Question about yard sale fabric
06-05-2011, 07:09 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Posts: 560
Throw them in some oversize mesh bags with zippers - Wal Mart. Put in washer (ours is front loader and uses hardly any water) on delicates and quick wash. Dry the same way, in the bag. Done in a jiffy.
06-05-2011, 07:14 AM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
From back in the day when there were cloth diapers if you want to get smells out and it also brightens them; use vinegar. I still do it all the time; especially since I have a little puppy who has accidents. but rather it's from musty smells to pets; vinegar works for smells
06-05-2011, 08:10 AM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,135
Originally Posted by Joanne9of12
If you don't want to hand wash them, I would suggest putting them in a lingerie bag and washing them that way. Be sure to use a color catcher or some other item to help avoid fabric bleeding.
06-05-2011, 02:09 PM
#39
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northern New Hampshire
Posts: 1,936
Originally Posted by SherriB
I bought a bag of fabric today for $3.00. It had a lot of scrap pieces and I ended up with a small laundry basket of pretty calicos. Most are between 1/4-1/2 yard pieces.
I am not normally a pre-washer when it comes to my fabric, unless flannel or reds, deep blues, etc. But I would feel better if I washed these fabrics. They have a slight odor from where they were stored in a bag. How would be the best way to wash them?
I am not normally a pre-washer when it comes to my fabric, unless flannel or reds, deep blues, etc. But I would feel better if I washed these fabrics. They have a slight odor from where they were stored in a bag. How would be the best way to wash them?
I make scrappy quilts for kids in crisis and many of the remnants and pieces that come from yard sales, Goodwilll, etc and I always prewash them to make sure they are clean and allergen free. I place them in a mesh bag and wash on delicate cycle with liquid hand wash cleaner.
06-05-2011, 06:29 PM
#40
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
I read the other suggestions, and agree with either the hand washing in a sink, agitating with your hands and now wringing them out. Also, you can wash scraps in a mesh bag or pillowcase in the washer, gentle cycle with Orvus soap - which is made for washing quilts. Have fun and congrats on the find.
