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.
Elisabeth says
Fiber artist, vintage fabric lover, and super-sensitive nose person here: I’m fond of Dharma Trading’s ‘Dharma Professional Textile Detergent.” I use it on so many fabrics. Puracy Natural Enzyme Stain Remover – smells good, works great. Have also had success with Borax and sunlight.
Bill Osborne says
Try white vinegar for the smells, put about a quarter to a half cup in the washing machine. Odors will be gone……
Marta says
I use a mix of Febreeze and white vinegar 1/1 for any fabric with odors. I use it in a spray bottle and then leave it to dry. I use it even for moldy odors in upholstered furniture and works like wonder.
cathie says
For odours: Completely cover it with baking soda (you’ll need 3-4 boxes) and put it in a big bag for a few days. Make sure its completely dry. Shake it out and then wash it again.
Same with crumpled up newspapers. Really stuff them in there and let it sit.
Queen of Fifty Cents says
I’ll second the sunshine recommendation. It’s about the only that really removes dryer sheet smell!
Nikki says
Retro-clean works really well
http://retroclean.com/retroclean/
Karen S says
Instead of oxi clean I use 20 mule team borax. It’s been around forever and does a great job of removing stains and smells. I use it on vintage linens and quilt tops and I soak them before washing them. Vinegar in the wash also gets rid of smells.
Pam Kueber says
Dr. Bronners said in its instructions to add vinegar during the rinse cycle. Of course, stupid-project-DIYer that I am, I had not read the instructions until I got to the laundromat… next time!
Lynne says
I found Oxy-Clean way too harsh. Literally ate holes in the fabric. I’ll never risk using it again. I’ll stick to 20 Mule Team Borax.
Tisha says
For yellowing, I second the Oxy Clean option – or try plain white vinegar (in a 1:1 solution with water)! Either solution (soaked overnight) with a day or two of (strong) sun will help with the yellowing. Here in dry Colorado I wouldn’t even spin it to get rid of the water, but I’m guessing you’ll need to find a way to get as much moisture out as possible in MA.
As for odors, I’ve found Odor Xit is even better than Nature’s Miracle. It takes out a lot of odors, although it has a strong clove scent on its own.
Ask me how many “stupid” projects it took to gain this knowledge…
Vintigchik says
I sold vintage clothing for years. The best stain remover hands down ever is called ‘Soil Love’ and comes in a small green bottle! Works wonders!