Plastic shoe boxes
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,255
Plastic shoe boxes
I have had my fabric sorted by color in plastic shoe boxes for about 20 years. More popular colors (blue, green, red, muslin) go in larger tubs. I stack them up on bookshelves. I rarely buy yardage except for backs, and whenever I do, I hang it on a hanger in the closet of my sewing room. After 20 years, the tops of the plastic boxes have taken on a musty smell. I tried washing them, but it doesn't help. So I am planning to replace them with something. Has this happened to you? And if so, what did you replace them with?
#2
Interesting. Did you try rinsing them with vinegar or putting them out in the sun? Old cures for mustiness but cheaper than replacing them. I use them also but have not experienced any musty smell.
#3
Humm.... I have not heard of the plastics becoming musty. I would be checking to be sure that the fabrics did not become wet or damp somehow and they also may need to be washed before being stored again.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 9,475
Maybe if you wash them with baking soda and warm water. I have not heard of the boxes getting a musty smell but I guess it can happen. What about the fabric inside of the boxes? Is the musty smell going into the fabrics?
#6
I keep shoes and fabric and many other items in plastic totes and have never had any that smell musty. I keep the silica packages you find when you buy shoes and other items, I then place them in the plastic totes I keep my fabric and other items in. I know a lot of people throw them away but I like to reuse them. I hope you’re able to resolve your issue.
#7
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Roxborough Park, CO
Posts: 3
Container store plastic shoe boxes
You can buy a set of 20 shoe boxes from container store online. They are having a “closet sale” right now and they should still be on sale for 20% off. I use them everywhere, including for storing fat quarters and fabrics.