Will yarn get old and not useable?

[Ginnie256]

I bought some very old yarn at a yard sale that the lady found in the attic. She said she bought it for her daughter when she was younger. Her daughter is an adult and has a baby. It is still good.

[bettybee10]

I made my daughter a bed spread 22 years ago she uses it on her bed every day there is nothing wrong with it.

[adairdm]

I have yarn that is at least 20 years old, and I still hunt it and use it when I need it. It works. Some of the colors are not a vibrant as the yarn colors today, but it's part of my "stash".

[missro007]

I had some yarn that was bought in the mid '70's & I used it for slippers & it's fine. As fir the musty odor I would suggest putting it out to air a few days or if you have a lingerie bag, put the yarn in it & put it in the clothes dryer with a fabric softener sheet & a damp washcloth