posted on July 21, 2001 02:39:11 PM new
I got this pretty vintage spread today, the problem is that it smells like moth balls ( strong) There is no cleaning instructions ( the tag is missing) How do I clean this? Spread does not have any stains , it looks almost like new, but the smell is bad. Or would it sell listed that it needs to be cleaned and list the problem with it.
posted on July 21, 2001 05:30:59 PM new
If it's washable, I'd wash it, then line dry it. If not, take it OUTSIDE and spray with Febreeze, then leave it outdoors for a day or two. Both the mothball odor and the Febreeze smell will be gone.
posted on July 21, 2001 07:59:43 PM new
Just a note on Febreeze...
I read an article by a veterinarian shortly after Febreeze hit the market. He reported numerous cases of dog and bird deaths after the owners had sprayed Febreeze in their homes. I don't know if the connection has even been proved, and I've never heard any more about it, but I wouldn't want to take chances with my dog's health, so I never use it.
What I do, instead, is wash the items in warm or cool water with Sport Wash. It's available at Tops grocery stores and hunters use it to remove all human scent from their hunting clothing. Some items may take two washings, but it works real well. Line dry or gentle cycle in the dryer is usually a safe bet.
posted on July 21, 2001 08:31:16 PM new
I believe the Humane Society has published a rebuttal to that Febreeze story on its website. In any event, I would recommend using it outdoors even if it's totally safe. It's got its own odor, and who needs more stinky stuff inside?
It does seem to work miracles on shoes embedded with foot odor. I take my son's sneakers outside and spray 'em real good and leave them in the sun for several hours, and it's amazing how "clean" they smell!
posted on July 21, 2001 09:51:58 PM new
Thanks for the information. This spread is old and heavy. It does not have a tag telling if it is machine washable.
