pongy chairs

[shivvy]

I recently bought a couple of old upholstered chairs which had been stored in a stable for about 6 months. They are a bit pongy - like a damp fusty smell. I have been using Fabreze with little effect - has anyone any ideas about what might be more successful?
Thanks.

[jules77]

I would remove all the upholstery and replace it, it is quite easy, all you need is a staple gun, and material of course. When you remove the old upholstery, keep the material to use as a template for the new material, making it a few inches bigger to allow for errors and overlapping.

[shivvy]

Thanks jules but I should have said that I want to keep the fabric. Anyone else got any ideas?

[GK Fanatic]

Lots of upholstery shampoo and a stiff brush plus elbow grease???

[shaneystar2]

As GK says and then on the next really dry warm sunny day ...whenever that may be ....stand them outside in the fresh air all day. Thing is though as they have been stored in a stable you don't know what dear little things could have burrowed into the upholstery ! I would also give them a good spray with some flea spray .

[WendyS]

I think a good spell in the fresh air will help get rid of the musty smell, but I suspect the others are right in that all kinds of insects may have started to make their home in the fabric. Some may flee in the bright sunshine but I think some kind of flea killer is to be recommended.

[jules77]

Being in a stable for six months there may be all sorts inside the fabric, woodworm, lice, yuk ! If you give it a good shampoo you stand the chance of bad water mark stains on it - I still think you should re upholster it as bet you will be shocked when you remove the fabric - you could probably get something very similar from an upholstery warehouse.