Quilt in a Day Forums

You might try sprinkling it with baking soda and leave it on there for a day or so, shake it off and then wash it again.

I've had the same problem with tubs of fabric that I've been "collecting" and moving for years. I read somewhere that a bar of deoderant soap helps: open box of bar soap, leave in box, place in the tub or put all fabric in a large plastic bag, close the lid/seal the bag and leave that way for a few days. It actually works on most of the smell. Also, you can buy Odorz Out and make small pillows with scraps/muslin and so the same thing. That works too. Then wash the fabric as usual.

I've made myself use up more fabric lately because I don't want to have to do that ALL the time. LOL That's what I get for saving everything.

crzyquilter

Let me know what happens. Ken left a load of wash in the front loader and the entire load had that musty "sour" smell. I came out of almost everything except his flannel shirts. and after 6 more washings they still smell bad. We are ready to toss them. I put odor remover in the washer, and that got rid of the smell there, but ack, those shirts!

Have you tried ammonia? OOPS, I already posted this suggestion.

I AM HAPPY!!!!! I now have more fabric for my stash and I didn't have to buy it!!!!!! Of course, it's already paid for maybe 20 years!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, the piece that started all of this, my trying to rescue fabric that old that was stored and got damp, is now wonderful and ready to be used! As well as the other pieces!!

Here's what I did:

1. washed in hot water with 2 cups of white vinegar

2. washed again in hot water with Tide with Fabreze detergent

3. dried on hot

4. took from the drying, went, aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh, isn't that nice-------------folded and they're ready for the sewing room.

So much thanks to everyone who told me how to do this. It really works!!!!!

HUGS, carol/kittyquilt

Congratulations Carol. I wonder if it will work on Iowagals flannel shirts.

I would certainly try it, Iowagal, before you toss them. Can't hurt, and you may save the shirts!

white distilled vinegar, 20 mule team borax or baking soda have all worked well for me for removal of many things I dont use them all at once though. I have a friend who has a wonderful method and it works great in spring, summer and fall before frost - the chlorphyl in grass is a natual odor remover - lay a plain sheet on the ground, put you fabric or soiled item on it then cover with another sheet lightly sprizt with water and let dry will take out musty smell - she started this will older linnens

My dear daughter taught me this one, if your kitchen sponge smells sour, put it in a bowl of water and microwave for 2-3 minutes. It kills all bacteria and your sponge smells clean!