How to remove old potpourri from wood cabinets?

Beth Ybarra
by Beth Ybarra
+6
Answered
  7 answers
  • FL FL on Jun 15, 2017
    Not sure if the potpourri became embedded into the cabinets or if it stained the cabinet. A lot of potpourri includes dyed items like wood curls. You may also be referring to the lingering fragrance from potpourri, which, because potpourri is made with essential oils, could become an issue. Would you be kind enough to specify the problem so we can help you? Thanks!

  • Julia Johnson Julia Johnson on Jun 15, 2017
    Either way my go to is Magic Eraser.

  • FL FL on Jun 15, 2017
    Thanks, Beth! here's a site with different approaches to getting a scent out of a kitchen cabinet: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-kitchen-cabinets-smells-91161.html ; here's one site just for getting rid of potpourri fragrance. http://www.ehow.com/how_10046307_rid-funky-potpourri-smells-home.html
    I hope one or both of those sites can offer some help!

  • PatMason PatMason on Jun 16, 2017
    Bicarbonate of Soda is really good for getting rid of smells. Dampen the surface and spread the bicarbonate over, quite thickly, leave overnight then clean off. Cheap and well worth trying.

  • FL FL on Jun 16, 2017

  • Rit34013751 Rit34013751 on Aug 28, 2018


    I tried that, but smell is still lingering on. It is a lovely antique round box wit a removable top. It is from Rumaenia and lovely painted. But the potpourri smell is so intense.

    Thank you.

  • Jason S Jason S on Apr 16, 2019

    Did you ever find a solution? We have the exact same issue with a butler pantry cabinet. The overpowering smell of potpourri is horrible. It is almost as if it is infused in the wood. It even causes our clear glasses to 'fog' up when stored in there. I hate to even consider it, but we may have to tear out these beautiful cabinets because they are worthless as is. Please advise if you have had any breakthroughs.