Asked on Nov 11, 2016
How do I remove musty smell from wooden basket?
by
LLSW
+7
We have my husband's great gramma's wooden two-pie carrying basket. It's been in his family's basement along the river forever & has that damp basement musty smell.
I cleaned it up with a soft brush, a mild dawn water solution & gave it a good rinsing. It looks great...weathered & old but clean. However, that didn't dent the musty smell. I sprayed it with Fabrez & left it out in the screened porch all summer to air out. I brought it in today & still no luck. Still smells musty.
Does anyone have any helpful hints to remove that musty smell?
I cleaned it up with a soft brush, a mild dawn water solution & gave it a good rinsing. It looks great...weathered & old but clean. However, that didn't dent the musty smell. I sprayed it with Fabrez & left it out in the screened porch all summer to air out. I brought it in today & still no luck. Still smells musty.
Does anyone have any helpful hints to remove that musty smell?
5 answers
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You can try open box of baking soda,kitty liter or charcoal.
Janet Pizaro
on Nov 11, 2016
- See 1 previous
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No matter what type of odor, sprinkle baking soda over the basket and allow it to sit for at least several hours or overnight. Vacuum the baking soda -- and any loose dust and debris -- with an upholstery brush attachment, choosing a low-powered vacuum setting. Wipe down the entire piece with a mild soapy water solution, wringing most of the moisture out of the sponge or cloth first. Wipe again with a fresh damp cloth; then pat dry with a towel. If the wood shows spots of mildew, causing the musty odor, wipe it with a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, again keeping the cloth slightly damp to avoid soaking the wood. Allow the wood to dry for several days, or up to a week, before using; otherwise, it may stretch out after the moisture treatment. If the odor is still there, you can seal the basket with shellac.
William
on Nov 11, 2016
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I would wash it out with fresh scent Lysol or lemon scent clorox, letting it penetrate, then get it out in the sun and fresh air to dry for a couple days. Baking soda and powders will absorb odors but not rid the piece of the cause: mold or mildew which is set into the wood.
Johnchip
on Nov 11, 2016
- See 1 previous
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There is always the chance bleach and sun combination may lighten to wood. Water down would weaken its effectiveness. That's why vinegar and water mixture is recommended online.
William
on Nov 12, 2016
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I did the "baking soda - sprinkle...let sit...vac" suggestion three time and Ta-Dah my old basket is ready to use again! Thx for help! I-B-A-HappyCamper!!
LLSW
on Nov 22, 2016
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