Not sure this is the right place to post this but. . . A firend gave me a box of yarn from her stash and some of it - mostly wool - reeks of mothballs. Any suggestions on how to get rid of the smell. IMy sister and her friend suggested putting into a container with baking soda and Ivory soap, so I tried that, kept it sealed for several days. It is somewhat better but still not good. I guess I could try activated charcoal but I am open to other suggestions. Maybe using it and hoping the smell comes out in the wet finishing. HELP!

Comments

Sat, 12/22/2012 - 04:03

Cheryl'B

I had some pretty rank smelling yarn and I have an Ecoquest Living Air ozone air purifier.  What I did was put the yarn in a garbage bag with the opening of the bag in front of the purifier.  Occasionally turning the yarn, did this for about a week and it no longer has any bad odor.  Sorry, but that would be the only suggestion I have.

 

Sat, 12/22/2012 - 09:10

kerstinfroberg

I had read about it, but did not really believe it. Then I found a nice wooden chest which smelled horribly, so I decided to try.

I used used coffee filters (meaning: made the coffee for drinking first, saved the used filter) in a bowl placed in the chest - and: it worked! And best of all: it is free! (at least in my house - we drink coffee all the time...)

Sat, 12/22/2012 - 12:49

endorph

I am ready to try most anything at this point - the yarn is too nice otherwise to get rid of - The baking soda and Ivory soap helped some - the coffee ground idea is interesting. . . .
Sat, 12/22/2012 - 14:12

Cheryl'B

Sounds like a great idea!  They use coffee beans to clear the olfactory when smelling different perfumes and candles.  

Tina, let us know how the coffee works.  I would love to know if it does.

C

Sat, 12/22/2012 - 14:34

endorph

Since I'm not a coffee drinker that was easier than the coffee. If this doesn't work then I will collect some coffee grounds from work and try that.
Sat, 12/22/2012 - 18:16

alene

The Peet's coffee shops in my area will save coffee grounds for people to use in composting. Is there a coffee shop around you that would save coffee filters and grounds for you?

Sat, 12/22/2012 - 18:42

endorph

the idea Alene - Another suggestion on another forum was to wrap charcoal briquettes in fabric softener sheets - so I have plenty of ideas now - we will see what works - the baking soda and Ivory Soap took some of the smell away - hopefully the kitty litter will do the rest.
Sun, 12/23/2012 - 23:05

Weavingholiday

Not sure about mothballs, but balled up newspaper works wonders on smelly fridges and boots, might work on this, too? Takes awhile, and you should replace the newspaper every few days, but works really well on organic smells.
Mon, 12/24/2012 - 14:29

mneligh

I hang skeins of yarn, bags of wool, and finished objects on the line (outside, in the wind) for few days.  Finished items can go in the dryer and be tumbled on a no heat setting.  This works.

I do use mothballs.  I have seen all other alternatives that I know of fail.   You just have to actively air things after their use.

Mon, 12/24/2012 - 18:03

endorph

wind and it helped a bit but not much - I think between the baking soda, Ivory and kitty litter I have conquered the stench. What little remains should dissipate with another bout of hanging outside for some air! Thanks everyone for your suggestions.