Purchased table at resale store and cant get rid of old cooking smells

Joyce Bateman
by Joyce Bateman
I used pinesol and seemed like it helped for a little bit. Now the smell is back. I have used pinesol and lemon cleaner but cant get rid of the smell permanetly. Any advice?

  6 answers
  • Carol Foley Carol Foley on Sep 24, 2017

    I Used an online tip which worked: Wipe down smelly table with VODKA. Yes, sounds weird, but it works. Just use the cheapest vodka you can buy, wipe piece down. The vodka dries quickly and doesn't have an odor itself.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Sep 24, 2017

    I'd leave it out in the sun for a few days. Cleaning it like you have, has cleaned the surface, but the wood has been permeated by the cooking odors. I'd probably clean it again with a vinegar wash first, using as much water as I felt I could.

  • PJ Wise PJ Wise on Sep 24, 2017

    Sal has my idea. I'd wipe it down with straight vinegar, every nook, cranny and crack, top and bottom being quite liberal, and place it in the shade for several days.


    If after this time the grunge smell remains, wrap and totally seal the whole thing in plastic with about 5-10 pounds of charcoal brickettes and wadded up newspapers.

  • Ili Ili on Sep 24, 2017

    thanks for the vodka tip...it is alcohol after all

  • Susan Susan on Sep 24, 2017

    I suggest you sitting it out in the sun for the day. Some oil smells are nearly impossible to get rid of.


    Also, Murphy's Wood Cleaner migit do the trick as well.