JoantheQuilter

I have had my featherweight for just over a year. When it arrived, I immediately noticed a nasty, musty odor in the case. I have sprayed with vinegar water, washed with vinegar water, washed with ammonia, set it in sunshine for a day, sprayed with Lysol, but nothing has helped. Any ideas on how to get rid of it? Thanks so much.

Canada Kate

I got my FW back in November and the case had a bit of a musty odour. The machine still has a bit of an odour when I first start using it. It does not really bother me; I figure if I leave it sitting in my sewing space long enough (and not in the case), maybe the smell will eventually go away.

It just occured to me that maybe you could try Febreeze in the case. I have not tried this myself, but you never know. Good luck!

ladypetite

I got my Featherweight in Nov and the smell was very bad....more than just musty.....but I still can't quite figure out exactly what the smell is. Here is what I have tried so far with no success:
1. Vinegar spray 2 days in a row
2. 3 days in the sunshine
4. All clay cat litter in a bowl, changed daily for a week
5. Arm & Hammer rug/carpet deodorizer in a bowl for a week
6. Crumpled newspaper changed daily for a week
7. Sprayed with Febreeze

Most of these ideas I got off of the internet, or through word of mouth, but so far, none have been successful. Since the smell is sort of like a mechanic's or engine repairperson's I am thinking that the case just may have set too long in the refurbisher's workshop and the fabric has absorbed some of those odors. I am hoping it will absorb some of mine. Right now I have it setting with a scented sheet of Bounty Fabric Softener. Hopefully that will help!?!

eann

Try setting a small bowl of vanilla in it. That has helped with odors I've had.

JoantheQuilter

Thank you for your suggestions. Right now I have soap chips inside...lots of soap chips! I had not thought about the fabric softener sheets and will add some right now and will try the vanilla after guild workshop this morning.

JMCDA

I must have gotten lucky with mine - she smells like my grandpa's old garage - oil, grease, metal....love the smell!

...and I know how lucky I am, if there was any trace of mold in mine I would probably have to get rid of her as I am very sensitive to mold and mildew.

it must be something coming from the glue they used on the fabric lining, some sort of enzyme product would probably work the best if it could get at the source - all the other things just mask the odour.

Tea Tree oil is anti-fungal, that might work in a spray along with vinegar and water.

irishrose

I don't have a FW, but I've heard Irish Spring soap works for wooden cases like the bentwood ones.

Rosewood9

Mine came without a smell, but one corner is in need of some repair. Not quite sure how to do this.

pippi65

I had one that had the icky musty smell and what worked for me was this, first I put in a nylon about 6 or 8 charcoal chunks that you use for the BBQ grill and left them in there with the lid down for 7 days. Took them out then put in a dish with vanilla in it for 3-5 days and if it was a dry sunny day stuck it outside in the sun with the lid open. Smell went away and have never had it again. I did the charcoal trick with a water damaged grandfather's clock & vanilla too. You would never know the clock was in a flood!! Good luck. Hope this helps.

walkswithwolves

Try puting a little container of vinegar in case and close it. Let it set in there for 3-4 days and see if that helps.
I use vinegar all the time for musty smells. It takes care of them.