Cyn

I know the best way to keep smoke smell out of your quilts is to Not Smoke but if it's in there already- How do you get it out for good? Do you have to wash them? hang them outside? Is there a better way besides avoiding the smoke altogehter? Does the stuff called febreeze work? Some should not be washed and it's getting pretty chilly to hang outside right now so any help would be greatly appreciated :) Thanks!

kathy

if you can't wash them, which would be best, I'd say hang them outside and spray well with Fabreeze. They need the fresh air and of course you want to be sure the spray is dry before you fold or put away.

smtp5

I bought a rag quilt from a friend, and it had the smoke smell so bad. I washed 3 times and used downey fabric softener--- and layed out to dry. It finally smelled normal.

sueisallaboutquilts

Why can't they be washed??? Are you talking about silks etc??
I wash all of my quilts and hang them out to dry. I've bought some vintage quilts that smell funky and they clean beautifully. If I can't hang them I dry in very low heat (dryer)
Some get a good soak first and then wash.
I've never had a problem.
I'm talking about cotton here not silk or wool etc.
Let me know if I can help you!!

I really don't think products like Febreeze are good for quilts.
Just my opinion.

If I had one with fabric that you can't wash I would take it to a professional cleaner.
Also if they are fragile quilts I soak them only, wring out gently and dry either on the line or in the house.
Hope this helps

Cyn

They are cotton but I'm not sure how well they are made. Thanks for the help. I'm going to begin with one and see how it handles in the washer on gentle.

Mariposa

To get rid of smoke smell, use white vinegar. Add it to your rinse water, whether you wash it by machine, or ??? I put stuff into the dryer for a short bit, and they smell so clean! The vinegar smell disappears, but it also acts as a fabric softener. I usually use a downy ball with an inch of vinegar in it. Helps break down soap scum too!

alaskasunshine

This is a tough one! I was in a block swap and I got several blocks that smelled from cigarette smoke. I hung them out doors in the wind. Did that day n night for several days. Then I hung them in our garage and that was horrible. When the heater came on it filled my house with that smell. But it finally worked. I was not able to throw the blocks into the washer or it would all unravel.My parents both used to smoke. I never did. I am super sensitive to the smell. I hope you find a solution. Please let us know what works for you!

ckcowl

i wash my wool quilts in the washing machine too...they come out beautifully! i made one quilt with specialty fabrics, silks, velvets ect...that one went through the wash too...came out fine. using baking soda in the wash will get rid of odors.

Margie

I find baking soda in the wash really deodorizes the clothing, so it should work on quilts too.

grann of 6

The biggest problem is that if there is a smoke smell then there is also smoke residue (the tar) in the fabric Having lived with smokers all my young life, and cleaning out my mother's house after she died, I know about this topic. You really need to wash everything that smells of smoke. Some of the fabric of my mother's I just ended up throwing it out because I couldn't get rid of the smell after several washings with various additives. Even bed sheets smelled; tablecloths, magazines everything. I am highly allergic to cigarette smoke, makes my throat close up. Good luck trying.