Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/30/2008

Question
We recently had a cabinet maker make us a beautiful oak cabinet that houses our microwave.  My mom visited this week and accidently burned an item in the microwave and smoke billowed out of it for several minutes.  I never would have known the problems this would have caused.  I can't get the smell out of the microwave...but that is replaceable.  I want to get rid of the smell on the wood.  I've tried baking soda and water...I've tried vinegar and water.   I can still smell the smoke, but now with the added scent of vinegar.  What else can I use to remove this smell and not damage the finish of this new piece.  It was just a few minutes of smoke...but it seems here to stay!  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Krissy
Nice to hear from you.
It sounds like you have tried all the normal methods to get rid of this, but try one more.
Use mineral spirits and a rag.
Simply dip the rag in the spirits and wipe all surfaces.
You don't want the rag dripping of course, just dampened.
This will not harm the finish.
If the smell is still apparent after this (which I doubt), I would seal the wood with a rubbing oil like tung oil or danish oil.
Good Luck with this Krissy
Regards
Eileen