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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
LLSW
on Nov 22, 2016
Janet Pizaro
on Nov 11, 2016
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