Musty odor on down comforter - how to get the smell out?

[yarrow]

My husband stopped at a yard sale today and picked up 2 down comforters. His nose is not quite as sensitive as mine however, and they have a slight musty odor. I've tried washing them with some vinegar in the wash but it still smells.

 

Any solutions or was it a bad purchase?

 

Thanks.

[Mynyel]

This is going to sound funny but spray it down with peroxide.

 

We use it here for when the baby has his moments on the floor :) It works awesome!

 

Walmart carries it in a spray bottle. We have one and just refill as needed.

[yarrow]

whole comforter? It might be easier to soak it in the bathtub! Will it stain if the comforters & duvets are white?

 

But, I'll give it a try.

 

Thanks.

[Mynyel]

It shouldn't stain..I have used it on my bed with no adverse reactions :)

[JudoMom]

My husband stopped at a yard sale today and picked up 2 down comforters. His nose is not quite as sensitive as mine however, and they have a slight musty odor. I've tried washing them with some vinegar in the wash but it still smells.

 

Any solutions or was it a bad purchase?

 

Thanks.

 

Have you washed them in the washing machine and dried them thoroughly in the dryer? Down comforters stink unless completely dry.

[yarrow]

not completely dried. But even the duvet cover still smelled after washing. My husband put the duvet covers back in with some bleach - hopefully that wasn't a bad idea. The wet down comforter is sitting on top of the washer waiting for a solution.

[Firefly]

If it were me I'd probably try hanging it on the line on a bright, sunny, dry day and let the sun work it's magic. I hope you find a solution whatever you try!

[Hedgehogs4]

My husband stopped at a yard sale today and picked up 2 down comforters. His nose is not quite as sensitive as mine however, and they have a slight musty odor. I've tried washing them with some vinegar in the wash but it still smells.

 

Any solutions or was it a bad purchase?

 

Thanks.

 

i'd try leaving them out in the direct sun and fresh air for a whole day. if that doesn't kill it, then i'd say it was a bad purchase.

[tex-mex]

If it were me I'd probably try hanging it on the line on a bright, sunny, dry day and let the sun work it's magic. I hope you find a solution whatever you try!

:iagree: Sunlight and fresh air will help get rid of the musty odor.

[misidawnrn]

I know with old books you can put them in a bag with baking soda so can you try dumping a few boxes of baking soda in a garbage bag and shaking the comforter in it. I would also then wash it and put it in the sun.

[SonshineLearner]

I have used Tea Tree laundry detergent... and bleach... rinse well and then dry... and lay it out... so it dries... All the way...

 

:)

[Tap]

Once they are dry completely, you may try freezing them if you have a large freezer. Leave them in there for a week or so.

[In The Great White North]

And if getting it totally dry (whether in the sun or the dryer) and washing it again (with vinegar) doesn't work, I'd repeat it a few times before I threw it out. Maybe try Borax too.

 

When laundry is left too long in the washer, the smell sometimes lasts unless the laundry is completely dried and rewashed. Mostly dry, or just rewashed doesn't work.