Foisty Canvass Bags...

[Dunelm]

I've picked up an old canvass respirator / gas-mask back very cheap in a local army surplus shop. The leather base is a bit battered but it's coming up nicely with beeswax. I want to use the bag to carry / store my cooking set as it fits a crusader mug perfectly but it's got a really strong musty / foisty smell.

Any suggestions how to get rid of the smell of 50 years of damp canvass? I'm thinking of stuffing it with lemons.

 

[Toddy]

Dilute some bicarbonate of soda in a little hot water and wash the bag with that. It shouldn't damage the leather if it's just washed on and off. Maybe dry the canvas a bit more thoroughly by scrubbing it with a dry cloth to stop it soaking the leather.
It'd be interesting to hear if it works really well, I've only ever used this on tent canvas but I've got an old framed rucksac up the loft that could be doing with it too.
If you melt your beeswax and add some almond oil and a couple of drops of essential oil (tea tree is a fungicide) and stir gently until it starts to thicken, it'll be a really good nourishing cream for the leather.

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Dunelm]

Much obliged.