Remove Smoke Smell From Clothing After A Fire

Question: 

Do you have any suggestions for removing smoke smell from clothing after a fire? 

Answer: 

The smoke residue attached to the clothing is mainly tar and soot. Generally the residue is not water soluble, making normal washing with detergents ineffective.

You might try soaking one load in the washer overnight using a detergent containing oxygen bleach. In checking with resources, I am told that Ozone can be effective in eliminating the smell of smoke from porous materials such as clothing.

Check with local dry cleaners regarding smoke removal - some even may have an Ozone generator. I would not recommend using an Ozone generator for home use, due to the fact that they can be dangerous if not used properly.detergent.

From:

http://www.laundrytoday.com/index.php/business-mainmenu-29/smell-a-odor/315-removing-smoke-smell-from-clothing-after-a-fire

Mildew Smell on Towels

Question: 
 I have a problem with towels. They smell of mildew no matter how many times I wash them. Bleaching the white towels has worked, but since I can't bleach the colored towels how do I disinfect them?

Answer: 

For the colored bath towels, there are a couple of things you can do.  First; buy a detergent that has a sanitizer claim on the label.  Follow the direction as to the amount of product required and then soak the towels overnight in water temperatures of 110-120 degrees.  The following day drain the wash and rewash normally, which should kill the mildew.

Second method: Use your normal detergent in water temperatures of 110-120 degrees and let the machine wash for approximately 5 minutes.  After that time turn back your timer to the start position and add 3-4 cups of 1% hydrogen peroxide to the machine.  Washing the load normally from there should kill any mildew in the towels.

From: 
http://www.laundrytoday.com/index.php/business-mainmenu-29/smell-a-odor/504-mildew-smell-on-towels