Asked on Nov 23, 2016
Turpentine odour
by
Kar2279993
+20
I have used turpentine to kill bora in a set of drawers. I aired them in fresh air for 3 days . 3 coats of chalk paint, followed by 3 coats of cabots varnish to seal drawers. But I can still smell a strong turpentine smell from them, I did varnish all the inside too , any suggestions anyone please?
cut some onions in 2 & place pieces thruout the areas inside cabinet & leave for a few days - then throw them away .....they will absorb any other smells & germs too ....
Sunshine is the way, open them up and let the sun do the work 48 hours is enough.
I am guessing you put the varnish/other coatings over the turpentine before it was completly evaporated to now it is trapped below the upper layers. The fact you can smell it means it is slowly making its way out and will eventually dissipate/disappear. Don't know where you live but you can speed up the process by warming it up- try placing the dresser in the hot sun. If you are in cooler weather, try placing a light bulb (trouble light) into the drawers to warm things up.
I don't know if this will work for your problem, but it does get rid of musty smells so it might be worth a try: Fill disposable aluminum trays with charcoal briquettes (yes, the bbq kind but not the easy starter ones) and place it inside with the doors closed. Leave until the odor is gone. You can use them for your next cookout after.
What is Bora?
I don't know if this will work, but I have used vinegar to get rid of smells to great success, by pouring some into a container and leaving where you have the smell. Very cute piece, by the way.
There are several things to try but you'll probably have to do them multiple times before the odor is gone. Put cat litter in containers and put them in the drawers. Use the kind with baking soda. Use the same containers and put charcoal (the kind used in grills). You can wad newspaper up and stuff the drawers. Leave any of these in the drawers for a few days, then throw the smelly stuff away, putting fresh in. Baking soda to remove odors also. If you can tell one works better, just use that method until enough odor is removed. You can also just put it in your garage, with the drawers open, for a length of time until the smell goes away.
Here's a post that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/how-to-get-rid-of-odors-around-your-home/