How do you get that old musty furniture smell out, when repurposing?
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Mag2127980
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I have several antiques, very old furniture that I want to repurpose but don't think paint alone will cover the smell. I am new to this and am so excited to begin but would love to know what your advice would be! Thank you in advance.
13 answers
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After you've sanded the wood go over it with a wet washcloth and a white vinegar and water solution.
Patience M
on Aug 23, 2015
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I give furniture a thorough cleaning first with soap and water, next with Lysol, and then let dry outdoors. Prior to painting I coat with 1-2 layers of shellac and that usually will take care of any odors. Alternatively you could use a primer with a stain and odor blocker after cleaning. If it's really bad you could clean with TSP, but I'm not sure how environmentally friendly it is, so I limit my use of it. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!
Patricia
on Aug 23, 2015
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fresh air, sunshine and charcoal
Brenda Nealy
on Aug 23, 2015
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Wad up brown paper bags and put in the drawers. And vanilla really works along with the bags for a bad smelling refrig. so you might try a little container of that in each drawer with the bags. Good luck! May have to leave for 2-3 days and then air out in sunshine!
Cindy
on Aug 23, 2015
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Don't forget about baking soda. You may have to change it a few times. I've also used charcoal.
Patrice
on Aug 23, 2015
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Purchase a large collection(12) of Irish Spring bar soap! MUST BE IRISH SPRING . Unwrap every bar. If you are freshening up a container (like a travel trunk) empty the trunk of items. Place Irish Spring bars inside trunk. Close lid and leave it closed for 4 weeks. If that does not work, leave it longer. Musty smell will go away. My collection of Teddy Bears had gotten a musty odor stored out in the garage. I placed several unwrapped bars, along with the bears in heavy garbage bags. Weeks later, smell was gone. I had a 1965 Dodge Dart that had been sitting outside for a long time. The trunk smelled musty. My brother assured me I woud never get ridof the smell. I tried I the Irish Spring trick and was thrilled how well it worked.I believe I drove that car a couple of years with a few remaining bars inside of the car trunk.You can rinse off the bars and still use it for soap when you are finished.
Camille
on Aug 23, 2015
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You can spray the inside with a clearcoat or use kilz as a primer. I have an old trunk that smelled awful when I opened it. An antique dealer said it was moth balls that caused the smell and told me to set it in the sun with the top open and by golly that took care of it. Moth ball use was very popular for storage but it also permeated the wood of antiques. Usually the sun will take care of it.
Kathleen
on Aug 23, 2015
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Simple, fast, easy. Spray the inside and outside and bottom (but not the actual front) of all drawers with a clear sealer. This can be matte, or gloss, your preference. Then spray the inside of the unit with drawers removed. The idea is to coat all unsealed wood surfaces. Dries quickly and now everything is fresh and clean. This will do the trick!
Carol
on Aug 23, 2015
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Febreeze spray
Mary Sherman
on Aug 23, 2015
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Would try to eliminate the smell with soap or charcoal before painting the inside first.
Funnygirl
on Aug 23, 2015
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Personally, would not paint an antique. (Call me a hater! LOL) Would give it a good cleaning, then do some touch up with stain and oil. Had the problem with an old wardrobe - stored scented soaps in it and it now smells delightful.
Marion Nesbitt
on Aug 24, 2015
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TRy inserting damp rid bags in the furniture it aids in drawing moisture out which is creating the mildew smell.
Janet Pizaro
on Aug 24, 2015
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Charcoal .... It needs to set inside for 1-3 weeks. Also I have used tea bags. Get them at dollar store. Once again need to leave tea bags for several weeks. I will often a a dryer sheet afterwards for a fresh smell. Hope the help.
Debbie Adams Peavy
on Aug 26, 2015
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