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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Old Furniture Cleaning

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Expert: - 1/5/2008


Question

Furniture
I purchased a piece of furniture for my kitchen and I have a questions regarding cleaning it. It is old but have no reason to believe it is of any extreme value, I paid $300 for it. I really don't want to refinish it because I like the chipped worn look but it looks dirty and smells musty. I've cleaned it with a water/vinegar mix with not great results.

Thanks - Catherine

Answer
Hi Catherine
Nice to hear from you.
The entire cupboard looks to be painted..correct?
For this cleaning job I would use one of those heavy duty orange degreaser cleaners. Not the cheap stuff LOL
Here is the one I use
http://cleaningsupply.ca/chemicals_strippers.html
My first experience using this product was at our local community center as a volunteer cleaner in the kitchen.
It cuts through grease and grime so well, that its now the only cleaner I use in my home. Walls, floors, fridge, stove, cupboards even a greasy deep fryer. It does it all.
For your cupboard, use a fine steel wool pad as a scrubber.
Make sure you wash all unfinished wood areas including the back as this is where the smell will have absorbed.
Good Luck and great question.
Regards
Eileen
PS..I like the cupboard too.

Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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