Getting rid of a funky smell in a secondhand kilt

[Pleater]

Rather than Woolite, which can actually be quite harsh on wool try a small amount of shampoo or shower gel in just slightly warm water.
lay the kilt as flat as possible and gently pat the water through it, paying particular attention to where there are the most layers.

If you can lift the kilt out to let out the water and refill that would be good, as it minimises the agitation of the fabric. I have a folding drying rack which can be laid flat across the bath. Check that the water is at the same temperature as for washing then rinse gently twice, then again adding a cup of white vinegar to the water. Wool likes to be slightly acidic and the detergent is alkaline so the vinegar will counteract that.

[Kris]

Rather than Woolite, which can actually be quite harsh on wool try a small amount of shampoo or shower gel in just slightly warm water.
lay the kilt as flat as possible and gently pat the water through it, paying particular attention to where there are the most layers.

If you can lift the kilt out to let out the water and refill that would be good, as it minimises the agitation of the fabric. I have a folding drying rack which can be laid flat across the bath. Check that the water is at the same temperature as for washing then rinse gently twice, then again adding a cup of white vinegar to the water. Wool likes to be slightly acidic and the detergent is alkaline so the vinegar will counteract that.

Thanks! We used a wool and delicate fabric washener and I rubbed it in where it was needed mostly. That also helped also a little bit, but it seems I’ll have to accept part of the smell will be there forever. 🙃

The girlfriend basted the pleats and is ironing it back into shape as we speak, and then it’s hanging with some cedar wood and see if that will overpower it over time.

[Father Bill]

The girlfriend basted the pleats and is ironing it back into shape as we speak, and then it’s hanging with some cedar wood and see if that will overpower it over time.

Pressing, not ironing, I hope!

[Kris]

Pressing, not ironing, I hope!

Well, yes! Or at least ironing with a wet cotton rag and misting everything etc. Making sure we don’t have any direct contact with the wool.

[Scottish Rock]

I know this is an old thread but I stumbled upon it and wanted to add a suggestion: ozone. You could rent a small ozone generator (they are often used to treat smelly cars) and put it in the same room as your kilt or any other smelly clothing. Should get rid of any nasty smells (provided the ozone gas was able to reach the smelly surface). I'm sure if you Google this you will find more detailed instructions.

Be sure not to be in the room while the ozone generator is running and air the room thoroughly after the generator has been switched off. You don't want to breath a high concentration of ozone for a long time.

I have not tried this myself but I know ozone smell removal works.