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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Odor in Furniture
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Question
Hello,
I have recently acquired a lovely oak sideboard which belonged to my mother. She kept in one of the drawers birthday cake candles and books of matches, for many years. Now the smell of the matches is evident whenever any of the drawers/doors is opened. Do you have any suggestions on how I might try to clean/mask/diminish this odor? Stripping and refinishing is not an option.
Thanks,
Twila Peck
Hi Twilla
Nice to hear from you.
This smell should not take much to get rid of.
First try a few fabric softener sheets.
Leave them in a few days.
If that fails, mix some household bleach..5 parts water to one part bleach and wash the interior of the sideboard.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen
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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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