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I'm taking my winter sweaters out of storage, how can I get rid of that "old man smell?"

I'm taking my winter sweaters out of their airtight tupperware storage because it's getting cold. How can I get rid of that "old man smell" that comes from storing wool in an airtight container. I'm on a tight budget, but I do have my own washer/dryer. Would putting them in the dryer with some cedar chips do the trick? I don't have the $$ to have them professionally cleaned. What should I do?

soundslikepuget asked in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report

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  • Icon_small
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    Some ideas: Get a clothesline and air them outside when it's not raining. Spray them with a mixture of vodka and water (perhaps while they're on the clothesline). That mixture is a great way to get rid of musty smells; unlike Febreze, it actually works.

    keshmeshi answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
    2 comments by Gloria and melbzig…
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  • Finn3goof_small
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    Hand washing is pretty effective with wool sweaters and no big whoop.

    Tom answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Sacri_ordines_by_charism_small
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    To expand on tom's answer:
    handwash and see if the smell's gone
    and
    woolite is your friend.
    Baking soda ain't a bad idea either.

    Cedar wood is a great idea, espcially if the oil is still fresh. For future storage: Have you tried mothballs? (I know, that's just trading one dank smell for another, but still, some are designed for "deodorizing"....)

    Otherwise, stop putting your sweaters in tupperware labelled "100% pure old man stuff, from concentrate"
    ;)

    Rev.Enant answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Davidclose2_small
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    Handwashing is a good idea. If you've got genuine wool -- don't agitate, no hot water, and don't wring; sandwich the sweater between towels and roll to squeeze out water. Repeat as necessary.

    I store my clothes with some dryer sheets. Seems to work OK. After that, airing out for a day works fine.

    Gloria answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
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