Question from Audrey
Lisa’s Answer
I understand that your question is about getting rid of the smell but I’d also like to address the question of is the chair free of toxins.
First, regarding the smell, musty odor is due to mold or mildew. To get mold or mildew there must be a source of moisture. Is the humidity high in your home? If so, you may want to look into a dehumidifier. If not and you do not live in a humid climate, opening your windows and using a fan can help. You could also try leaving the chairs in the sun for a period of time. You can try to apply the vinegar which may help neutralize the odor. I can’t tell you whether or not that will damage your fabric.
Regarding the potential toxicity, I am concerned about two things. First, there could be mold in the cushions. You could open them up to check. If you cannot confirm that there is not any mold, I would not keep them. Also, if the cushion is made with foam it could be a source of many chemicals of concern such as formaldehyde and fire retardants. As foam gets older it breaks down and gets into household dust. Even if it doesn’t smell it can still be exposing you to chemicals. I don’t recommend upholstered furniture unless it is made with non-toxic fillers such as natural latex, wool or cotton.
EnviroKlenz makes the safest & best air cleaners, cleaning products & deodorizers I have found, after exhaustive research and personal trial & error. I have MCS, allergies & asthma. Vinegar has great properties, but causes Respiratory irritation to me, personally. I have to use it very sparingly. Baking soda is my ‘go-to’ for virtually all cleaning. Washing soda, free & clear/unscented dish soap, and EnviroKlenz products are mostly all I use. Debra Lynn put me in touch with EK products years ago. Their products & the company representatives are always helpful & accessible. You might try contacting them. I hope this has been helpful.
Be very careful of envirocleanse.
I have mcs and used there purifier fo 3 hours and am now living in a shed because I cant live in the house after a year.
The company wont answer the phone to deal with this issue.
There so called detergent left that smell in my front loading new wash machine and it wont leave after a year either.
The smell got in all my clothes furniture and I cant use anything in my home
U cant wash the smell out even if u let it sit 5 days
If u look up osha’s regulations
The ingredient oxides are carcinogens
Enviroklenze is the reason I may have to sell my house
These people lied to me about there product and will not respond to calls or emails.
Beware mcs suffers. I am not the only one reacting like this.
If your allergic to oxides bleach
This could b a problem
Dont want anyone else to have to live this nightmare
Yes, fill up a bowl with vinegar in it and put it in that area. I also suggest using white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray it in that area. If your tile floors get a bit wet just dry them with paper towels. When I get an odor in here that I can’t get rid of, that’s my go to choice. I wonder if that odor absorbed into the walls??? Or in nearby furniture or fabrics? Good thing you got them out of the house. They seem unhealthy. P.S. if you can tolerate a pure beeswax candle, light it for a bit. This can help remove odors as well. I have MCS and can tolerate these because they are non toxic and leave a beautiful honey scent. Good luck.
I have them out on my enclosed balcony. I have cleaned them with vinegar and they improved but still have some smell. Today I cleaned them with a little baking soda, 7th generation dishwashing detergent and hot water (I read this on the internet) – it seems to have helped but I have decided to throw them out. they are 38 years old and I don’t need them – can always use metal bridge chairs if I need. Still getting the smell of mustiness where they were in my apartment. I have door open but air is not getting to that area. I put my air cleaner right near that area last night. Any other suggestions – I have tile floor (no carpeting) so it just seems to be in the air. Thanks.
Now that the chairs are on the balcony, the area that they were in , in my apartment , now has dusty odor. I am cleaning like crazy, more than my usual frequent cleaning. I put a moso bag there, but it doesn’t help at all (I don’t find them helpful at all). As much as I would hate the odor, would putting a bowl of apple cider vinegar possibly absorb the odor?
Readers, do you have any suggestions?