Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/2/2008

Question
Hello Eileen,
You helped me last year with this problem with a musty smell in the underbed drawers. Have tried your suggestions, which did  help a bit at the time. Have since bought a small dehumidifier which is now on at the side of the bed when the windows are closed. My bed has a plastic type sheeting underneath the base of the bed. Do you think if I removed this it my help at all. My thoughts were perhaps it is stopping the air from circulating. Do you know why they are manufactured with this, is it just cosmetic.
Any further help would be appreciated. I am getting to the point of buying a new bed without drawers.
Many thanks
Angela

Answer
Hi Angela
So nice to hear from you again, and I certainly remember you.
This stuff you see under the bed is actually a dust collector...funny isn't it.
And yes if its a plastic type stuff it could be preventing proper ventilation.
No harm in removing it, and it can certainly be replaced with a material like cotton muslin down the road if you want.
Funny enough Angela I think of you every time I open an old dresser with this musty smell..LOL..not everyone is remembered for that.
We went over all the fixes you could try, and I am stumped for more.
Keep several of those fabric softener sheets in the drawers all the time as they help.
You may also have to consider painting all the wooden surfaces as the wood absorbing the oder is the problem.
This will be cheaper than buying new.
Please write anytime.
Regards
Eileen