K.M. asks from Woburn, MA on May 22, 2008
Getting That Musty Smell Out
We received a hand-me-down "playhut" tent (we had given it to our nephew several years ago and my brother in law passed it back to us now that he's outgrown it). It was kept in a basement, so it now has something of a musty scent. It isn't something that I can put in the washing machine, so I'm unsure what to do to get it clean & remove the smell. Any ideas for how I might go about it? I'm thinking vinegar & a hose are probably in my near future...
Thanks!
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L.L. answers from Hartford on May 23, 2008
I don't know what it's made of, but I'd put in out in the sunshine for a few days and use a mixture of 1/3 Dawn and 1/3 bleach..with water in a sprayer and then after you soak it with the mixture, hose it down completely. Let it dry completely in the sunshine. This worked wonders for our old tent which is thick canvas and it had mold at the time and smelled awful. Then, after it was clean and completly dry, I hit it with the rain proofing again. This is a cheap way to complely clean it too.
K.T. answers from Boston on May 22, 2008
What about that Fabreeze spray to get the smell out? My husband used it on the seats in the car and it worked well.
A.H. answers from Springfield on May 23, 2008
Bio Clean BAC Out - It is amazing stuff! You can get it at places like the Coop, whole foods, etc.
K.L. answers from Boston on May 23, 2008
I'd suggest trying Febreeze first. I've been pleasantly surprised at how well it neutralizes smells!
S.C. answers from Bangor on May 23, 2008
I use a great multi-use product called Sol-u-mel that uses (melaleuca) tea tree oil as it's base. This acts as a natural odor eliminator & truly gets rid of the smell instead of just masking it. I use this product to remove crayon from walls, floors, etc... I've taken permanent marker out of my carpet & off my hard wood table with it. I've removed my sons grass stains from his pants with it & so much more! It is a must have in my home!
You can go to www.saferforyourhome.com or www.melaleuca.com for more info. I am so thankful that my girlfriend told me about it. I hope this helps you as well!
C.L. answers from Boston on May 23, 2008
AVIOD use bleach! strong chemical that doesnt good for anyone to breath in.
i would mix water with vinegar and few drops of tea tree oil in sprayer and spray it. or use Bac Out by biokleen like others said :o) trying keep it chemical free :o)
T.D. answers from Boston on May 23, 2008
Vinegar and a hose is probably a good plan, if that doesn't work, try spraying it down with Febreze after it dries. Good Luck.
K.D. answers from Barnstable on May 23, 2008
Febreeze works pretty well. I think there is a variety just for musty smells.
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