How to remove odor of mold/mildew from an old window?

Mary T
by Mary T

I purchased an old window to make frames for pictures. It had been stored in a wet shed and I cannot get the smell out. have used peroxide/dawn d/washing liquid and let dry. odor is unbearable even the lock on it still smells after soaking it in pure vinegar. Help!!

  6 answers
  • Dmholt4391 Dmholt4391 on Mar 25, 2019

    Have you tried bleach? -straight?

    • Mary T Mary T on Mar 25, 2019

      not yet. its the top half of a window that I am going to use as a frame, but it smells like it was stored in a wet shed/basement and I can't use it with the smell. have only used peroxide/dawn d/washing liquid. even the lock smells!! I will try bleach and then maybe vinegar straight.


  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Mar 25, 2019

    I have read that cleaning with vodka gets rid of mold... I would give that a try.

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Mar 25, 2019

    Try covering it in kitty litter that has charcoal in it for a while to deodorize.

  • Trudy Trudy on Mar 25, 2019

    Sprinkle it with baking soda and let it set. Leave it outside and the sun, too.

  • Pamela Pamela on Mar 25, 2019

    Hi put it in a late plastic bag with baking soda , change the bag and baking soda each day for 3-5 days , this will help absorb the odor, then put a few scented dryer sheets in the bag with the window for a few days . This worked with an old trunk I found on the side of the road , put out for garbage .

    the best way , though , may just be mother nature ! If the weather will be sunny ( but dry ) let the window sit in the sun , raise it off the ground , put a brick or can under each corner , so air gets around it . Turn it over , so each side gets direct sunlight * do not leave outside overnight ! The morning dew/ dampness will defeat the desired results . Sunlight works great !!!

    • Mary T Mary T on Mar 25, 2019

      will also try sunlight if we ever get another sunny day and baking soda. (in our area of North Carolina it is raining/cloudy almost every day now)

  • Mona Blake Mona Blake on Mar 27, 2019

    Nothing will kill mold except vinegar. Use a sponge to apply the vinegar. Let soak and then apply and wash the mold off.