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Mildew Sterling Storage Chest

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Author	Topic: Mildew Sterling Storage Chest
zelda Posts: 21 Registered: Mar 2004	posted 07-30-2004 09:18 PM Hi, Does anyone know how to get rid of the mildew smell in a sterling flatware storage chest? I left it in the sun, put baking soda inside - didn't work. I'm worried about using a chemical that might interact with the sterling. I guess I could remove the lining, but I think the smell would still be there. Any advise would be appreciated. Rea IP: Logged
t-man-nc Posts: 327 Registered: Mar 2000	posted 07-31-2004 07:15 PM Did you try a little Fabreez nin a corner, Mrs. Smaug swears by it...? "Smaug" IP: Logged
zelda Posts: 21 Registered: Mar 2004	posted 08-01-2004 01:18 AM No I haven't - but I will first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks for the tip! Rea IP: Logged
Kimo Posts: 1627 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 08-02-2004 09:57 AM Fabreez would likely make it smell better, but it doesn't kill the mildew. Maybe I'm just picky, but if I had a choice I wouldn't want to eat with silverware that is kept stored in a mildew filled case (even sweet smelling mildew) and has mildew spores on it. Have you thought about buying a new case for your silverware? Or alternatively you might refurbish the one you have by removing the cloth, sealing the wood with any of the popular wood sealers out there to seal off the mildew and then putting in new cloth? That would be a real chore but if the case is an antique it may be worth the effort and expense. If you do this you should also make sure the case is kept in a place where it will not become re-infested with mildew. IP: Logged
Patrick Vyvyan Posts: 640 Registered: May 2003	posted 08-02-2004 10:35 AM Don't know if it's any good, but you might want to read this page from Michigan State University: quote: Michigan State University Extension Home Maintenance and Repair - 01500044 12/04/98 [gone from the internet> .msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500044.html] Cleaning Mildew From Mattresses, Rugs, Upholstery [/URL] First, remove loose mold from outer coverings of upholstered articles, mattresses, rugs, and carpets by brushing with a broom. Do this outdoors, if possible, to prevent scattering mildew spores in the house. Wash broom before re-using. Run a vacuum cleaner attachment over the surface of the article to draw out more of the mold. Remember that the mold spores are being drawn into the bag of the vacuum cleaner. If the vacuum has a disposable bag, remove and dispose of it immediately. If not, empty the bag carefully (preferably outdoors) to avoid scattering mold spores in the house. Do everything conveniently possible to dry the article--use an electric heater and a fan to carry away moist air. Sun and air the article to stop mold growth. If mildew remains on upholstered articles or mattresses, sponge lightly with thick suds of soap or detergent and wipe with a clean damp cloth. In doing this, get as little water on the fabric as possible so the filling does not get wet. Another way to remove mildew on upholstered furniture is to wipe it with a cloth moistened with diluted alcohol (1 cup denatured or rubbing alcohol to 1 cup water). Dry the article thoroughly. Sponge mildewed rugs and carpets with thick suds or a rug shampoo. Then remove the suds by wiping with a cloth dampened with clear water. Dry in the sun if possible. Use a low-pressure spray containing a fungicide to get rid of mildew. Respray frequently, especially in localities where mildew is a major problem. If molds have grown into the inner part of an article, send it to a reliable disinfecting and fumigating service. Such services are often listed under "Exterminating and Fumigating" or "Pest Control" services in the yellow pages of the telephone directory. This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA bulletin, Mildew. IP: Logged
zelda Posts: 21 Registered: Mar 2004	posted 08-03-2004 10:26 AM Thanks Everyone! Actually, there aren't any mildew spores,just the smell - I agreee it is kind of repulsive! I might try to replace the lining because it is an old chest with nice wood and interesting design. The link was very helpful, not just for this project but mildew in general. I'll let you know the outcome. Rea IP: Logged
Kimo Posts: 1627 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 08-03-2004 03:11 PM If there is a mildew smell then there is mildew and its spores, though there may not be much if you don't see it. Since you are going to replace the lining (which sounds like a very good idea) you may want to have the case fumigated at the same time just so any mildew that is down into the fibers of the wood under the lining doesn't come back to reinfect the new lining. IP: Logged
T-Bird-Art Posts: 143 Registered: Mar 2000	posted 08-03-2004 03:25 PM I would remove (mildew) bacteria the quick-easy way. Spray with Lysol Spray Disinfectant. Wherever I even think there is bacteria , it ges a shot of Lysol first. IP: Logged

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