My efforts at frugal living

[Curmudgeoness]

5. I like the vinegar idea. You will have to let us know if it works.

But it sounds like the vinegar will only work to reduce odor and will not fix the primary problem, which is dampness. I have never heard of the vinegar as a help for a musty basement. I was told to use the nylons filled with calcium chloride hung above a bucket, and it really did absorb water. But I didn't like the idea of it and got a dehumidifier instead. Since I get at least a gallon of water per day, I figure I really do need it. And I don't have that musty smell as long as I use it.

I do like the suggestion for cleaning the washer. I think that I would wash some clothes or towels or something in that vinegar water though, and especially when I run the washer again.

Glad you found the clothes line in the basement to be a good idea. I love having mine---it is strung up back and forth all along the basement on one side. Since I am short, it is definitely out of my way. Another suggestion for if the line starts to sag---store hangers at one end out of the way and that will tighten the line. I do that all the time instead of constantly restringing the line. I don't have suggestions for clothes pins----mine are at least 50 years old.