Hints From Heloise
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A Closet Problem
Dear Heloise: I recently bought a house, and the LINEN CLOSET in the hallway has a musty smell and damp feeling. I placed baking soda in it to absorb odor and dampness, but it's not working. Help! I have to crack the door open sometimes to "dry" it out, and all my towels smell musty and damp. -- C.M. Jerger, via e-mail
Yuck! Baking soda is a great odor neutralizer, but first, I'm concerned that you have to open the door to dry it out. If that works, that tells me either there is a water leak or moisture coming from somewhere. You can try these hints:
1. Charcoal -- either plain barbecue briquettes or activated charcoal, found in pet stores. Charcoal is great for neutralizing odors.
2. Cat-box filler -- clay-type cat-box filler in a margarine tub. Litter is wonderfully absorbent and sometimes works as a last resort.
If these hints don't help, you'll need to be a detective and try to figure out what the dampness is and where it's coming from. If it persists, you should call a professional -- it's not going to go away on its own! Also, if left alone, it could get worse and grow into black mold, which is extremely hazardous to your health. -- Heloise
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:
Heloise
P.O. Box 795000
San Antonio, TX 78279-5000
Fax: 210-HELOISE
E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com
