How to get cigarette smoke smell out of comforter?

[torinsmom]

I bought a comforter at the thrift shop today to use in the soon to be foster child bedroom. Anyway, it smells like cigarette smoke, even after I washed it. Any ideas on what to use to get the smell out? I'm not using it unless I can get rid of the stench. Thanks!

 

[npmommie]

Personally i would toss it. I dont know if the smell would come out completely.

 

[torinsmom]

That may be the final verdict, but I'd like to try and get it out first. I have it in the wash with vinegar and borax right now. I used cold water in the first wash(its a dark comforter) but this time I used hot water.

 

[Coconut36]

Can you hang it to dry outside? Sometimes that helps dissipate nasty smells.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Cigarette smell is so hard to remove and used bedding is really kind of yucky, I would try to find one new on sale for your foster child.

 

[CozumelDisneyFan]

I always have luck with febreeze

 

[torinsmom]

Cigarette smell is so hard to remove and used bedding is really kind of yucky, I would try to find one new on sale for your foster child.

Used bedding is really no different than used clothing, since it's made out of washable cloth. We aren't talking about a mattress. It's one thing if I can't get the smell out, but if I can, it would be silly to spend more money on a new one when this one is in like new condition. I would do the same for my son. As a matter of fact, both of us have worn plenty of clothes from the thrift shop. It helps save money and is also good for the environment. Chances are the comforter will be switched out to match the preference of the child I get. I don't know if it will be a boy or a girl, so I wanted a neutral color.

 

[momof1princess]

op, could you hang it outdoors for a day or so? sunshine and fresh air can work wonders. it may not work for cigarette smoke, but it's free, and worth a shot. good for you for recycling and saving money! i LOVE thrift store buys, especially jeans-they're already slightly worn and soft.

 

[SaraJayne]

Sorry to say, the smell won't ever completely go away.

 

[torinsmom]

op, could you hang it outdoors for a day or so? sunshine and fresh air can work wonders. it may not work for cigarette smoke, but it's free, and worth a shot. good for you for recycling and saving money! i LOVE thrift store buys, especially jeans-they're already slightly worn and soft.

Thrift stores are amazing around here! I have so many clothes in my shed for all ages and sizes and all of them look like new. I figure what I don't use, I can donate to a family in need. Clothes under 2T are 25 cents each at my favorite thrift store. Between the thrift shop and the swap shop at the recycling center(free), I have got quite a lot of bargains in anticipation of fostering. Today, I got 8 Disney videos for $2! I have a VCR and a DVD player in that room. I got a full size stroller(washed all the fabric), a stool/potty and a safety gate for free at the swap shop last weekend. I just bargains!

 

[torinsmom]

Sorry to say, the smell won't ever completely go away.

If not, I'll just toss it. It was a great deal at $4, so not too much lost.

 

[sissy_ib]

Used bedding is really no different than used clothing, since it's made out of washable cloth. We aren't talking about a mattress. It's one thing if I can't get the smell out, but if I can, it would be silly to spend more money on a new one when this one is in like new condition. I would do the same for my son. As a matter of fact, both of us have worn plenty of clothes from the thrift shop. It helps save money and is also good for the environment. Chances are the comforter will be switched out to match the preference of the child I get. I don't know if it will be a boy or a girl, so I wanted a neutral color.

If it smells of cigarettes it is not in like new condition. Go buy another comforter.

 

[S. C.]

I would try soaking in vinegar and hanging it outside to dry. We have friends who are smokers and everytime we come home from their place I immediately throw our clothes in the washer and let them soak overnight in vinegar.

 

[momof1princess]

Thrift stores are amazing around here! I have so many clothes in my shed for all ages and sizes and all of them look like new. I figure what I don't use, I can donate to a family in need. Clothes under 2T are 25 cents each at my favorite thrift store. Between the thrift shop and the swap shop at the recycling center(free), I have got quite a lot of bargains in anticipation of fostering. Today, I got 8 Disney videos for $2! I have a VCR and a DVD player in that room. I got a full size stroller(washed all the fabric), a stool/potty and a safety gate for free at the swap shop last weekend. I just bargains!

WOW! you hit the mother lode! way to go! hope that comforter works out for you!

 

[cluvsdisney]

try putting it in a plastic bag with some fabric softener sheets.

 

[kate_wdw]

Exposure to third hand smoke is dangerous and even if you're able to mask the smell who knows what toxins you'd be exposing the child to. IMO, that is not an okay risk to take with a vulnerable child's health.

 

[shortbun]

There IS the health issue of cigarette smoke. I had things from my cousin's after he died that smelled of smoke. I put them outside for a while, then in the garage with washes between. Got them out about a month ago and they still smell of smoke. I'm going to wash them one more time and drop them off at the thrift store for someone else to deal with. I just can't deal with the smell and we all have allergies...not worth the risk. I would not do the Febreeze thing because it's sometimes worse smelling than cigarettes. imho

 

[mdsoccermom]

Toss it and buy the child a brand new, unused comforter.

 

[Mermaid02]

I bought some curtains off ebay once that smelled of cigarettes- awesome Mickey Curtains I might add. I was so disappointed. I threw them in the washer with a box of baking soda and hung them on the line. I was surprised when they didn't smell anymore! It's worth a try.

 

[torinsmom]

Gotta love people who can't just give advice on what is asked, but seem to think they should comment on everything. Seriously, follow the advice of Thumper's mom, "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."

Every time my son went to stay at his paternal grandparents' home, he and everything he took with him came back reeking of smoke. I didn't throw any of his clothes away. If I had, it would have cost a lot to clothe him over those years. I washed them twice and the smell was gone. Now, a couch or something else nonwashable would be gone once I realized it smelled like cigarette smoke. Something washable, I at least want to try and salvage.