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Member since 3/19/04
Posts: 2557
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Posted on: 10/8/06 3:44 PM ET
Last spring, I took my down comforter to be laundered before putting it away for the season in our cedar closet, wrapped up in the plastic bag from the cleaners. I took it out today and instead of smelling like cedar (which everything else smells like when I take it out) it has a heavy scented detergent/fabric softener smell. Yuck! I've been using unscented laundery products for years so we've gotten pretty sensitive to these kinds of smells. Any hints for getting rid of it? It's out on the clothesline now. I've used these people to launder comforters for several years and this is the first time I've had this problem. Guess I'll have to break down and wash it myself from now on. (It's king size so I have to go to the laundromat to wash & dry it.)
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 10/8/06 4:00 PM ET
You may just have to wash it to get rid of the smell. For it to have so much smell after being stored would indicate that they did not properly rinse.

I have washed up to a king sized down duvet in my home machine, but prefer to go to the laundry mat to do them.

If you do wash it, either use no detergent, or just a small bit of what you use at home. Never use fabric softener on down, it will just coat the fluff and reduce the loft.

Although some people suggest putting tennis balls in the dryer with a duvet, I never do. If I am drying it at home I do have to take it out and shake it up a few times before it is completely dry.
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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 9/29/05
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Posted on: 10/8/06 4:28 PM ET
In reply to Irene Q
Could you try airing it in the dryer??

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The single most important discovery made by a group of women? The Empty Tomb!

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Member since 10/9/05
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Posted on: 10/8/06 6:34 PM ET
I haven't used scented laundry soap for years either, Irene, and when my mom gives me something that she's washed first I always have to launder it at least a couple of times before I can wear it.

I think I'd wash it again, and add lots of baking soda, borax, or washing soda to the water to help get rid of the smell.


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Trinity

I probably have too many sewing machines, but how am I supposed to resist when they're either free by the side of the road or people give them to me?

http://thimblesthreadsandneedles.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 3/19/04
Posts: 2557
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Posted on: 10/8/06 7:24 PM ET
Thanks!! I realized about 10 minutes after I posted this that washing it again was probably the best solution. I'm going to leave it out in the sun for a couple more days to see if there's some improvement, then head for the laundromat. Donna, I thought about using my dryer, but it's really too large to fit. Michelle, thanks for mentioning the tennis balls. I'd heard that too, but I have no problem with taking it out several times and shaking it. After all, what else is there to do at a laundromat? Xenophea, I have the same problem when I visit my Mom! I've never mentioned it to her - it would hurt her feelings too much if I told her her clean clothes stink but really, who has clothes so smelly that they need all this perfume??
-- Edited on 10/8/06 7:25 PM --
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 10/8/06 8:26 PM ET
In reply to Irene Q
Quote: Irene Q
but really, who has clothes so smelly that they need all this perfume??

Clearly, you've never been in the same room as my sons' football gear.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
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Member since 10/27/05
Posts: 5976
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Posted on: 10/8/06 9:40 PM ET
In reply to Irene Q
Quote: Irene Q
I've used these people to launder comforters for several years and this is the first time I've had this problem.


Could you possibly call them to ask about removing the lingering scent? Maybe they'll rewash at no charge.

Some years ago someone gave me a new box of Gain "original scent" detergent. The fragrance was pungent even before opening the box. Didn't like it at all, but a few months later used it to wash mattress and box spring covers. When dry, it smelled just like cedar (nothing like the smell in the box). Dried the bedding and stored it away. One year later, when I opened the bag, it still smelled like cedar. If you like cedar fragrance, then you'll probably like Gain. You might be able to get a travel size box somewhere. They used to be available, but haven't seen them anywhere lately.

I like unscented detergent, too. I usually use Dreft in everything, but detergents, none of them, scented or unscented, wash out of clothes.

Good luck!

  
Member since 9/14/02
Posts: 2707
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Posted on: 10/10/06 9:53 AM ET
Most detergents do not wash out completely in the washer.

I would probably wash it again (at the laundromat) and maybe put some baking soda in the wash to help absorb the odor.

If the comfortor is bright or dark-colored, be careful if you decide to use a washing soda and borax combination--I have used this combo to bleach out carpet stains. It's not as strong as real bleach, but it's surprisingly powerful.
  
Member since 5/8/04
Posts: 957
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Posted on: 10/10/06 10:04 PM ET
In reply to Irene Q
When you wash it add Vinegar instead of detergent to the wash and the first rinse cycle. Vinegar is excellent for cutting through soaps and for reducing odors. Good Luck! There is nothing worse than a fragrance (or smell) that you can't stand on your bed.
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I feed my soul by the stitches I sew. Bernina 765, Bernina 480, Bernina 1230, Bernina L460, Babylock Euphoria




  
Member since 1/12/04
Posts: 6312
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Posted on: 10/11/06 8:58 AM ET
This sounds like a conversation between me and DH.

Me: I washed the quilt.

DH: What's that smell. It's going to make me itch.

Me: What smell?

DH: What kind of soap did we get.

Me: It's soap. What do you mean?

DH; You know it makes me itch. Why did you get it.

And on and on.
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Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
  
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