How to get cigarette smoke smell out of comforter?

[ilovemk76]

This is one of the most cruel and uncalled-for posts I have ever read on the DIS. Shame on you! How many foster kids have you hosted? How much money have you donated so that loving foster parents like OP presumably is can buy all new furnishings for every foster child who comes into their home?

I have spent thousands on foster kids and will continues to do so. What I stated is exactly what I was told by the social workers and they said that many of this kids have never had a new item or a real item they have owned their entire lives. They get made fun of in school for having to wear old clothes, the same outfit more than once in a week, the same five outfits week after week, for ill fitting clothes and smelling funny.

I have bought these kids new clothes each season, new bedding (no smelly stuff for them, new bikes, new toys for Christmas and their birthdays, back to school supplies and much more. I make sure all is new and they are what kids desire. I can do all of that and very budget wise by shopping sales, clearance and the end of the season.

You may not like to hear the truth but I am telling the truth. Put yourself in their shoes. They just see it as another stop on the "nobody wants me train". When they get to pick out clothes and decorate their own room they start to get that sense that they belong and are wanted here for them not for the money the state gives the foster parent.

The first child I took care of is now an adult. She has told us how loved she felt to get a new toy and have the same clothes the non-foster kids had.

 

[Sabrefan]

I have spent thousands on foster kids and will continues to do so. What I stated is exactly what I was told by the social workers and they said that many of this kids have never had a new item or a real item they have owned their entire lives. They get made fun of in school for having to wear old clothes, the same outfit more than once in a week, the same five outfits week after week, for ill fitting clothes and smelling funny.

I have bought these kids new clothes each season, new bedding (no smelly stuff for them, new bikes, new toys for Christmas and their birthdays, back to school supplies and much more. I make sure all is new and they are what kids desire. I can do all of that and very budget wise by shopping sales, clearance and the end of the season.
You may not like to hear the truth but I am telling the truth. Put yourself in their shoes. They just see it as another stop on the "nobody wants me train". When they get to pick out clothes and decorate their own room they start to get that sense that they belong and are wanted here for them not for the money the state gives the foster parent.

The first child I took care of is now an adult. She has told us how loved she felt to get a new toy and have the same clothes the non-foster kids had.

Well dont you deserve a cookie.

In one sentence you say you spend thousands and in another you say you are very budget wise - which is it?? Some foster parents cannot afford to spend THOUSANDS I'd rather a child be sleeping in a safe/loving home with a $4 smoke smelling blanket than in an abusive home with a $200 down comforter. Get over yourself!

 

[ilovemk76]

Well dont you deserve a cookie.

In one sentence you say you spend thousands and in another you say you are very budget wise - which is it?? Some foster parents cannot afford to spend THOUSANDS I'd rather a child be sleeping in a safe/loving home with a $4 smoke smelling blanket than in an abusive home with a $200 down comforter. Get over yourself!

Both. You really can't figure that out? I have done this for about 15 years, so yes one can spend thousands and do it on a budget.

I answered the question. No cookie needed but thanks for offering.

So what is it that you do?

 

[OceanAnnie]

I have spent thousands on foster kids and will continues to do so. What I stated is exactly what I was told by the social workers and they said that many of this kids have never had a new item or a real item they have owned their entire lives. They get made fun of in school for having to wear old clothes, the same outfit more than once in a week, the same five outfits week after week, for ill fitting clothes and smelling funny.

I have bought these kids new clothes each season, new bedding (no smelly stuff for them, new bikes, new toys for Christmas and their birthdays, back to school supplies and much more. I make sure all is new and they are what kids desire. I can do all of that and very budget wise by shopping sales, clearance and the end of the season.

You may not like to hear the truth but I am telling the truth. Put yourself in their shoes. They just see it as another stop on the "nobody wants me train". When they get to pick out clothes and decorate their own room they start to get that sense that they belong and are wanted here for them not for the money the state gives the foster parent.

The first child I took care of is now an adult. She has told us how loved she felt to get a new toy and have the same clothes the non-foster kids had.

IMO, you are making a lot of assumptions about the OP and her purchase. You do not know the condition of the comforter other than it has a smoky smell. It could be in pristine condition other than that and yes, the smell will come out.

Also, IMO you are making assumptions about the purchases the OP makes in regards to clothing. You don't know the condition of the clothes she purchases. You are speculating the worse. Maybe she buys clothing and items that are in great condition.

The experience you describe is not the only way it could be.

Why not give the OP the benefit of the doubt? She's putting herself out there to do something good. Why put her down?

Shine on OP!

 

[duffy]

I shop at thrift stores and yard sales all the time but I draw the line at used bedding. Nevernevernever. ICK!

I would never feel comfortable having my kids-foster, whatever-sleep with used bedding. I'd scrape together $20 somehow and buy new.

 

[Sabrefan]

So what is it that you do?[/


How/why is that relevant?

The OP wanted suggestions on how to get cigarette smoke out of a comforter and said if she couldn't she wouldn't use it and you respond by asking her if the kid will get new underwear??? How in the world did you make that connection? As I said some people cannot afford THOUSANDS to spend on brand new items for foster kids, or their own kids - so they make due with clean used items. Hell I know people who make 6 figures a year and still wont pass up a good garage sale.

 

[connorlevismom]

Did the vinegar work?

My DH is a firefighter and that is what I use on his clothes when he gets home from a fire or a live burn. It always takes care of the smell. It may take a couple of washes, but it always comes out. And that smoke smell is crazy nasty when he gets home. I make him leave his clothes in the garage until i can wash them because it smells so bad.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

I have spent thousands on foster kids and will continues to do so. What I stated is exactly what I was told by the social workers and they said that many of this kids have never had a new item or a real item they have owned their entire lives. They get made fun of in school for having to wear old clothes, the same outfit more than once in a week, the same five outfits week after week, for ill fitting clothes and smelling funny.

I have bought these kids new clothes each season, new bedding (no smelly stuff for them, new bikes, new toys for Christmas and their birthdays, back to school supplies and much more. I make sure all is new and they are what kids desire. I can do all of that and very budget wise by shopping sales, clearance and the end of the season.

You may not like to hear the truth but I am telling the truth. Put yourself in their shoes. They just see it as another stop on the "nobody wants me train". When they get to pick out clothes and decorate their own room they start to get that sense that they belong and are wanted here for them not for the money the state gives the foster parent.

The first child I took care of is now an adult. She has told us how loved she felt to get a new toy and have the same clothes the non-foster kids had.

I apologize for making an incorrect assumption about where you're coming from.

OP is having fun getting the room ready for her future child and she's doing things the way she normally does--with dollar-stretching in mind. She said she will throw the comforter away if the smell remains. She said she is going to allow the child to pick out certain other things. I still don't think it's necessary to buy all-new for foster children any more than it's necessary to buy all-new for your biological children.

Being able to buy all-new everything is not a requirement for being a good foster parent.

 

[ilovemk76]

IMO, you are making a lot of assumptions about the OP and her purchase. You do not know the condition of the comforter other than it has a smoky smell. It could be in pristine condition other than that and yes, the smell will come out.

Also, IMO you are making assumptions about the purchases the OP makes in regards to clothing. You don't know the condition of the clothes she purchases. You are speculating the worse. Maybe she buys clothing and items that are in great condition.

The experience you describe is not the only way it could be.

Why not give the OP the benefit of the doubt? She's putting herself out there to do something good. Why put her down?

Shine on OP!

The fact that the comforter smelled of cigarette smoke would be reason enough to skip it and just use one in her home until they could buy one. She also states the kid will not arrive until August, maybe later. She has time to shop and find a cheap but not smelly comforter for the bed. If the bed already was in the room, then just use the bed as is and then get the kid a different comforter when they arrive.

Being a foster parent is a good thing. I hope the OP is a great foster parent.

The idea of buying a smelly item for a foster kids just seem like a terrible way to treat the child.

Clothing stored in a hot and humid environment is not a place for clothing to be kept. It could very well be ruined when she takes it out for the kid. It could be full of mold and also smell.

The kid could be asthmatic and that cheap cigarette comforter could set their asthma off that first night. I would never take a chance with any child and their health. Mold can do the same thing.

 

[punkin]

I apologize for making an incorrect assumption about where you're coming from.

OP is having fun getting the room ready for her future child and she's doing things the way she normally does--with dollar-stretching in mind. She said she will throw the comforter away if the smell remains. She said she is going to allow the child to pick out certain other things. I still don't think it's necessary to buy all-new for foster children any more than it's necessary to buy all-new for your biological children.

Being able to buy all-new everything is not a requirement for being a good foster parent.

It is also not a requirement for being a good biological parent.

 

[ilovemk76]

I apologize for making an incorrect assumption about where you're coming from.

OP is having fun getting the room ready for her future child and she's doing things the way she normally does--with dollar-stretching in mind. She said she will throw the comforter away if the smell remains. She said she is going to allow the child to pick out certain other things. I still don't think it's necessary to buy all-new for foster children any more than it's necessary to buy all-new for your biological children.

Being able to buy all-new everything is not a requirement for being a good foster parent.

NP. I only quoted you since you were the last one to post.

I find that I can buy new at the same price as our local Goodwill sells used stuff by shopping clearance, sales with coupons and the like. I am sure I would not be able to get a comforter for $4 but in about two months I am sure I could get a brand new one for under $10. To me, not having to wash and wash and wash to get the smell out would be worth the extra money. Plus all that water, electricity and detergents are not free and add to the cost of the comforter.

 

[duffy]

Being a foster parent is a good thing. I hope the OP is a great foster parent.

The idea of buying a smelly item for a foster kids just seem like a terrible way to treat the child.

...

The kid could be asthmatic and that cheap cigarette comforter could set their asthma off that first night. I would never take a chance with any child and their health. Mold can do the same thing.

I agree.

 

[OceanAnnie]

The fact that the comforter smelled of cigarette smoke would be reason enough to skip it and just use one in her home until they could buy one. She also states the kid will not arrive until August, maybe later. She has time to shop and find a cheap but not smelly comforter for the bed. If the bed already was in the room, then just use the bed as is and then get the kid a different comforter when they arrive.

Being a foster parent is a good thing. I hope the OP is a great foster parent.

The idea of buying a smelly item for a foster kids just seem like a terrible way to treat the child.

Clothing stored in a hot and humid environment is not a place for clothing to be kept. It could very well be ruined when she takes it out for the kid. It could be full of mold and also smell.

The kid could be asthmatic and that cheap cigarette comforter could set their asthma off that first night. I would never take a chance with any child and their health. Mold can do the same thing.

Attics are hot and humid. People do store clothing in an attics with no problems.

We will just have to agree to disagree on this issue. There are a lot of "coulds" and negativity in the above when there is every possibility of the opposite.

In this economy, anyone willing to stick their neck out to help someone the best they can should be commended, not squashed. Just my .02.

 

[ilovemk76]

Attics are hot and humid. People do store clothing in an attics with no problems.

We will just have to agree to disagree on this issue. There are a lot of "coulds" and negativity in the above when there is every possibility of the opposite.

In this economy, anyone willing to stick their neck out to help someone the best they can should be commended, not squashed. Just my .02.

Then practice what you preach.

I do not see what "this economy" has to do with it. In a booming economy, recession or a depression, their are people poorer than I am and people richer than I am. Help can and will happen in any economy.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Then practice what you preach.

I do not see what "this economy" has to do with it. In a booming economy, recession or a depression, their are people poorer than I am and people richer than I am. Help can and will happen in any economy.

I did. I commended the OP.

You assume too much by that comment.

The economy has everything to do with it. If you can't see how it can effect how people help, then .

 

[dzorn]

I have spent thousands on foster kids and will continues to do so. What I stated is exactly what I was told by the social workers and they said that many of this kids have never had a new item or a real item they have owned their entire lives. They get made fun of in school for having to wear old clothes, the same outfit more than once in a week, the same five outfits week after week, for ill fitting clothes and smelling funny.

I have bought these kids new clothes each season, new bedding (no smelly stuff for them, new bikes, new toys for Christmas and their birthdays, back to school supplies and much more. I make sure all is new and they are what kids desire. I can do all of that and very budget wise by shopping sales, clearance and the end of the season.

You may not like to hear the truth but I am telling the truth. Put yourself in their shoes. They just see it as another stop on the "nobody wants me train". When they get to pick out clothes and decorate their own room they start to get that sense that they belong and are wanted here for them not for the money the state gives the foster parent.

The first child I took care of is now an adult. She has told us how loved she felt to get a new toy and have the same clothes the non-foster kids had.

Good for you but still incredibly rude to the OP. She has already stated she even buys her kids thrift store finds. So she is treating them as she would any member of her family.

OP try to put a whole box of baking soda in the washer and let it soak overnight.

And for those with the third hand smoke concern even the article stated not removed with ordinary cleaning, well washing multiple times is not exactly ordinarly cleaning.

OP good luck.

Denise in MI

 

[Coconut36]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/third-hand-smoke/AN01985

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/02/08/researchers-raise-concerns-about-‘thirdhand-smoke’/

Neither of these are relevant to the OP. These speak of things like walls, carpeting and other surfaces that can't be tossed into the washer and cleaned and continue to be exposed to smoke. She asked for details showing AFTER an item has been completely washed (and removed from the smoking environment) that is poses a risk..these studies don't show that..they speak to items that are not washed and continue to receive exposure to smoke.

Honestly I can't believe people sometimes.

OP..I would do the washing and hang it out to dry first step..maybe a couple washes and drying outside would help. Another thought..depending on the size of the comforter and the size of your washer you might want to take it to a laundry mat or a cleaners where it can be washed in a large/industrial sized washer..it might need to have more space for water flow/agitation to fully clean it and thus remove the smell. Around here most laundry mats have very large capacity washers that you could use for that purpose.

 

[Disney Doll]

These kids have, for whatever reason, been taken away from their original families, have no personal belongings and possibly gone from house to house. Why can't they be allowed to pick out new, something they may never have owned, items that will be theirs?

I would never buy a used item, such as a sofa, carpet, stuffed animal or comforter that can hold bugs and odors.

Are they getting used underwear too? You are storing clothes in a storage shed?

When the kid leaves you home are you going to make them leave all of your bought stuff behind?

Nasty.

Now I'll ask you a question.

Are you actually reading the OP's posts?

The comforter is for the home inspection part of the process. If the kid likes it they can keep it. If they don't they'll get a new one.


Perhaps you have unlimited funds and unlimited storage space, but speaking as someone who doesn't own a HUGE house, you sometimes have to store things where you can fit them in the best way possible. Speaking as a normal middle class person, if I buy my own clothing in a thrift store sometimes, then I see no reason not to do the same for every member of my fmaily, foster or biological.


OP, I've had good luck with soaking things in baking soda. Sometimes you have to soak it a few times. But baking soda is plentiful and relatively inexpensive so you won't spend $50 trying to save a $4 comforter...although I am one who likes to take these things on as a challenge. Simple Green is another good odor and stain eliminator.

 

[SpecialK]

On the original question, you can soak add a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle and 2 cups vinegar to the rinse. Air dry because the dryer will set the smell. Soak in vinegar if a vinegar wash doesn't work then wash. If that doesn't work, tea tree oil in the wash cycle takes out smells very well.

Just googled smoke smells, and the problem is that the nicotine resins bond to the fabric. Vinegar dissolves that bond so there should be no health concerns once the bond is broken.

 

[BeachLove]

I was given clothing as a gift that was stored in a smokers home for a few weeks. Honestly, I could not get that smell out! I washed and washed, put it outside, used baking soda and just ended up throwing it away. Yes, I felt bad for needing to throw it out but felt that it wasn't in donation condition. I gave it three weeks to air out. OP, hopefully you can get the stink out. Worst case is that you save $5-10 a week and buy a new one from Target, Walmart or Kmart. They have very affordable sets. Thank You for providing for a foster child.