Expert: Kirk Ryan - 8/25/2009

Question
I bought a new dining room table about 2 years ago and it still has a terrible odor.  It makes the whole room smell terrible.  The dealer that I purchased from has closed and I just don't know what to do about this.  Hopefully you can help me.

Answer
I'm not sure what type of wood the table is made out of, but you can try to buy a conditioner or an oil that is made for it. Sometimes the oils have scents to them. I think that after oiling the table a few times it should penetrate and hopefully get the odor out.

I have heard that furniture that has been in fire or smoke damaged homes tends to hold odors for a while. Those units usually need to be fully oiled inside and all to get those strong odors out. Some people try leaving arm and hammer deodorizers in drawers or under furniture. But its a little trickier with a table.  

Remember when oiling try to stay with the grain and put the oil onto a rag never directly apply to the table. After you have oiled the table, use a separate dry rag or cloth and wipe the table down completely. I wouldn't recommend over oiling the table, probably best if you only do it once every two weeks. After the smell is gone, you really only need to oil furniture twice a year. Some people barely do it once a year.   :-/   Best of luck to you.