Lilrain

here is a trick I learned about odors. get a bar of Safeguard hand soap. Unwrap it and put it in a plastic bag with the musty smelling fabrics or quilts. Leave it for a few days, then take the fabric item or tiems out and air them. Should help

raptureready

add some white vinegar and baking soda to your water---it will take the smell out. Be sure to rinse well.

Jugtavernquilter

Thank y'all so much for your help. I greatly appreciate it. I think I'll try the washing machine method first (after I try and repair the damage). I new I could get answers from here. Thanks again. :)

Melinda in Tulsa

Just out of curiosity, why can you not wash and dry an old quilt like like you would a newer one? It seems as if these old quilts have been used, they have also been well washed in the past.

Jugtavernquilter

I wondered that also but my thought was because the material is so old (these quilts were made about 48 years ago. A little history about them.....My Mom and Mamaw made them in a hurry so my Mom and Dad would have cover for their bed. They were about to get married and had nothing. So they are not as well made as they could be. The stitching is very large and the binding is uneven but I love them just the same because of their history.
I do have another question if y'all aren't tired of me asking them. How would you use or display them. I hate to just stuff them away. I seems useless to have them to put them away so nobody ever knows they're there. Knowing my kids they will probably throw them away once I'm gone so I'd like to enjoy them somehow.