know of sure way to get rid of heavy smoker's smoke in fabric?
07-19-2014, 02:54 PM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,920
I'd let it go. Especially if you are allergic, you will always smell it. It's in the weave of the fabric. We had a Guild member pass who had lots of fabric the family wanted to give up. I think they gave up.
07-19-2014, 04:14 PM
#13
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 174
I second the vinegar, I have heard good things about that. For any yellowing, I've heard good things about http://retroclean.com/retroclean/. Not sure of it's effectiveness on tobacco stains however.
It's worth giving it a try. As mentioned before, some of the fabric might be better off than others. You could probably at least keep some of it.
It's worth giving it a try. As mentioned before, some of the fabric might be better off than others. You could probably at least keep some of it.
07-19-2014, 04:33 PM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,108
I'm allergic to cigarette smoke/residue, too, so understand your concerns.
I washed a bunch of fabric that smelled smokey, but not terribly bad, in the washing machine. I used cold water, purex laundry detergent, vinegar (lots of vinegar!) and color catchers. I found that for my washer, the maximum yardage that could be cleaned in one load was 12 yards on the extra large cycle. Once washed, it was dried on high in the dryer - no fabric softener as I am allergic to that, too!
After it was dried, I folded it. When I want to use it, I'll iron it and that will be soon enough.
It took a lot of time, so only take the fabric if you're willing to do the work that will make it use-able for you.
I washed a bunch of fabric that smelled smokey, but not terribly bad, in the washing machine. I used cold water, purex laundry detergent, vinegar (lots of vinegar!) and color catchers. I found that for my washer, the maximum yardage that could be cleaned in one load was 12 yards on the extra large cycle. Once washed, it was dried on high in the dryer - no fabric softener as I am allergic to that, too!
After it was dried, I folded it. When I want to use it, I'll iron it and that will be soon enough.
It took a lot of time, so only take the fabric if you're willing to do the work that will make it use-able for you.
07-19-2014, 04:38 PM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,422
Wash the fabric using a cup of vinegar and warm water to remove the oils that contain the odor. If the odor is extreme consider loading the washer with the water and vinegar and detergent let it run thru the cycle but with the lid open so it does not continue the cycles... then the next day restart the cycle without draining and close the lid so it goes the full cycle. ( this assumes you have a conventional top loading machine) . Keeping the vinegar detergent water to soak after the first agitation assures the fibers have been saturated fully while soaking overnight
07-19-2014, 07:11 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Phenix City, Alabama
Posts: 881
I wash it the first cycle then back it up after the first one drains. I use oxyclean and vinegar and then let it refill with fresh vinegar and detergent. I let it agitate just a bit then leave it to soak for several hours or overnight and then finish the cycle. I usually let it line dry. and a couple of hours in the sun is not going to fade the colors that quick.
07-19-2014, 10:33 PM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jozefow, Poland
Posts: 4,474
I'd try many things if I were going to be given fabric--even it smelled like smoke. First wash and then let it air out.
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