Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I bought an old wooden credenza that smells musty/moldy on the inside despite airing out, baking soda, vinegar, fabric softener sheets and activated charcoal. There is no visible mold. I was told it was used to store dinnerware. I think the wood inside is stained, but not finished (not sealed). Please help! Thank you!

ANSWER: Hi Janice
Nice to hear from you.
If the piece is already stained inside there is no harm in wiping on another coat of stain.
It appears you have tried everything else LOL.
The stain will certainly stop the musty smell.
And time will also help.
Great question
Regards
Eileen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm not sure that the wood is "stained," it is dark (reddish) coloured and some of that colour comes off on a cloth if wiped -- is that what it is? If I stain it again, what type should I use? (Sorry, I'm a complete newbie!) Would I be just substituting one smell for another? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Again Janice
Sorry I should have been more specific.
Sounds like this is a dye stain on the inside but thats OK.
I suggest using Minwax stain.
You can even get it in a color called "Natural" which is no color at all just clear.
On the Minwax can you will read "stains seals and penetrates".
And it does just that.
This will stop the smell.
Yes you are changing odors but only for a very short time as the smell of the stain dissipates.
Leave doors and drawers open for a few days.
And remember I said previously that time will help.
I'll venture to guess that with the treatment you have already done, and if you leave the unit open for a few days the smell will disappear on its own.
And keep up the fabric softener sheets as they do wonders too.
You know Janice a lot of these smells that get in furniture we buy used comes from the home it resided in previously.
Like the smell on our kids after riding on the school bus LOL
Once the child is in our home for a while they take on our homes smell again. A strange comparison but you see what I mean LOL.
Kind Regards
Eileen