That musty odor....
 

I just received a really nice 1979 Topps Baseball set. However, it smells like it hung around in a basement for a lenghtly time. No water damage, the set is very crispy and minty, it just has a musty smell to it.

I dumped the box right away as it stunk the worse. The cards have the smell as well, not as bad but it is noticeable.

So, anyone have any thoughts as too how to get rid of the smell? I am 'airing them out now' and maybe that is the only method available to me. But if someone has other methods, I am all ears!

Thanks,

B. T.

Maybe try storing them with silica gel packets or another desiccant? I've never run into this issue before, but that would be my best guess.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Seal them for a few days in a plastic tub with a couple of inches of baking soda inside the bottom of the tub.
Most varieties of kitty litter will also be effective in place of baking soda.

Baking soda, the universal de-smeller..... duh. Never thought of that. Thanks!

Thanks Butch (great name BTW)

I have my cards hanging out in a plastic tub and some baking soda now.

Cheers!

If smell is still problem use after that put a dryer sheet in there also

Is Rougned Odor musty?

Ha, not sure. But it has been reported there is an air about him…. Cough.

I second the dryer sheet recommendation. I've done this with books, record sleeves and cardboard video game boxes numerous times over the years to great success, so I see no reason it wouldn't work for baseball cards.

Edit: whenever I've done the dryer sheet fix, it has been because the item has stunk of cigarettes, not really a mustiness. It's the same premise though, but I just thought I should point that out.

Ok thanks. I will do that next if the baking soda does not do the trick.