skizzi99
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posted on July 1, 2004 12:48:49 PM new
I bought a Singer Featherweight in it's case but the case reeeeeeeeeks of mildew. Do you experts have any ideas how to get rid of the smell? I've tried fabric softener sheets but now they smell like mildew too!
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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bizzycrocheting
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posted on July 1, 2004 12:52:07 PM new
I don't know what a "Singer Featherweight" is, but can you spray it with Febreeze? If you can't spray it directly on it, perhaps you can spray a paper towel and wipe it down with it.
Diane
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cblev65252
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posted on July 1, 2004 12:57:25 PM new
You can try vinegar and water. If the case is plastic (which I assume it is), you have to watch what you use. It may be really embedded into the plastic. If that's the case, it will be really hard to remove the smell.
Cheryl
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skizzi99
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posted on July 1, 2004 01:11:00 PM new
thanks for the ideas.
It's a Singer Sewing Machine with one of the old black masonite (I think) or wood carrying cases. The smell is through and through. The machine itself I can clean because it is metal, it's the case that is a case!
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stopwhining
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posted on July 1, 2004 01:14:19 PM new
strong sunlite kills mildew,but may not be enough in your case.see if you can wipe it down with bleach diluted with water.
It will definitely remove the odor but try a small area to see the damage if any.
dilute it first.
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
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sparkz
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posted on July 1, 2004 01:15:39 PM new
Any paint store sells a product in a spray bottle for removing mildew from walls and ceilings. You will have to use it outside with a box fan behind you so you don't breathe any of the fumes, as it gives off chlorine. It may bleach the wood (assuming yours is a wood case) and it will need to be repainted inside. But that's better than the mildew. Chlorine is the only thing that will kill the mildew spores.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
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cblev65252
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posted on July 1, 2004 01:19:10 PM new
sparkz
Thanks for the idea! I have an old OLD steamer trunk that just reaks inside. I haven't used it for anything because of the smell. I'll have to give that a try. Since it's a family piece, I'm not planning on selling it ever anyway.
Cheryl
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skizzi99
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posted on July 1, 2004 01:24:45 PM new
oh dear.
The wood box is covered inside and out with black paper which is a factory finish. If bleach is the only thing to kill it, I'm sunk.
Thanks for the info. At least I will know what to do with my next mildew purchase!
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max40
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posted on July 1, 2004 01:33:48 PM new
Some of that smell may be old oil, I've had one that really stunk. I was able to remove some of the smell by cleaning the inside with 409. It still smelled when I was done, but not as strong. Outside in sunlight is a good idea, also a box of baking soda might help.
I sold mine, and buyer never complained about the odor. I think people expect some odor from a machine that age.
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leads
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posted on July 1, 2004 02:11:47 PM new
sunlight, bleach,soda, and vinegar all all good, also try borax powder in dish and close it up for a while, good luck
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sanmar
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posted on July 1, 2004 02:35:09 PM new
Get a pkg of "Snuggles" softner sheets. The ones with a scent. Put several in the case & shut it up. Should be clean in 2-3 days.
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meadowlark
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posted on July 1, 2004 03:59:17 PM new
IMHO, softener sheets will not remove mildew. They just perfume things up and hide the scent (that is really still there) from your nose by overwhelming it with odor. Mildew is a growing mold that must be killed, not covered up.
You can find a large box that the machine will fit in. Place EVERCLEAR, yes the very high proof alcohol, in a misting spray bottle and mist inside the large box, then quickly seal the box completely. The Everclear will kill the mold. Several applications may be necessary. The stuff is clear and evaporates quickly.
WARNING! Everclear is so high proof that it is extremely flammable. Do not use near a source of sparks/flame.
This method can be used for musty old books and other items that are not washable as well. The idea is not to spray the items, but fog them with a mist in an enclosed space to kill the mold. DO NOT breathe the fumes.
Patty
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jtomp
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posted on July 1, 2004 04:21:32 PM new
Patty,
I have never heard of Everclear but it sounds like something I would like to try on a book that has a musty odor. Where can I find the product?
Thanks,
Jane
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meadowlark
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posted on July 1, 2004 04:29:59 PM new
Jane,
Oh! Everclear is the cheapest, highest-proof clear alcohol that liquor stores sell. Can I say I became familiar with it in my youth? LOL!
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rustygumbo
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posted on July 1, 2004 04:46:55 PM new
Yep, 200 proof pure grain alcohol. Liquor store is the place. Ask for "Everclear" and they'll know what you need. I would tell them what you're using it for if you want a good laugh. I'm sure they've heard many uses for it.
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rustygumbo
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posted on July 1, 2004 04:49:14 PM new
I might add, before you do any of these suggestions, you might consider emailing or calling a company called, "Howard". They make a variety of wood cleaners, refinishers, and treatments. Some of their products are of "natural" sources, so you may find what you're looking for without damaging anything. It can't hurt to try them first and they definately know how to work with wood. Their website is:
www.howardproducts.com
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bizzycrocheting
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posted on July 1, 2004 04:51:58 PM new
LOL ... Patty, I'm cracking up over here! You hitting the grain alcohol????
Diane
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skizzi99
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posted on July 1, 2004 04:56:40 PM new
Did someone say alcohol? Count me in!
I'll give it a shot. 
thanks to all!
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neglus
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posted on July 1, 2004 04:56:48 PM new
I must admit to a few experiences with Everclear in my youth as well (though I don't remember them very clearly  ~ ) It is not legally sold in all states - not in Minnesota at any rate
**********************************
Sig files are too much trouble!
http://stores.ebay.com/Moody-Mommys-Marvelous-Postcards
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OhMsLucy
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posted on July 1, 2004 05:10:29 PM new
Hi everybody,
Skizzi, Bleach is really the only thing that will get rid of mildew.
You said the smell was through and through. It might work to put an open jar of water and bleach (fairly strong solution) inside the case, close it up and leave it for a few days.
Those cases are made of thin, cheap, not very strong wood. The glue is water soluble. You won't be able to get it very wet without dissolving the glue. (Here I'm speaking from the been-there-done that point of view...)
If all else fails just sell the machine without the case. New replacement cases are available on eBay for $50 plus shipping.
Hope this helps.
Lucy
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skizzi99
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posted on July 1, 2004 05:15:27 PM new
ohmslucy-
that sounds like a plan. Since I have the bleach right here, right now, I'll give it a try!
Although, I must say, the alcohol does sound so very appealing.
thanks!
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cblev65252
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posted on July 1, 2004 05:28:23 PM new
skizz
Let us know how that works out. I'll try in on the steamer trunk if it does. It will save me from bleaching wood that has a wonderful patina!
Cheryl
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sanmar
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posted on July 1, 2004 07:39:44 PM new
Sorry Rustygumbo: There is no such thing as 200 Proof Alcohol. 190 Proof is is known as absolute alcohol. There is nothing more purer. Having been a Lab Tech for 20+ in thr USN, I know of what I speak. There is 200 proof alcohol available on the chemical market, but not in liquor stores. I used to live in SD & could buy EverClear. Used to to steal it out of the 5 gallon cans when in the Navy.
[ edited by sanmar on Jul 1, 2004 07:44 PM ]
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chimpchamp
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posted on July 1, 2004 07:45:01 PM new
Been there, done that....
I have ruined some things with bleach, even diluted bleach and water.
Straight vinegar. All surfaces a quick wipe. Leave the cloth in the case in a small bowl or open zip lock and shut the case for a few days.
For the steamer trunk. Wipe all surfaces with a quick wipe of straight white vinegar. Pour some cat litter in the trunk. Put a small bowl of vinegar in also and close it up for a few days.
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OhMsLucy
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posted on July 1, 2004 07:53:39 PM new
Chimp's right. Don't wipe the bleach solution on the case.
Just put the jar inside, close it up and let it sit.
After the bleach treatment, which should kill the mildew, do the vinegar treatment. It will likely take care of the smell.
There are two things that need to be done here. First is kill off the mildew, second is get rid of the smell.
Lucy
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upriver
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posted on July 1, 2004 08:00:02 PM new
Do a google search on "removing mildew", you will find a ton of articles, perhaps you will find one that might work.
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sparkz
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posted on July 1, 2004 08:34:45 PM new
Another way you can kill the spores is to set the box in a large plastic bag. If you have a pool service that uses chlorene gas, have them shoot a little in the bag and immediately close and seal the bag. Lacking a pool service, you can set a quart jar of bleach in the box, add a shot glass of ammonia to it and seal the bag. The ammonia will decompose the bleach and release chlorene. Either way, it won't harm the wood and the chlorene will kill the mildew spores. Needless to say, do this outdoors and hold your breath when sealing the bag. After about 24 hours, it should be ready to remove. NEVER use Fabreeze to try to cover an oder in anything you intend to list. This has been discussed several times in this forum over the years. Fabreeze will trigger severe asthma attacks in subseptible individuals. The last thing you want to do is kill your customer.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
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fenix03
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posted on July 1, 2004 09:44:15 PM new
The last thing you want to do is kill your customer.
Depends on the customer
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
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meadowlark
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posted on July 2, 2004 12:26:28 AM new
Umm... You might want to rethink using chlorine and ammonia together. That's how they made nerve gas in WWII. That's why you see warnings on the back of both products not to mix with the other.
Good luck,
Patty
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twig125silver
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posted on July 2, 2004 02:48:58 AM new
Definitely do NOT mix bleach with many other chemicals!! Read your labels! I got chemical burns about 15 years ago from cleaning spilled bleach up with a cloth soaked in bathroom cleanser.
I have sealed black print newspaper in items to remove the mildew smell. Cat litter is good too.
And I too remember grain parties in college.......ah, memories! You would line a garbage can (we had one just for this!), fill with Hi-C, juices, one bottle of grain, and add various fruits. The fruit would absorb the alcohol, yummy! (My favs were strawberries and watermelon!) You didn't realize how trashed you were until you tried to stand up....and couldn't!
TerryAnn
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