out of things.

bearisgray

I think I would want the smoky smell washed out - not just camouflaged with another fragrance.

mizunogirl

like jennifer said, baking soda and fabreeze

GwynR

I just had the same problem, fortunately I did not buy much. I washed two quilts that were done except for the binding. Had to trim them up after that, but it worked, they smell much better. Now I just have to bind them.
There was bag with 600 squares cut 2.5 inches. Couldn't wash those so I quickly sewed them into 16 patches, then put them in a gallon size ziplock back with a fabric softener. That seems to be working pretty well at keeping the smell bearable.

Caroline S

You might try Febreeze Laundry Odor Eliminator. The plastic bottle says it is good for cooking, smoke, perspiration and pet odors. The only place I have been able to find it in my area is Walmart. I originally bought it to try in my mother's laundry (she is incontinent). It works great. Two days ago I emptied my scrap trunk to start the sorting process. It all smells like old mothballs and mildew and umpteen years of nastiness. Ugh. Anyway I came across a couple of pieces of fabric that smelled like cat pee (perhaps mouse). I was going to toss them in the trash but decided to try the Febreeze Odor Eliminator. I hand washed the fabric and hung it out to dry. When I took it off the line there was no smell. JUst a suggestion for you.

Barb44

If all the other suggestions fail, full service car washes usually sell sprays and deodorizers especially for smoke. I have a spray called Zero Smoke and it really works. Put the fabric in plastic bag, spray some in the bag and close it up for a few days. It does not cover up the smell, it neutralizes it. It takes the smell out of car upholstery really well.

ube quilting

You should google Tide or Proctor & Gamble. I think they would have an info sight to help you!

My MIL smoked for years and her belongings came up fresh with a long wash. SO don't be discouraged.

Chicca

I have always had great success with vinegar added to the water while washing.

jeank

A speaker at a quilt show mentioned the Safeguard soap tip also. Unwrap it and store with the fabric.

The other advice I have is just to wash it as you use it. That way it is not a burden on the water supply, or simply air it one piece at a time as you use it.

What a wonderful gift he gave you.

Jean

katyquilter

I purchased an SUV load of wonderful fabric on craigslist. It didn't smell bad when we were at the seller's home, but when we loaded it in the car, we looked at each other and said "she was a smoker" ... We ran the cottons through the dryer with a couple dryer sheets and that got rid of most of it. Now I am using it and washing it before if I remember and most definitely washing the finished quilts. It was too good a deal to pass up!! I've donated some with the warning to wash before useing. Good luck.