From Bettina
For me, going to an antique store, thrift store, estate sale, or even flea market is like sending a kid into a candy store. Usually, I just go to look at all the marvelous things from our past, but every once in a while I walk away with an awesome piece of furniture or two. However, those amazing finds can have an odd mildew-y odor to them. So here are a few ways to help remove musty smells from wood furniture:
- Natural Sun Light / Dehumidify
This is my favorite way (and easiest) to get that unattractive aroma out of furniture.
Since wood is porous, it likes to absorbs moisture and smells from the surrounding environment. If your piece smells like a thrift store or old attic, try leaving it out dry in the natural sun light. If you live in a humid environment, try placing your piece with a dehumidifier in a small enclosed room and leave it running for a few days to suck the moisture and odors out of the wood. - Wipe and Clean
Bacteria and germs can permeate wood which causes the awful “old-smell”. To eliminate the smell, kill the bacteria and germs by cleaning the inside of the drawers and all surfaces with a sponge dampened with vinegar, Murphy’s Oil Wood Soap, hydrogen peroxide, or any anti-fungal detergents. Then let dry in a well ventilated area. - Vinegar & Other Odor Absorbing Substances
Fill a plastic or glass container with white vinegar and place in each drawer. Close the drawers and wait a few days to see if the vinegar absorbs the odor. You can also use other odor absorbing substances like charcoal, coffee grounds, kitty liter, or baking soda to help soak up the smell. - Strip and Sand
Strip and sand the piece. If the odors are caught in the original finish, this will help by removing the finish and letting the natural wood breath. If there is still a slight scent after stripping and sanding, try using one of the other methods to remove the unpleasantness. - Bleach or Vodka
Put bleach or cheap vodka into a spray bottle and mist the entire piece inside and out. Then leave it in the sunshine or another moisture free area to dry completely. This will help disinfect and eliminate any smells that might be lingering.