Yarn from a Smoking Home

Updated on March 03, 2011
C.A. asks from Albany, OR
8 answers

So a neighbor brought me a GIANT garbage bag of yarn but, alas, they are smokers. The smell is awful and then there's the fear of residual tar in the fibers - is there any way to clean all this so I can use it or is it unsafe to use now? Thanks!

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So What Happened?

I am ecstatic to hear I can actually use this yarn!!! Some of it is expensive yarn and there is soooo much of it! I'm thinking I might throw them in the wash in a lingerie bag one skein at a time - I'll start with a less expensive one and see how that works - the others I'm laying out in the basement to air out. Either way I'm glad I can wash them as I already use vinegar as fabric softener. I'm paranoid about smoke since so many people in my family have died of smoking related issues. Thanks!!!

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E.M.

answers from Johnstown on

Wash it in vinegar water. It should remove the stench as well as clean for you. Also vinegar is what we use in place of fabric softener for handmade donations to NICUs.

2 moms found this helpful

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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

My mom is an avid crocheter and a smoker. As soon as she gives us something, we throw it straight in the wash. I let it air dry. Is there anyway you could let the yarn air out enough to use it, then wash the piece you're working on? Or maybe put it in a bag with some charcoal. I know that takes out smells. I don't think you have too much to worry about as far as the residual tar in the fibers if you wash the piece once it's finished.

If you don't want it, you should donate it. Don't just throw it out. I'm sure someone would love to have it.

L.G.

answers from Eugene on

Change the bag the yarn is in. Place lavender in the new bag. Wait a week. Very likely the awful smell will be gone.

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C.W.

answers from Anchorage on

They must have been some HEAVY smokers to cause that much of a smell...
Just wash it... or soak it in Woolite.

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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

you could probably wash the synthetic yarn in a lingerie bag-it may be hard to roll into a ball later!

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H.G.

answers from Portland on

I usually let things air outside until they do not smell of smoke anymore.

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J.N.

answers from Seattle on

I would suggest airing it out before washing. My mil is a heavy smoker and anything that comes from her house smells awful! I have learned over time that if I wash it before letting it air out for awhile, it just smells wet and awful! You may have to wash it more than once, but it will come out. There are only a few things I have had to throw out over the years.

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E.M.

answers from Honolulu on

Cat litter. Get a 20 gallon tote. Put litter in. Put wood or packing paper down so litter doesn't get in yarn. Put in yarn. Seal. Wait a week replace litter and rotate yarns around. Can take as little as a week.

Also if you don't want it I crochet and knit...

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