Getting rid of fusty/damp smell on fabric

melt71

I've just dug out a load of stuff from our loft and it all smells of mold! It's very strong and even after washing at 60 degrees it still smells!

Any idea how I can rid fabric/soft toys of this horrible smell?

Thanks in advance,

Mel

Penelope_Penguin

Hi, there! Have you tried hanging them outside? That can help to clear away smells such as that.

Penny. x

belfastgirl23

The other thing that seems to work for DH gym stuff which is inclined to smell musty is to leave it soaking overnight with some bio washing powder and bicarb of soda. Normally I put the machine on about fifteen mins before bed and turn off just before I head up. Then put it back on again in the morning. combined with drying as much as possible outside it seems to work reasonably well...

melt71

hmmm not sure if that will work but I'll give it a try, thanks.

I should clarify that it's not like the smell of a damp towel if it's not dried properly (which can easily be rectified by washing it again) it is much much stronger.

So much so that I would be worried about giving one of these soft toys to a child iyswim. I think it got so deep into the fabric that it will take some sort of miracle cleaning product or something.

I'll wash them again and then put them outside to dry this weekend. Hopefully, it will help to get rid of the smell. If not, i'll have to bin them all

sandy2_2

i know it's not money saving, but what about a spray of Febreeze

juliettet

Try a few drops of Lavender essential oil in the final rinse. No chemicals so babies toddlers can be safe.

belfastgirl23

The soda does seem to really help imho

Fabreeze hasn't ever worked for me on this one I have to say, it just masks whatever the source of the smell is but it comes back eventually

ClaireLR

try hanging them outside and spraying with half white vinegar and half water, that should help to freshen them up

melt71

Just wanted to say thanks for all of the tips. I think I've cracked it!! :j

I washed them again on a normal wash (40 degrees) with cheapo bio powder mixed with soda crystals. I didn't have any white vinegar or I would have used that as well. I then dried them off in the dryer using a bit of linen spray (I got it v.cheap from Avon :money: ) and then I put them all in a clear bin bag and lightly sprayed into the bag, just a general spray not on the teddies in particular iyswim.

I've left them outside in the freezing cold for since I originally posted on the 14th and the horrible smell has gone! They all smell lovely and fresh as well as looking brand new so we now have a lovely toy collect for the new baby. We've had really dry, cold weather all week so that's what has done it I reckon.

I'm going to try to do a similar thing with a pram that I've been given, it's also been stored in our loft and now stinks of damp/musty. So I'll wash the covers on a 60 degree wash and then after drying and spraying it I'll leave it outside for as long as possible and see what happens

Wish me luck as it will save us a small fortune if we don't have to buy a new one.

Kaz2904

I was going to suggest putting them in the freezer- but outside in this weather would be about the same effect!

belfastgirl23

Thanks OP, always really good to hear what works.

Never thought of the putting things out in the cold - am def going to give this a try!!