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Smelly wood desk.... how do I get the smell out?

18 years ago

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but thought people who work with older houses might have some suggestions.

I just bought a beautiful solid birch desk. It was built in the 1950's by a cabinet maker who did the cabinets in somebody's house, and I just couldn't resist the beautiful woodgrain, at only 50 bucks. But....

It stinks! It was stored in a basement for years and years, and smells musty. No smoke odors though. Just musty/mildewy. The wood has a very light stain/finish on it, so I'm leary about washing it down with any water based cleaner. Is there something else I can use?

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Comments (7)

Carol_from_ny
18 years ago
Take it outside and let it sit in the sunshine for a few days on a concrete patio or wood deck. Don't let it get wet.
The sun will dry out the water that has been absorbed into the wood over the years.
Other than that I'd do a cleaning with Murhphy's Oil Soap. Inside the drawers you can wad up some newspapers and let them absorb the smells.
terryr
18 years ago
I have a very old dresser that stinks also. I've washed it, I used charcoal, baking soda, wadded newspaper, nothing worked. I had my neighbor ask her sister who deals in antiques. Her suggestion was to live with it or get rid of it! I wasn't going to get rid of it, so I've lived with it. It was also suggested my neighbors husband to paint the inside with linseed oil. It didn't help either. I've even put those little cedar balls in it, to no avail. I'll be watching this thread to see if anyone comes up with a solution that actually works! I've also got an antique icebox that stinks.....
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aprilwhirlwind
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suchimom
Original Author
18 years ago
Carol from ny, I will try your idea taking it outside but will have to wait 'till the humidity drops a bit lest I just add moisture to the situation... though it has been in the 90's so that should be good.

kennebunker I will try the frebreeze too! Hopefully one or the other (or the combination) will work.
ericwi
18 years ago
I think that an ammonia solution, in water, will work on many smells. Its worth a try. I wouldn't soak the wood, just wet it and wipe off the excess. This should be done on a sunny, breezy day, so the wood can be aired out and dried quickly.
Carol_from_ny
18 years ago
Another thought would be to use Natures Miracle on it. It's available at Petstores. If it can neturalize pet urine it should be able to neturalize musty smells from basements.
shannoncmckay_hotmail_com
12 years ago
I also purchased an old bookshelf (made of wood) from a garage sale 2 weeks ago....it stinks. I am in the process of trying several things. At this time I have it drying in the sun with a lemon/salt mixture....I did try the pet store solution, but may not have left it on long enough. I put chlorox on it also....helped only for a few minutes...the baking soda paste did pull out some of the smell because I smelled it in the baking soda as it was removed - this was left on overnight and I may follow up with this method tonight....I'll keep you posted...I am going to get rid of this stinky smell...I love my $8 vintage blue bookshelf and I want to put it in my daughter's bedroom...hopefully the sun/lemon/salt will do the trick. If not...I will try ammonia. Would love other suggestions!! (:

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