Musty smell

sweeps · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2006, 06:52 PM

Hi all. Any ideas on how to get rid of a musty smell in a storage area?

debtfree · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2006, 08:02 PM

Have you tried setting out a fabric softener sheet?

PrincessPerky · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 05:42 AM

bleach cleaner? the smell of bleach is a pretty strong one and it might kill any mold causeing the musty smell..course if the smell is on cloth, then the fabreeze stuff is supposed to work..supposed to anyway, can't vouch for it.

cschin4 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 06:00 AM

BLEACH! Kills everything.

Broken Arrow · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 06:07 AM

I am by no means well-versed in the realm of ... cleaning.

However, it is possible that the mustiness could be in part because of humidity and resulting mildew? I find that a box of scented baking soda works very well, and they can be had for less than $2.

cschin4 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 06:38 AM

You need to search for the cause. Is there a water leak, etc? Is it damp? Blow some fans to get the air flowing and help dry things out. Any musty items, throw them away.

banana · #7 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 11:01 AM

I would put some vinegar in a bowl. It will get the stink out!

mstrohm · #8 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006, 06:01 PM

I agree with cschin - you have to find the source. I have had to deal with several musty smelling areas (often in schools). Some products absorb smells, some cover smells. The best thing to do is kill the smell.

PRICEPLUS · #9 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006, 08:39 PM

A dehumidifier may be needed if there is no leak.

Countrygal · #10 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 11:32 AM

Go for Baking Soda..we have a musty basement and I sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet,let it sit for a bit then vacume..get a few boxes of baking soda to put in the area,it will absorb the moisture and odour..you can also use plain charcoal that you buy for a barbeque..it works great near litter boxes,musty odours etc..just make sure you dont get the kind with fire starter chemical in it

jamreed02 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 01:42 PM

grandma used to hang charcoal in mesh bags (like onions come in) with metal hangers all over the basement. when we moved in to her old house, there were about 5 of them hanging from the rafters in the basement. And they seemed to work. I've since seen this suggested (in complete tightwad gazette, I think) and they recommended taking them down and refilling them when they seem to stop working, and use the old charcoal in your grill.