When bleaching powder (calcium hypochlorite) is exposed to damp air, it reacts with water to release chlorine gas. This characteristic smell of chlorine gas is what you detect when using or opening a container of bleaching powder in damp conditions.
Mold typically has a musty and earthy smell, often described as damp or stale. This smell is not usually similar to the smell of chemicals, which can be sharp or acrid. Mold odor is more organic and can be associated with a damp environment.
Acetic acid can be used to acidify a solution containing chlorine, helping to release chlorine gas. The released gas can be identified by its distinctive smell and its ability to bleach damp litmus paper. This method is commonly used in qualitative analysis to detect the presence of chlorine.
Paper towels themselves do not have a smell. However, if they come into contact with strong odors or are stored in a damp or musty environment, they can absorb and retain those smells.
One test to show the presence of chlorine gas is using damp litmus paper, which will turn red and then bleach white when exposed to chlorine gas. Another test is using a piece of damp starch paper, which will turn blue-black when exposed to chlorine gas. These tests are specific to chlorine gas and help identify its presence.
You can try breaking up the hardened laundry powder with a spoon or fork, then transferring it to an airtight container with a few dampened paper towels or a damp sponge. Seal the container and let it sit for a day or two to allow the powder to absorb moisture and soften.
Chlorine gas in combination with water can bleach damp litmus paper. The reaction between chlorine gas and water forms hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid, which are powerful bleaching agents that can react with and bleach the litmus paper.
how do you dry out a powder that got damp
damp
One test for chlorine gas is using starch-iodide paper, which turns blue in the presence of chlorine gas due to the formation of the triiodide ion. Another test involves the reaction of chlorine gas with damp litmus paper, which is bleached, turning it white. Additionally, the distinctive smell of chlorine gas can also be used to identify its presence.
wet or damp stuff
Mold typically has a musty and earthy smell, often described as damp or stale. This smell is not usually similar to the smell of chemicals, which can be sharp or acrid. Mold odor is more organic and can be associated with a damp environment.
Acetic acid can be used to acidify a solution containing chlorine, helping to release chlorine gas. The released gas can be identified by its distinctive smell and its ability to bleach damp litmus paper. This method is commonly used in qualitative analysis to detect the presence of chlorine.
fart
chlorine gas
A "musty" smell would describe a damp animal
Somewhere that has the damp earthy smell of tunnels and cellars.
Look for water leakage. You might have some water damaged wood.