Daylesewblessed

Working on someone else's quilt is risky enough as it is without doing anything drastic like washing it. I am glad you decided not to do that. Then you could have had multiple problems on your hands!

ManiacQuilter2

The only thing I could think of is to machine baste the binding down in place, then wash it, then undo the basting stitches (large stitches) and then start hand sewing it. Wonder if washing would really help with the smell. Good Luck.

Bubbie

Washing would be a bad idea. What about hanging it out side for a day or two, this should help get rid of the smells.

maviskw

I would first serge the edges, then wash it. Serging takes a little time, but open a window near you, but a fan in the window blowing OUT. That will suck most of the foul air away from you. It would help also if the wind would not be blowing in at that window. Find a window at the down-wind side of the house.

If it is washed quickly AND dried quickly, there is much less chance of it bleeding. And you could add color catchers, too.