Asked on Apr 03, 2018
What is the best way to remove musty, elderly smell from old furniture
+9
I bought an armoire on eBay and it was owned by an elderly lady before she passed away. I cannot get that old (like elderly smelling) musty smell out of the armoire. I've used white vinegar/water sprayed on the interior and presently I'm trying an onion cut in half AND a bowl of baking soda to see if that will help. I read online *but can no longer find* that there is a product for use with "elderly smells" in furniture/rooms/etc. (note: it's not urine but just an OLD smell)
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I have just been searching the same thing and came across this thread. I cannot believe that people are saying they are offended that your question is about old people smell and are saying that old people smell the same as everyone else. It is a scientific fact that as we age our body odour changes and starts to produce a chemical called 2-nonenal, which is the cause of the unique odour. This is just a fact of life, it will happen to us all.
It worries me how easily offended our world has become, chill out people, don’t sweat the small stuff 😊
Hello,
Check it doesn't have woodworm, if it does - treat it. Otherwise, Buy Citrenella candles and store them in the cabinet, or store other strong smelling things such as Lavender, Rosemary etc. Hope that helps.
The smell is mold or forms of bacteria. Bleach will kill it but can also harm the finish. Straight Vinegar works well, but needs to be outside to dry.
Don't forget to do the bottom of the piece as well as under side of drawers and the bottom of the top counter. - Every crevice top to bottom.
If you put something damp in a warm dry place it will mold. Anyone that uses their heat in damp cities like the south will have an issue with mold.
An ozone machine will help kill the mold, but they can be expensive and you shouldn't be in the room while they are on. They kill mold, plants and aren't great for your lungs, but my son moved into a musty apartment. We ran an ozone machine in each room for 24 hours (he stayed with me). And voila, all smell was gone. Opened all the windows and aired the house to balance the ozone. Use a small ozone machine. As very strong one is not good for plastic.
To avoid this from happening again, don't store paper of any kind. Spray a anti fungal sealer like Kilz in the interior and back after you have done the abatement. Good luck