Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/2/2005

Question
Eileen,
I hope not to be a pest with yet another question, but I was just wondering about mixing bleach and water and applying it to the chest-- the bleach won't cause discoloration?
We do have Febreeze, I infact have some already and it works really good.
Thank you again!
Donna
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Followup To
Question -
Thank you so much for the speedy responce Eileen!  I'm so grateful for the suggestion and will try it soon.  Just wondering where would be a good place to look for Javex, as I've never heard of it before?!
Thanks again,
Donna
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Followup To
Question -
I have taken an old wooden trunk/chest out of a basement, which was its home for over 50 years.  I would like to use it as a coffee table in my living room, but it smells very musty, like a basementy smell. I've had it airing out in my garage for a couple weeks, but I was wondering if I could use any kind of cleaner/powder safetly to get rid of the smell?
Thank you.
Donna  
Answer -
Hi Donna
Nice to hear from you.
What a great idea to use this old trunk as a coffee table.
The following should get rid of the musty smell.
First wash with a mild javex/water solution.
Let dry open for a day, then a spray with Febreeze and then a couple of fabric softener sheets left in all the time should do it.
Good Luck
Eileen
Answer -
Hi Again Donna
I'm sorry, I live in Canada and never stop to think that brand names are different in the rest of the world.
Javex is simply laundry bleach and is available at the grocers.
Add about 1/2 cup to a quart of warm water.
The Febreeze I mention is hopefully available in your area.
Its a wonderful product for getting rid of smells on just about anything, and the fabric softener sheets you will be familiar with.
Good Luck again Donna, and write me anytime.
Eileen

Answer
Hi Again Donna
Please never worry and think you are a pest LOL.
I would prefer that everyone was like you and ask these questions they are unclear of.
And I think perhaps I was not clear enough also.
The bleach solution is only to be used inside the trunk..not on the outside.
If you tried the Febreeze and that worked to your satisifaction, then skip the bleach, but it will not hurt the inside of your trunk in any way, nor discolor it.
Please Write me any time you need advice.
Kindest Regards
Eileen