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The Kitchen Table

Help with musty odor?

11 years ago

I recently purchased, on line , several wreaths made from paper ivy leaves over a grapevine base. They were quite cheap and I should have suspected something was wrong , although they do look very nice.
There is a "musty" smell coming from them like and old attic...I have tried leaving them out in the fresh air, soaking in vinegar water ( some of the leaves appeared bleached out ) Febreze and baking soda......Any other suggestions?
I would like to use them but the odor is so funky!
I have posted this on several craft forums but no suggestions.....maybe someone here can help?
Thanks!
Joyce

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Comments (10)

susanjf_gw
11 years ago
in a closed container with used coffee grounds for a couple of days? oh and add a layer of baking soda, too...

that's what i've used everytime we've moved in the fridge, cross country...
rob333 (zone 7b)
11 years ago
I second the coffee grounds idea! At the time DH, now ex, decided he'd literally use a gardening hose to clean out an upholstered vehicle??? And let it dry in our incredibly shady yard. Finally, I got out the coffee grounds and put it in bowls, and on top of newspaper, in the car with the doors and windows shut. worked like a charm!
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sheilajoyce_gw
11 years ago
Use fresh coffee grounds.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
We had a situation where I used a closed container with charcoal added and the charcoal did a great job of snatching up that odor. They use charcoal in many things to clear the air.
nola_anne
11 years ago
In a closed trunk with newspapers, too...I think...I read that someplace anyway.

Or maybe hang them outside under a protected porch or someplace to air out in time???

They sound nice! Good Luck...

nola anne
marie_ndcal
11 years ago
Could you use Fabreeze? Maybe a light spray outside and I am not sure, some might come with baking soda.You might test it first on a leaf
joyce58
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions....I had not heard of coffee ground but will cetainly give it a try!
Joyce
tami_ohio
11 years ago
Closed up with charcoal. If it takes the smell of spoiled milk out of my car it'll work for your musty wreaths
susanjf_gw
11 years ago
the problem might be the chemicals used to make the actual paper...if so, can you use it in a sheltered location outside?
pump_toad
11 years ago
Put in plastic bag with a few dryer sheets and close tightly for several days. I have done this with magazines and books.

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