washing batting???
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: wisconsin
Posts: 490
washing batting???
Hello all!! Just another question from me. I bought about half a roll of warm and natural batting for $10 woohoo! right?
Unfortunately, it smells like damp cabin. Can I cut it into quilt size pieces and wash it on gentle cycle by itself before putting it into a quilt or will it fall apart? I really don't want to put in into a quilt if I can't get the smell out. Thanks for ant ideas.
Unfortunately, it smells like damp cabin. Can I cut it into quilt size pieces and wash it on gentle cycle by itself before putting it into a quilt or will it fall apart? I really don't want to put in into a quilt if I can't get the smell out. Thanks for ant ideas.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,735
I would also try airing it for several days. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for smells.
If it still smells you could try putting it in a bag with baking soda to see if that helps or soak it and then dry. I put my batting in the dryer and use the steamer to get wrinkles out. I've never had it start to come apart so a gentle wash would probably be fine as a last resort. You could always try a small piece and see what happens
If it still smells you could try putting it in a bag with baking soda to see if that helps or soak it and then dry. I put my batting in the dryer and use the steamer to get wrinkles out. I've never had it start to come apart so a gentle wash would probably be fine as a last resort. You could always try a small piece and see what happens
#4
If you decide to wash it, don't let the machine agitate. Just soak the batting in water and let it spin out. Then you can put it in the dryer. Washing in a regular agitate and spin cycle could cause holes in the batting. I would not cut it in small pieces.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,480
I think I would try cutting off what I need for a small quilt. Then putting it outside for a bit to see if the smell goes away. I also might try just making a very small quilt...maybe for a dog bed, and washing it to see if the smell goes away...and finally, I would consider if the $10 I spent was worth all the fuss about trying to make the smell go away if these two steps did not work.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ballwin, MO
Posts: 4,257
I have washed Warm and Natural this way without a problem.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,891
If it is an important quilt, I always preshrink the batting. I only wet it and dry in the dryer. If I had stinky batting, I would lay it out in the sunshine before I did anything. I'm no expert, but I would consider baking soda or vinegar before anything else.
I had a bag of stinky potting soil that I left on the sidewalk beside the house. I opened it and dumped it into the bin, and then realized it stunk. My online buddies suggested air and sunshine, saying something about aerobic something or another. I would assume the same advice might apply to the also mostly organic batting.
bkay
I had a bag of stinky potting soil that I left on the sidewalk beside the house. I opened it and dumped it into the bin, and then realized it stunk. My online buddies suggested air and sunshine, saying something about aerobic something or another. I would assume the same advice might apply to the also mostly organic batting.
bkay
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Dunwoody, GA
Posts: 157
First, what a great buy! I too believe the sun is your friend here. I'd spread the batting out as much as possible, in the sun and spray it with Febreze. Let the sun do it's job. Bring it inside overnight and see how it's doing. Next day, turn it over, spray and spread outside again. Best of luck
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,572
Sunshine on a bright, dry day (or two) would be my first try.
If that doesn't work, you can wash it, possibly with borax (a natural odor remover), followed by hang drying outside. You can support with a sheet if you are concerned about hanging it.
It was a great deal, definitely worth trying to save!
If that doesn't work, you can wash it, possibly with borax (a natural odor remover), followed by hang drying outside. You can support with a sheet if you are concerned about hanging it.
It was a great deal, definitely worth trying to save!