What can I do about a smell in my oak furniture piece?

Lynda Lyne
by Lynda Lyne
I brought a beautiful old piece of furniture for my hall its oak. When I arrive home there is a smell I can not really describe there are two drawers they are fine no smell it's the main body of the piece I really want to keep this piece any advise please
  8 answers
  • Paulette Sharpshair Paulette Sharpshair on May 20, 2017

    It is probably mold- I suggest using " Simple green ",clean with a disposable rag, then rinse well and when dry ( a full day) use a good wood polish with citrus oil to help

    protect the wood and smell better. You can add a sachet of dried Rosemary, Thyme, or other dried spices you like( you can have a combination of floral and citrus too).

  • Lynn Lynn on May 20, 2017

    I suggest a good rub down with TSP. Cheap, effective.

    Takes away a lot of mildrew spots and dirt and just plain crud.


    Sunshine also helps.


    Ive heard coffee grounds (in a container) helps.


    Drawers, Ive used sprinkling of baking soda, then vacuum out.

  • Gary Leeman Gary Leeman on May 20, 2017

    After cleaning it good you could use baking soda, charcoal or coffee to draw out the smell most times

    • Cori Widen Cori Widen on May 21, 2017

      Ooo, I love the idea of using coffee. How would you do it? Stick in a bag of grounds?

  • Dande,OR Dande,OR on May 20, 2017

    You can also sand the wood lightly to remove top "layer" and put charcoal briquettes in container or bag and shut drawer for a few days. It draws out odors and dampness.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on May 21, 2017

    Also try to give it as much "air" as possible, it might take some time for the smell to go away, but it will!

  • C. D. Scallan C. D. Scallan on May 22, 2017

    Use orange oil. It will clean it up , condition the wood and kill the mold. Good stuff .

  • Georgia Robinson Georgia Robinson on May 22, 2017

    You could also use a vinegar mixture and leave it outside for a while. Maybe even varnish it. Use coffee grounds and rub them into the wood. I will sometimes even put a softener sheet in the drawers to help with musty odors. Just change them out when necessary.

  • Lynda Lyne Lynda Lyne on May 23, 2017

    I have treated it with vinegar water and lemon oil . I will do it a few times and see its certainly shining