Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/6/2009

Question
We recently got a china hutch from my husband's grandfather which was in a vacant house for many years. The inside was covered with rat and mice droppings, and some time of splatter material on the back of where the drawers pull out from. I have cleaned it with basic wood furniture cleaning solution, but I am still some what wondering if there is anything else I can use to fully get the stains out, and if I can if it will be safe to use in our house?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Heather
Nice to hear from you.
Before I bring any old pieces of furniture into my house to use, I like to give all the unfinished areas (in drawers, inside cabinets etc. a wash with a household bleach solution.
Add 1/2 cup to a gallon of warm water or there abouts.
For stains you really want to remove that won't come out that way, there is nothing wrong with sanding them out. Thats on unfinished areas only of course (inside drawers etc).
I have a little palm sander for this. It really freshens the inside of drawers doing this.
Then follow with a bleach wipe as above.
This of course is safe to use in the home.
Great question
Regards
Eileen