A musty smell often can be diminished by airing quilts in a shaded area outdoors or in a well-ventilated area indoors. Place a large plastic sheet on the ground or floor, cover it with a clean white sheet, and then lay the quilt on top of the sheet for airing.
Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the quilt and let it sit for a few hours (or overnight) to absorb odors. Then, vacuum it off. Steam: Use a handheld steamer to lightly steam the quilt. The steam can help eliminate odors while also relaxing the fabric.
How can you get rid of that musty smell in old clothing and blankets without washing them first? Hang them outside in the sun and brisk breeze (hopefully not too strong). They will refresh naturally. If 1 day isn't sufficient, go for more - or toss in a cool dryer with a dryer sheet or two for a bit.
Spray bottle, some white vinegar mixed with water, makes a great deodorizer. Spray it like you would spray febreeze. Lee it dry and replace the covers. Add a 1/4 cup to your laundry to freshen, and remove dryer sheet buildup.
Turn the quilt halfway through the day so both sides get some good sun. The last option is hard to believe but — vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and give the whole quilt a good spritz. Allow it to dry in the sun, turn the quilt over and repeat.
Whether it is borax or white vinegar, add it to the clothes in the washing machine, add some water and then run a wash cycle. These products will kill any remaining mold that was not eliminated in the first wash. If the clothes are too musty, then you can combine two detergents in one wash to guarantee some freshness.
As others have said, wash it in a bathtub and use a gentle detergent (there are detergents made specifically for vintage quilts out there). Hang it like over your shower rod to dry after you've pressed out the excess water. Try not to wash it very often. Keep it out of sunlight.
White Vinegar Soak: Soak the blanket in a mixture of one cup of white vinegar and cold water for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Lemon Juice: Add a cup of lemon juice to the final rinse water for a fresh, citrus scent. Storage: Store the blanket with cedar chips or lavender sachets to prevent future mothball odors.
For at-home odor removal from non-washable fabrics, hang them outside on a breezy day. Or just sprinkle some baking soda all over the garment, let it sit in the tub overnight, then shake it out the next day.
Storing blankets or bedding in damp or poorly ventilated areas, like closets or storage bags, can trap moisture. Over time, this can lead to mildew and the telltale smell of mustiness.
Airing. A musty smell often can be diminished by airing quilts in a shaded area outdoors or in a well-ventilated area indoors. Place a large plastic sheet on the ground or floor, cover it with a clean white sheet, and then lay the quilt on top of the sheet for airing.
Use a mild liquid detergent free of dyes and perfumes. Liquid detergent disperses in the water, leaving less residue on the fabric than powdered detergent. Add 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar to the water to both brighten colors and soften the quilt.
Put soap and your comforter in a washer. Run a warm-water and delicate cycle and an additional rinse to remove soap residue later. After the cycle, place the comforter in the large dryer; put tennis balls in two white socks and throw them into the machine to avoid clump. Set your dryer to low heat.
If the linens have a powerful odor, you can presoak them in water and baking soda. Presoak the linens in cold water and add about half a cup of baking soda per gallon of water. Soak the linens for an hour or two before washing them, as usual, in the washer for a regular cycle.
Put bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in the afflicted area because these materials are known to absorb and neutralize scents over time. Leave them in place for several days or weeks, replacing them as needed.
AMMONIA, is the secret to removing mold and mildew. I soak 1 part ammonia to 7 parts water in the bathtub, overnight. Every now and then I go in and give it a good stir and a squish. The next day I gently squeeze out water, rinse, repeat, at least 3 or 4 times.
If you want to kill germs but not wash it, put the dryer on high heat and keep an eye on it, rotating every 5-10 minutes and dry for 30 minutes."