Sunday, June 12, 2011

Satin Ribbon, Floral Prints and 2 Smelly Brides

Remember this sale? I went back today to see if there were any leftovers. It was 1/2 price day and I was hoping to score a cheap boatload. There was a boatload for sure, but even at half price, most of it wasn't cheap enough for me. I did bring home the following...

Spools of of satin ribbon...one of which is a glorious 2 tone.

Vintage florals ~ these 2 are my favorites.

And these 2 brides. I don't normally go for dolls...high creepy factor. But these were old and wearing satin gowns, for Pete's sake. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that they smell, and not in a good way. It's more than musty...it's more like cat spray, if you get my meaning. Girls, any suggestions on how to get the stench out?

12 comments:

Jil Casey said...

Maybe hand wash them in cold soapy water, rinse well and let dry in the sun? You might even want to soak them for a bit.

Nelly said...

do what Jil said then place in a box and sprinkle with bicarb and leave for awhile that should hopefully absorb any left over smells Hope it works You should be able to sell them to a collector then.

Rose H (UK) said...

Here's a tried and tested link
http://www.cat-world.com.au/how-to-clean-cat-urine-odour

DearHelenHartman said...

Hmmm, peroxide can get pet smell out of things. If you leave them in the sun, lay them on grass, that sometimes gets the smell and stains out of linens.

Barbara said...

Don't know if this works on dolls, but it sometimes gets the mustiness out of paper: bury it in cat litter. (obviously, clean litter). For a long time. (even a year). (and yes, given the possible source of the smell, an ironic solution).

The Traveler said...

That ribbon is awesome! The dolls are in great condition too (except for the smell). I suggest Jil and Nelly's ideas. Hopefully it comes out because they are a really good find.

Anonymous said...

My sister had those dolls in the 1960s.
My suggestions include a lot of fresh air and sunlight.
I also say put them in a baggie and in the freezer for a week. It does help but won't do the whole job.
If nothing works and you're ready to toss them, email me please.
(email is on my about me page and blogger profile)
You've seen how many cats I have. I'm used to the smell.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

The ribbon and vintage prints are so lovely and wonderful. Dolls kinda creep me out too. Putting them in litter up to a year is a very interesting remedy. Good luck whatever you try. :) Tammy

trash talk said...

Sell 'em...and quickly. No fuss...no mess! They are charming...even if they do smell to high heaven.
Deb

Vintage Station said...

My favorite place to shop is estate sale basements! I've gotten kinda used to the musty smells. Am I a sicko or what??

Bella Rose said...

Hi, I've been using (powder)
oxi-clean alot lately. I have been AMAZED how it gets all stains and smells out.
Just soak for days and change the
water often. I've never tried it on old dolls but I would try it if you have nothing to loose.
Good luck!

Linda said...

I believe what you may be smelling is an odor that is typical of old, hard plastic dolls from this era. It's not a very pleasant one and is a result of their chemical make-up. Toni dolls, Sweet Sues, Madame Alexanders, etc. from the 50s all seem to have a funky odor. Fresh air helps somewhat if they've been stored for a long time.