I have a bunch of “really stupid” projects right now. Not stupid in their intent, or in their theoretical possibility for either (1) amazing thrift or (2) amazing aesthetic achievement. Stupid because they are not going well, and they look like they may end up as time- and money-pits that get tossed, and they have taken over my house. Above: Stupid Project #2, I bought a king-sized quilted bedspread at an estate sale recently. I “just” needed to wash it.
WARNING: The word “just”, used in sentences thus, should be banned from the English language.
Quilted king-sized bedspreads are hard to come by, especially in patterns. I liked this sunny pattern. I’ll say it’s not midcentury — more like 80s or 90s — but it works for me and what the heck, I paid next to nothing for it. No one else was gonna go for it. It looked … ahem, dirty. I “just” needed to clean it.
So I brought the bedspread home, where it sat a clump in my bedroom for a good … three weeks … reminding me to work on it. Finally, over the past week, I made time to patch the back side where the lining was holey and revealed the fluffy middle stuff. I thought: If I wash it with the fluffy middle stuff open, the fluffy middle stuff will pill out.
Finally, with patching complete, it was time to wash the monster.
I needed to get rid of both dirt — and smells. I had recently read this story — fascinating! — about the chemistry of odors and how to try to remove them. Based on the story’s recommendations, I bought some Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap / almond (affiliate link) with hopes it would get at both dirt and odors.
Then, off to the laundromat to use their large machine. Gulp: $7 to use the big machine! I have been out of touch with the cost of laundromats. I spent $16.50 and nearly two hours.
Did the dirt come out? Did the smells come out?
I ended up doing two hot-water washes.
On the first wash: The decorative side — which seems to be made out of a sheet-weight cotton, or cotton-poly blend — looked pretty darned good. The back side lining, though, still did not look clean, it was definitely still yellowed. I surmised: The thing was so big that once the agitator got going and the bedspread started to clump and spin like a big burrito, the inside spots could not get as clean as the outside areas.
Second wash — hot water again: I phumphed the thing to get the dirty side “out” and washed it again. After a second washing, the back side looked… better … maybe. I was wary of washing the thing again until I could completely dry it and take a closer look. Plus, bored. That is part of my Project-itis: Too easily bored by one, start another, slow to finish any. The bedspread is now at home draped all over weebit’s bedroom to fully air dry.
I wonder: Is the discoloration on the lining-side sun rot, rather than dirt? This could be the case, as the deterioration of the back-side lining was consistent with sun rot I’ve seen on the back side of lined curtains. I’m thinking: Perhaps the previous owners had the bedspread folded and sitting in the sun for a long while?
Or: Maybe the lining fabric just aged and yellowed more easily than sheeting on the front? Could be. The lining was more… fragile. It was lighter than muslin; not tightly woven.
Regarding eliminating the odors: The bedspread is still drying, so I don’t know yet. My husband is a super-smeller, so after the bedspread is completely dry, I will set him to this honey-do. This will problematic, though, because I don’t think he’s too thrilled about the prospect of sleeping under someone else’s previously-stinky bedspread, no matter how much I promise I cleaned it. As a result, he may not be able to test-smell objectively. I am going to guess there are lots of readers in my husband’s camp — horrified, repulsed, etc. at sleeping under vintage coverlets. Not me, though. I fall into the other camp, “If it’s clean, who cares?”
Emphasis on: “If it’s clean.” I’m about $40 and five hours into a quilted bedspread that may or may not be “clean”. Indeed, putting the thing on the bed to take the photos I see two stains that look like they would come out easily with a stain stick. And we’ll see what Mr. D.H. Nose says.
I’ll report back. I tend to think that (1) a super duper odor eliminator product and (2) another trip to the laundromat are in my near future. Or in another month, when I get to it. Before it all goes in the dumpster.
carolyn says
Anyone here knowledgeable of going to a laundry/drycleaners? If they would use the industrial washer that Pam already used? I used that kind a couple of times and found it left streaks of dirt where it spun out – not cool. But have taken to a laundry and had good results.
I’ve had this type of spread where the top is really nice and sturdy but the backing isn’t as good of material. And why would it? You make you bed and it’s not seen and then you fold it down or take it of to sleep – what kind of wear and tear would be expected?
Throw it in your top-loader washer and hang it outside with the backing to the sun.
I’m not sure I’d want to give up on this so soon. If it still frustrates you, wait a few months when the weather is cooler and less humid to hang it out. Even if you don’t/can’t have a washline, you can still lay it across things. (Cuz it IS adorable!)
lynda says
If you love the bedspread, and it is a pretty print, I would consider making a new backing for the spread and tacking it to the front here and there. You could use a king size sheet for the backing, or there are very wide quilt backing fabrics you can buy. Or, just use it folded at the end of the bed for decorative purposes, or make throw pillows from it? (if the smells are gone, of course) I have also had good luck with oxiclean. I think some old fabrics just yellow, especially if there is poly in it. Cottons seem to clean better.
Lynne says
Several comments. 1. I agree with the outdoors and sunshine. It’s free.
2. I have had very good luck with adding borax powder in my laundry. Its a natural cleaner/freshener, and its easy on the old fibers. I use it regularly when I do sheets and towels, or a load that needs a boost.
3. Often times, the backing fabric isn’t white in the first place. I’m going to assume its that kind of thin-ish gauzy stuff, which is most likely a polyester or a poly blend. Those fabrics just yellow with age naturally. Bleach and bleach like products just make them even more yellow.
4. For the front stains, I’d try a wet cloth with spray and wash. I’ve had wonderful luck with that method. Just a cloth and a little bowl of cool water. You can also try a lemon juice solution.
5. Unfortunately, you washed in hot water. Hot water SETS stains and odors. As does the dryer.
6. I wouldn’t give up yet. If Mr. Renovation is grossed out, just use it as a pretty cover during the day, and turn it back at night. Failing that, just fold it at the foot as a decorative runner, like the hotels. Or make some pillows or shams from it.
7. I just had a quilted full/double bedspread made for the guest room. I wanted old school with the corded top and the gussets at the corners. We all know, actual bedspreads are scarce. $875.00 later, I have my bedspread.
Pam Kueber says
oopsy hot water
Cara says
Ditto on the Oxi-Clean & advice above. It gets a lot of stains out. I bought a huge box years ago, but the artificial odor was overwhelming and I couldn’t bear it. I left it out in the car-port for a bout a year, in the dryer drawer and the chemical odor had gone! There is also plain sodium percarbonate, but it’s difficult to find.
After bathtub soaking & rinsing (and the Oxi-Clean will also clean your tub nicely) wrestle it outside in a sheet & put it on a surface where it will drain.
I would hang it on a line in the shade after cleaning.
linda h says
Well, at least your cheese board project turned out well.
Pam Kueber says
duh
Mary says
I’ve had good luck getting yellowing out of fabrics, and even plastics by soaking the item in an Oxy Clean solution, rinsing, then drying in the sun. For an item as big as your bedspread, you could try soaking in it your bathtub, then just spinning it in your washing machine if it will fit.
Sean says
I agree- I have restored a number of really badly yellowed fabric items using Oxy Clean – I get the water boiling hot put in the Oxy Clean and then the item and them let it soak for a few days. I think the bathtub idea is brilliant for something that large.
te says
Oxy clean and sun. Pull out a tote to soak it in, or hey, it’s summer, kiddie pool and do like I Love Lucy and stomp it like you’re making wine. I do this with my larger throw rugs. Hang them over whatever to dry in the sun. Fee-resh!
Actually, your are right on it may be time to cut your losses and donate it. I’ve been doing that with a lot of my intended projects. That is a Free-resh feeling.
Carol says
Mary, this is exactly what I do. I can see when it is clean. I put kitchen trash bags on my feet and legs with rubber bands and tread lightly to agitate the item after soaking. After the final rinse, I let “whatever it is” drain in the tub. Then I transfer to the washer and let soak in clean water, agitating with my hands, then I spin it out. Works like a charm. It sounds like a lot of work, but really isn’t. You can’t soak in a commercial washer. My DH thinks I’m crazy, so thanks for the validation.
Dan says
I suspect it is as good as it is going to get, and if you can live with that, fine. More laundering will probably do more damage than good. Stains that old are unlikely to budge. It sounds like this find is no longer bringing you any fun – why not cut your losses?
Carol says
I’ve had a lot success with Febreze In Wash Odor Eliminator. The only places I’ve found it is at Walmart (some stores) and on Amazon. But it’s going to add about $8+ to your project! : ) Good luck!
Melinda says
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh air and sunshine to take care of any lingering odors. Hang it out side on a nice day and see what happens. It could take a couple of days of sunning if the odors are strong.
Hope it turns out smell free and the Mr. will agree to sleep under it.
JanetCinNC says
A product called Nature’s Miracle has worked well removing “biological” type smells for me. I bought a beautiful purse on eBay from a supposedly smoke-free home that reeked of cigarettes when I got it. I used half a spray bottle on that purse, but the Nature’s Miracle got rid of the smell completely. Years later, I only detect a pleasant floral smell every time I open the bag. As a matter of fact, I’m using the bag now, and it smells great.
KennyT123 says
Hi Janet – I use the same stuff–it comes in a white bottle and a red bottle (more powerful) and it got the cat urine smell out of a hardwood floor. I believe you can use it for skunk sprays. Anyways I always keep it in my cleaning arsenal.