Note Storage

News: Welcome to the Canadian Paper Money Forum.

I recently purchased a new safe. The problem is that there a strong smell in there. Possibly from the new paint or other materials. Would it be safe to transfer my notes or should I be worried that they absorb the smell.

Any advice on how to remove the smell?

I got a floor safe for free a few years back and it also had a smell but more like musty papers that were damp.  I left if open for about a week and then I picked up something from Lee Valley Tools. It is a type of charcoal filtering sponge that is guaranteed to trap the smell.  I closed the safe for about 4-5 days and when I opened it the smell was totally gone.  Never had a problem since.  It may depend on what the smell is but I'm sure they have a website that you could probably track the item down.  If I remember correctly it was designed to eliminate musty smells in basements
Hope this helps

FRIEDSQUID

I purchased a new Sentry fireproof safe awhile back and noticed a musty smell when I opened it.  After
reading the manufacturer's inserts I learned the following:

SentrySafe products which offer fire protection have a patented insulation that has a high moisture
content. In addition the SentrySafe Fire-Safe advanced safes close airtight to offer water resistance,
which may also cause moisture to accumulate inside your safe. The desiccant packet included in your
safe during shipment, should be left in your safe.  DO NOT DISCARD IT.  It is intended to help absorb
moisture which may accumulate inside your safe. For added protection against moisture, open the safe
periodically. 

If you choose to store delicate items such as jewelry with working parts, watches, stamps, or photos in
your safe, we recommend putting them in an air-tight container, prior to placing them in the safe for storage.

 It took alot of searching but I found the thread that this topic was discussed, I think there was another aswell but did not find it.

http://www.cdnpapermoney.com/forum/index.php?topic=2498.0

If you can't get the packets for free, here is a site that sells them.  A friend of mine with a large safe in his oudoor workshop has used these and swears by them. By the color changing, it atleast gives you  a little piece of mind that you know they are doing the job.

2 Gram Color Changing Silica Gel Desiccant Paks
Best Buy! Pkg. of 200---$44.85   
Package of 50---$14.95
Package of 25---$8.95
Package of 10---$4.95
These packs have a built-in replacement indicator. When the silica gel changes from blue to pale pink (will be purple in between) - replace the desiccant. Each 2 gram desiccant pak is sealed in super-tough transparent poly - safe for contact with all materials. Packets offer effective moisture control for sealed containers of roughly a gallon or less in area.   The packets are nondusting and safe for banknotes. Each packet is 2 X 3/4 inches. http://www.preservesmart.com/products.htm#SilicaGelDesiccants

FRIEDSQUID