posted on August 29, 2001 01:48:05 PM new
I am so upset that I could just cry, last year when winter clothes were on major clearence I picked up about $1000.00 worth of clothes(Ebay would probably bring in $2300.00 or more on this lot)
Anyways we were moving so my father in law said I could keep them at his house, Well I did and didnt think anything of it until today when I went to pick everything up- He put everything down in his basement so now all of these brand new with tag clothes smell like one big must ball!! It is must from HELL. I am so upset upset upset.
Is there anyway to get the smell out of these clothes without washing them...If I remove the tags these things are worthless!!!!!
i'm sure others will come along with suggestions, but the first thing i'd do is start hanging them outside (not in direct sun). i haven't used dryel, but have heard many rave about it.
lastly, if you don't get more suggestions here, try posting it on the ebay clothing boards: http://forums.ebay.com/dws?14@[email protected]. they've got an amazing thread on stain removal, and i'm sure there'll be good suggestions aplenty.
posted on August 29, 2001 03:10:42 PM new
It depends on alot of things.
Are the only tags on the items attached with PLASTIC? If so do NOT put them in a dryer with heat. Then they will really be worthless! If they have tags attached with threads, it is ok to put them in the dryer with a fabric sheet. That just might do the trick. If they are washable clothing I would put a wet towel in the dryer with them.
You might call your local dry cleaner ask for the manager (the front end clerk probably will not have a clue) call several and get their opinion on removing must smell from new clothing.
No matter how you do get the odor out, you still have a big selling problem. Do you think it would it be right to sell them as brand new with tags attached and not even mention the musty odor? Sorry to say, I smell negs coming quickly!
posted on August 29, 2001 04:03:52 PM new
The "must ball smell" could actually be mold. Even though you can't see it. If it is they'll most certainly need to be washed.
Sounds like you may just have to take a loss. You could list them as "new with tags" and mention that they've been in storage and need a good cleaning due to the musty smell. That way you would be honestly stating their condition.
I have noticed that buyers get very upset if a "new with tags" item doesn't have the fresh out of the department store smell. Especially since they may be purchasing it as a gift! I have received one neutral comment because of this. Now I always state that the item has been in storage (although I certainly don't store my items in a basement).
Aside from selling them on ebay for dirt cheap you may want to donate them for a tax write off.
posted on August 29, 2001 04:45:13 PM new
Mildew is hell hell hell.
Do you mean moth ball or that musty mildewy smell?
If it's mildew there is no getting around it, you need to get the clothes washed.
Try vinegar in the wash.
If they have to be dry cleaned, tell them specifically that this is the problem.
But try febreeze and a warm sunny day.
MIGHT be cheaper to donate and take the tax deduction. No kidding.
I don't sell clothes, but I live in the Great Northwet.
posted on August 29, 2001 09:08:03 PM new
I am a new clothing seller. Try baking soda. Put some items in a garbage bag add a small amount of baking soda and leave sealed overnight. May do the trick. I had someone get cat odors out of fabic with this.
posted on August 29, 2001 11:48:05 PM new
Send your father-in-law a bill for $1,000, less his reasonable storage charges. What to do with the smelly clothes will then be his problem.
posted on August 30, 2001 04:54:00 AM new
Well, first I want to thank everyone, feeling a little better about this today.
I hung the clothes outside yesterday most of the day and it seemed to work somewhat- I am going to put them out some more today and try the dryell sheets tomorrow.
After much thought I am going to list these with the tag and mention there is a storage smell to them(unless I completely get rid of the smell). I can not be dishonest. Most of the clothes are baby clothes which most people wash first anyhow.
I will tell you what pis*es me off most. I love my father in law dearly but he is a very cheap man(he will drive 60 miles to save .25 cents) and the reason this even happened is because he bragged about not running his air condition all summer long(he is mostly at our house since my mother in law passed away) Well the Air conditioning unit he has also dehumidifies the basement, I wish I would have remembered that sooner.
I really sorta let him have it in a nice way last night. I told him he saved maybe $100.00 in electric bill but cost me all of my Christmas dollars for the kids and ruined all of his furniture down there. His basement was finished. I think he probably will give me some money, boy how dumb and unnecessary though- I can not believe he didn't smell that down there.
This really hurts- these clothes were my mother load for the season...Mostly Gap and Tommy stuff- and things from my sisters Boutique...Oh Well another lesson in life learned.
posted on August 30, 2001 02:21:02 PM new
If you own an ionic air purifier, they work wonders. I have never used them on musty clothing, but have used them on musty and smoky-smelling books. For my books, I just put them in a large box, fanned open with the purifier and leave them about 2 or three days.
For clothing, I would try to find a small closet, hang the clothing there and leaving the purifier running for a few days.
