by Liomas Thomas

Created on: September 26, 2009

Ten tricks that work- and those that don't

Many antique lovers have bought a soon to be cherished item only to discover a problem the first time they go to use it. A creepy musty smell that permeates everything, from clothing to the air, often ruins the pleasure people wish to take in their wood furniture. There are several good ways to get rid of that smell.

1) Murphy's oil soap-works sometimes

Follow directions on the can. After using the soap the other methods mentioned in the article can be tried if the smell still persists. Be sure to cover all of the wood, the corners and the outside and even under the handles. The smell is thought to come from the bacteria growing on the old wood, and everyone loves to use soap on germs, especially to get rid of bad smells.

2) Ground dry coffee-works sometimes

Not just for drinking. Take a bowl or plate of dry coffee grounds. Any coffee grounds, and let sit for twenty four hours, at least. Though people say the coffee can be used I don't recommend. If the smell is that bad and the coffee picks up the flavor I can't imagine it tasting good.

3) Charcoal-occasionally

Charcoal is plentiful, even for people without wood stoves. Borrow ashes from a neighbor or buy a small bag of charcoal briquettes. If you insist on making your own ashes be careful not to burn your house down. Of course, let all ashes cool before inserting into wooden smelly object. Let them sit twenty four hours and dispose of them however you wish, even toss them back on the barbecue.

4) Febreeze-off and on

This one would appear to be a no brainer but most people think of this wondrous product for carpet, not to remove the old smell from wood. Yet, this is supposed to kill smells and bacteria caused smells which is where the smell is suppose to come from. Use in a well ventilated area as it well probably take a lot to remove the smell and let the wood dry thoroughly before closing drawers or shutting doors.

5) Wadded newspaper-not really

This is probably the cheapest. Old libraries have newspaper. Coffee shops have extras lying around. I don't know how much wadding, exactly, is needed, or why they can't just be laid down and picked up, but use plenty. It might help.

6) Place in the sun-haven't tried it

Oh this sounds like fun. Who ever said it clearly did not live in the northwest. With luck, you might have about five days. Otherwise, be ready to dash out and grab it back before it rains. Obviously, wet wood really doesn't help the smell much. When possible,

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