Getting Rid of A Musty Odor
Tip from a reader in answer to a question about getting rid of a musty odor:
"In the past, I have wrapped needlework pieces in white cotton toweling and placed them in the freezer for several hours up to several weeks to remove odors of all kinds, from attic mustiness to smoke. I wonder if this would work for books."
It might be a good system for some textiles and even printed paper, but be very careful not to let any ice or water touch the piece. Perhaps using a sealable plastic bag would be safer.
12 comments:
To get rid of musty odors in old purses, I have found that the Arm and Hammer refrigerator deodorizer
baking soda hanger product works extremely well. I remove the plastic mounting hanger from the back, pull the tag to activate it and set in a purse and close the purse. If I cannot fit the disc ln the purse, I open the purse, set the disc inside and put the purse with the disc in a sealed plastic freezer bag. It is neat and easy. The strip on the deodorizer shows when it is used up by turning pink. I leave the deodorizer in the purse for at least a week before removing it. So far, it has worked well. There is nothing to stain or discolor the purse.
A great way to remove musty odors from furniture is to place handful's of tea in each drawer and or cubby. Don't rush it. Check the odor every couple of days. You'll know when the smell is gone!I use a cheap tea for this. Cut the bags open and spread it around. This leaves no odor of tea and will help dry the pc. of any moisture.
Regarding freezing your book: in addition to avoiding added moisture, be certain to allow book to warm to room temp before opening.
Most spines have a thick coating of glue that will crack like plastic when cold.
Mike
Does anyone know of anyone interested in buying a complete antique doll collection?
I get rid of musty odors in books by placing the book with a fresh bar of soap in an enclosed box . The soap should be someting very fragrant such as Irish Spring etc. Works great for the musty smell wood draws also .
I found out from a friend how to take smells out of old books and magazines. Buy some scented trash bags..purchase some dryer sheerts..put the book into a bag and add your dryer sheet. You must tie them so they will not come apart. It takes 3-6 days depending on the smell. When you feel they are ready open the bag and the magazine or other paper items and they be nice and fresh. It really worked for me!
HOW CAN I REACH THE GAL WITH THE DOLL COLLECTION FOR SALE?
HOW CAN I REACH THE GAL WITH THE DOLL COLLECTION FOR SALE?
Sunlight,although possibly damaging to inks, is the perfect original sanitizer and deodorizer. Also, fresh air, on a dry day, out of the sun, is great for old books.
Another (admittedly less important) consideration about freezing the items in plastic: the odor of smelly things not plastic-sealed can transfer to everything else in your freezer. I know this from the unfortunate experience of once having to throw out everything edible in my freezer even though the food itself was wrapped well.
I have used kitty litter in a brown paper bag. Just pour about a 3 inch layer in the bottom and lay the book on top of it. Has worked well. I have also gotten rid of old tobacco smell by putting a bowl of used coffee grounds in a well sealed plastic bag with the offending item.
To get rid of musty or smokey odors in books, place books in a paper bag along with crumpled up newspapers. You can change the newspapers as they absorb the odors. Sometimes one bag of newspapers is all it takes. I surround the book with the newspapers. Probably works fine in a plastic bag as well.
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