Comments on: Stinky Stuff: Get Rid of Old Furniture Smells

By: Katherine Clifton

Katherine Clifton — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:57:26 +0000

Thankyou for this interesting article. I can confirm that tobacco smoke and tar are particularly difficult to get rid of. Some years ago I moved into a house that dated from 1879 (fully restored) and had been lived in for more than forty years by heavy smokers. When I washed the doors and windows in preparation For painting, I was shocked at the thick brown tarry residue that melted from them. I hate to think what their lungs are like!
I used a basic combination of hot water and a general cleaning product and I wore rubber gloves to do the job. I kept the windows open as much as possible, as I am a great believer in fresh air.
The house smelt much l’essere ‘smoky’ after the treatment.

By: accentrique

accentrique — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 22:51:18 +0000

I’ve had pretty good luck with a commercial product called “OdoBan”, that I purchased at Home Depot. I was amazed how it banished that “brown” odor that comes from stale old cigarette smoke and residue. One caution, though. If you spray it on an object, or in a room, the initial fumes are rather strong and I recommend isolating the area or object for a day or two. The fumes dissipate, leaving no detectable odor. As with anything, use as directed.

By: Elsie

Elsie — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 13:20:12 +0000

I also would like a remedy for mothball smell. I have a jewelery drawer in my vintage dresser. It is fabric lined and has velvet ring holders. I have tried leaving dishes of baking soda, charcoal, dryer sheets and loose tea inside this space for weeks. Smell is still there.

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 20:51:30 +0000

Hi Clam,

Does the linseed oil come in a boiled state or do you need to boil it? Also, when you say alcohol, do you mean regular rubbing alcohol? Thanks, Bill

By: Candy Lambourn

Candy Lambourn — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 20:40:59 +0000

I have some retro chairs that have a vinyl seat but have that “musty” smell to them as I believe they were in a barn for some time, how do I get rid of that smell?

By: Marian Whitcomb

Marian Whitcomb — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 20:01:49 +0000

Thanks Clam, I have been looking for a less toxic cleaner than methyl hydrate and laquer thinner 1/2 and 1/2 which my husband swears by, and my chemist PhD cousin says will give me cancer.

By: Ann Marie Talorsky

Ann Marie Talorsky — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:28:14 +0000

Thank you Mr. Taylor for your suggestions. They worked!! Not sure I would take any advice from others who are simply guessing at suggestions — they are not experts like you are.

By: Kelly Niederecker Morgan

Kelly Niederecker Morgan — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:06:08 +0000

Thank you for the information I will try it today

By: Clam

Clam — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 05:15:42 +0000

The author, who seems to be determined to remove any existing patina that gives old furniture its value, should, at the very least, distinguish between “mineral spirit” (by which I assume he means what the British call White Spirit – a substitute for Turpentine) and “thinners”, an aggressive chemical used in modern cellulose paints, which is capable of harming or even removing practically any finish.
In my workshop we use “magic cleaner” ( a mixture of one part turpentine, one part boiled linseed oil and one part alcohol, shaken before each application to a rag), applied with a modicum of elbow grease, works wonders, removing grime and old wax, enhancing existing patina and leaving the pleasant smell of turpentine (which soon disperses) in its wake.
Water, or any aqueous solution, should be used sparingly and care should be taken that none “pools” in, say, a joint, swelling the wood before it can be removed. Sunlight will, of course, lighten some woods (such as mahogany) and darken others (such as oak) so should be limited in its application.
Bleach does kill moulds, but be careful not to get it on, say, a baize-lined drawer, nro leave it on wood too long because, surprise, surprise, it will behave as advertised and start to bleach the wood wherever the finish is absent or damaged.

By: Windsor Cottage, Antiques & Gifts

Windsor Cottage, Antiques & Gifts — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:58:12 +0000

A good way to get rid of odors is with ground coffee. Take fresh grounds (not from your coffee maker) and put in the area. Leave for a few days and remove. This works best with drawers, cabinets, closets. Doesn’t work that well with furniture, unless you can put into a confined space.

By: Kelly Chatham

Kelly Chatham — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:49:12 +0000

Thank you so much for this article..It’s just what I’ve been looking for!

By: Don Shanley

Don Shanley — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 04:08:38 +0000

I’ve had luck with first a dilute vinegar wipe down inside then putting aluminum lasagna pans of charcoal bricquets inside and closing it for a few days. The charcoal can be renewed by spreading out in the sun for a day then repeating.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 23:40:06 +0000

My suggestion, try using Pledge Grab It ~ Orange Scented, they work the best for polishing and odors inside and out.

By: Diane Land

Diane Land — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:38:51 +0000

I had the same question too. I’ve had some luck with first, wiping the insides of the drawers, etc. with Murphy’s Oil Soap then airing it out. I also will line the drawers with scented drawer liners and even “Bounce” sheets. However, the smell is always there to some degree. Hoping someone else has some more ideas.

By: Katherine Fox

Katherine Fox — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 01:05:59 +0000

What about getting rid of mothball smells? This is worse than cigars to me!