Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/19/2009

Question
I inherited a dining room table and six chairs, plus a matching hutch from a relative.  I believe it is real wood?-- it's blonde in color.  Ever since this furniture has arrived in my home I am smelling what I believe is a musty or mildew smell.  It is on every inch of all pieces.  I tried natural remedies as I have a chemical sensitivity and cannot handle heavy cleaners.  I did olive oil, white vinegar, chai tea, lemon, unscented antibacterial spray, even regular wood furniture polish.  I cannot get the smell out.  A few other items that came from this woman's home (a TV remote for one) have the same strange smell.  I may have to give this furniture if I cannot find a solution.  Please help.

Answer
Hi Naomi
Nice to hear from you.
It appears you have gone over the exterior of the furniture but the worse spots are the bare wood on the interiors and backs and underneath.
You will have to use a mild household bleach solution.
About half a cup household bleach to a quart of water.
A good scrub of all unfinished wood is needed.
Leave the pieces to dry well. A bit of sun helps but lots of fresh air does too.
Leave any drawers out as long as possible.
When everything has super dried, spray all the bare wood with a product called "Fabreeze". They make one that says "for carpets and upholstered furniture". This is wonderful stuff.
And time is the best remedy of all so don't despair, the smell will leave. Wipe the remote with a bleach cloth too LOL.
Good Luck with this.
Regards
Eileen