Nettie

How do I get the musty, wet basement smell out of fabric that I bought at an estate sale? I have washed it twice but it still has an odor. Please don't tell me I wasted my money. I got some really pretty fabrics.

Barb in Louisiana

I have heard hanging it in the sun will help kill the odors. Borax and Odoban, not necessarily together, are good too.

I had used too much softener in my clothes and got them to smelling musty. I washed them in a strong Borax solution and rinsed them in Odoban (about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the non diluted solution, can be found at Home Depot) and that worked. Had to do it twice.

Edited to add: I did use detergent too when I used the Borax. Vinegar is also supposed to help.

sophiebernina

You could try adding 1/2 cup of bicarbonate of soda to 1 bucket of water and rinsing the clothes in this solution. Bicarbonate of soda should elimate the odour.

Notwendy

Vinegar has always worked wonders for me. I pause the wash cycle and add a few cups so it can soak for half an hour or so. Then finish the wash and repeat if necessary. It rarely needs it. Good luck and post pictures so we can see your awesome find!

nanacc

I always reach for my old favorite...vinegar. Since I use it for many cleaning jobs, I keep plenty on hand.

tessagin

All the above work. I buy a lot of fabric from estates. Sometimes I just put it into a large bin big enough to hold them and let them soak overnight in hot water and vinegar and Dawn. I also agitate it a little be hand. It depends on the odor. Then I squeeze out the excess then throw the business into the washer on hot normal cycle. If it's a small load, I set it for a medium, medium for large etc. The larger load setting allows for a better rinse and room to rinse. Of course you still separate for lights and darks. I don't use any softener. After the clothes are dry, hit it with the steam iron and that will be a test if it came out or not for sure. If the fabric is strong enough you can also try ammonia instead of vinegar.

Prism99

The odor neutralizers that have proven most effective for me are (1) 20 Mule Team Borax added to the wash, or (2) this cat litter additive: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TSO20W/ . For a small load, I use about a level Tablespoon of the cat litter additive; it's quite amazing. I'd try borax first, though, as it's less expensive.

Nettie

Thanks so much for the tips. I had vinegar on hand so started there and have them on the line outside.

BonnieI

Vinegar is what I also use.

ckcowl

I've always used vinegar too. White vinegar about a cup to wash load ( I don't measure it I just pour some in- I buy it by the gallon jug).