thepolyparrot

Ammonia removes all odors from washable fabrics without damaging colors or textiles. It's especially good for oily stains - cigarette smoke has a lot of oily stuff in it, and that's what makes it so difficult to remove.

Ammonia stinks to high heaven when you first start the washer, but after the rinse cycle, your clothes smell nothing but clean and fresh.

When the house was full of teenagers, about once a month I'd add a half-cup or a cup to every load I did - strips out soap residue, smells, stains and brightens colors.

It also removes pet odors, and I used to use nothing but ammonia and water in the steam cleaner when I cleaned the carpets.

BellaBoo

off topic but a professional carpet cleaning company came to clean the church banquet hall and they used rubbing alcohol instead of water in their carpet cleaning machine. The man said it evaporated fast and left the carpet dry in no time.

marymay

Good advice from Irishrose. That's what I have done.

Annaleehunter

Odoban works! I have a quilt in baby girls bed that was made in the late 1800's. When she wets through her diaper I add Odoban to the wash. I get it at Sam's.

Carol W

I've used Nok-Out to get rid of odors. It works great and is non toxic.

dredick

Would you consider Fabreeze? Can't hurt.

nycquilter

also, I would never store anything I valued in plastic because it can hasten fabric rot and destruction. It does not breathe!

Edie

Maybe wait until it is a little warmer out and you can hang it to dry on a line in the shade. We get shade part of the afternoon and I hang my quilts out then and let them flop in the breeze - they smell so good too. Edie

Awesumpunk

use vinegar with your detergent

AZ Jane

I have the front loader washer/dryer. It has a hand wash feature and they work wonderful and are very gentle. I have washed many "old/antique/vintage quilts with o damage. Oxy-Clean and mild detergent. Dry on delicate until just damp, lay sheet over balcony, hand to full dry, several days!!