Getting smoke smell out of non washable item?

Hadley

Only thing I can think of is bicardonate of soda sprinkle over them and then wrap in paper for a while.

radiohelen

Hadley wrote: »

Only thing I can think of is bicardonate of soda sprinkle over them and the wrapped in paper for a while.

What Hadley said..... and maybe a drop or two of essential oil?

bees**knees

How about popping into a net bag into the tumble dryer for a short time with one of those scented dryer sheets or a quick spray with Feb***e before you put them in. A cool or warm cycle rather than hot if you have it and hopefully the air will get through and remove the smell.

CH27

Put some hot water & lemon juice in a steamer & put the threads on the steamer tray & steam for a few minutes.
The lemon juice should neutralise the smoke smell.

Agapanthus

Be careful with the essential oil as it will stain the thread if it touches it. Leave them out in the open air and have patience -eventually the smell will dissipate. It can take weeks - or even months.

vouchersrme

I think that fresh air, or tumbling without chemicals, would be best 'cos you could end up damaging the colours or thread. I am sure it is do able.

Mrs_Bea

Thanks for all the advice

I tumbled them for about 10 mins and already there is a huge improvement. I think that I'm going to spread them on a tray and leave them on a window sill and just let them air, you're right I'm sure that it will go eventually (I'm amazed at the improvement the tumble dryer made already though!)

A connected issue is that along with the threads I was given loads of cards (the kind that you insert a wee cross stitch picture into) and these smell as well. I'm pretty sure that I can't steam or tumble paper!!! Shall I spread these out and just air them and see what happens?

Thanks again for the responses

meritaten

I assume the threads are on those cardboard bobbins and were kept in plastic organiser boxes? I used to do this when I did cross stitch.
hmmm - personally, would put them back in the organiser and put a piece of tissue paper (or a tissue on top and then put one of those deodorisers (anti tobacco) that you can get for cars on top - close the lid and leave for a day or two or three! if you have more than one box then you can use the same deodoriser in the next box after the smell has cleared in the first.

just seen your last post - this method would work with the cards too - or you could seal them in a plastic bag with a tumble dryer sheet or two if you have some!

Penelope_Penguin

As this has fallen from the front page of OS, I'll add it to the existing thread which may give you more suggestions.

Best of luck - it would be such a shame to chick such a collection

Mands

Mrs_Bea wrote: »

A connected issue is that along with the threads I was given loads of cards (the kind that you insert a wee cross stitch picture into) and these smell as well. I'm pretty sure that I can't steam or tumble paper!!! Shall I spread these out and just air them and see what happens?

Thanks again for the responses

I've posted before that, after a disaster with a new fire, the only thing that took the acrid smoke smell out of soft furnishings was boiled vinegar.

If it were me I'd simmer a pan on the hob, put the yarn and cards nearby, and shut all the doors and windows and leave it for as long as possible. Then open all the doors and windows and let all the fumes out and the fresh air in.

Mands