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wet, stinky fabric--help

wet, stinky fabric--help

Old 06-13-2010, 08:33 PM
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The storm last week broke a branch off my oak and it messed up my roof, then we had 3 days of constant rain. Didn't know there was any damage to the roof until I got home (from family funeral ) and found 2 - 4x8 ' sections fallen in my sewing room. Insurance company said they would not pay anything for the fabric because I don't have receipts.
So the fabric on the shelves and in cardboard boxes are wet and stinky.
I have wanshed and washed them but still can't get the smell out. Used Fabreeze and then Boraxo.
Any other suggestions?? Oh forgot to mention that the insulation in this old house was the paper blown in stuff so yes, that's all over too.
I just want to cry.
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Old 06-13-2010, 08:35 PM
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Try putting vinegar in the wash. I used to work in an assisted living home with incontinent patients and that's what they used to get rid of odors.
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Old 06-13-2010, 08:36 PM
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Sorry about the damage to your house. Not a happy thing to come home to.

That doesn't make sense about the fabric.

Would they not pay for a piece of antique furniture if you did not have a receipt?

Can you take photos and try again?

There are some detergents that say they are super-good for removing odors. I don't know if they will damage the fabrics, but it might be worth a try.
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Old 06-13-2010, 08:36 PM
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Maybe soaking the fabric in baking soda and possibly rinse with some vinegar.
Can you air dry your fabric outside or on a covered porch?
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Old 06-13-2010, 08:36 PM
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You could try soaking it in bicarb soda and then line drying. Be careful handling anything with that wet paper insulation stuff, it could have been treated with pesticides or chemicals.

So sorry....I know how you feel, but at least it was only 1 room and not the whole house.
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Old 06-13-2010, 08:54 PM
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Try using clowdy amonia in the wash with you detergent. It always workd for me and doesn't fade anything.
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Old 06-13-2010, 09:10 PM
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:cry: :cry: :cry:
I hope that you can get the smell out and can still use your fabrics!!!
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Old 06-13-2010, 10:56 PM
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thanks for all the suggestions. I will try them one by one. I just can't believe the mess here.
I guess this really ends a crappy week.
Thanks to all my new quilting friends.
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Old 06-14-2010, 01:00 AM
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try shampoo, but not if you are using a front loader, I have used it to get the smell of fire and damp out of fabric.
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Old 06-14-2010, 01:10 AM
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I use baking soda and vinegar---lots! Just dissolve the baking soda in the washer and add vinegar and a little detergent.
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