what makes "basement" aroma?

[grasswire]

Can something that's not moldy at all just smell like mold?

I'm wondering about the scientific explanation as I look at this great stack of woodworking pattern books I picked up at rummage last night. They look terrific. Open one and there's that musty basement smell.

Good thing I only paid $2 for the whole stack. And I am taught, once again, to always smell stuff.

[Vinca]

1. I know exactly what you mean.

Maybe if you spread them out in the sun (assuming it does shine sometime again in the near future)? Or dump some fresh cat litter over them and leave them for awhile?

[grasswire]

2. one time I sprinkled some paper with baby powder

....hoping it would absorb a musty smell. Then I realized that sending paper with traces of white powder through the mail wasn't such a good idea.

Ha!

[jillan]

3. Try putting them in a box with a box of baking soda and close the box for a few days.

See if that helps.

I picked up some designer purses at Goodwill ;) and they had a funny smell, so I did that.
And it helped alot! Then I bought some really good smelling fabric softener sheets and stuck one in each purse.

Let me know if it works for you.