This might be silly, or it might be super interesting. I don't know.
I found some old cotton fabric in my basement and thought I'd start a quilting project. The cloth smelled mildewy, like cloth kept in damp basements does.
I soaked it in a vinegar solution (about 150mL white vinegar 5% in 40 L tap water, in the washing machine tub (metal), for about 2 hours. When I opened the lid, I was hit with a sulfur-ish odor. Also a little petroleum-ish.
I've aired the fabric for 24 hours, and it still has that smell. Is it just my nose unable to combine two odors? Or did a reaction take place? I treat stinky clothes with vinegar all the time, and this is a first.
No mothballs were involved in the storage of the cloth.
Obviously this is not urgent. I'm just curious! Thank you!