Storage box/ fabric question

My father bought a homemade wooden box full of cross stitch material and thread for me at a yard sale, the problem is it smells a bit musty. It has not gotten wet and nothing is mildewed or moldy. Can I spray the fabric with febreeze ? Should I continue to store it in the wooden box? The fabric is all stored in ziploc bags. I am airing everything out and the smell has faded a little. Please any advice how best to care for and store the fabric is appreciated. Thanks :)

CraftyLouAnna

It could be just the box.   Airing it out naturally is probably the best way.  Some people suggest using dryer softener sheets to absorb the dampness but also to give the area a nice
scent.  I would be afraid of staining the floss and fabric if I sprayed it with any kind of air freshener.

SallySue

Ok, this is going to sound odd but Id put some very cheap vodka in a spray bottle and use it to spray everything.  Ive used this on all kinds of things that Ive dragged home from sales with pretty good results.  The vodka will kill germs which makes the odor go away.  I also have never had an issue with fabric fading or running.  You could always do a test sample.  The plus of using the vodka instead of the febreeze is that the vodka smell goes away completely where the febreeze continues to smell (and I think stink!) for a long time.  Ive done this with clothing, rugs, furniture, my car upholstery etc etc etc....

Frizzle12

Thank you both. I will avoid the febreeze. And I love the idea of the cheap vodka, there is so much fabric I can test it on a piece or 2 and not be upset if it runs. I have never tried that trick before. I have used vinegar for smells, and rubbing alcohol in stinky kids shoes so it makes sense that vodka might work.

Frizzle12

An update - I wiped everything down with vinegar (didnt get to the store to buy vodka but I am going to try it in the future) Threw away the old ziploc bags and put the fabric in new bags, and soaked a piece of fabric in vinegar water and let it dry. Smell is gone! Thanks again for the suggestions