Collectibles-General (Antiques)/smelly cedar chest

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Expert: - 8/13/2007


Question
I cleaned out an old warehouse and came across this wonderful old cedar chest.  The only problem is old Avon cologne was packed in it.  It smells horrible. What in the world can I do?  I have had it on my sun porch in the sun for 2 weeks opened.  No improvement.  Thanks for a solution.

Answer
Hi Pam
Nice to hear from you.
Isn't it great to come accross these finds?
Its certainly better that avon was packed in the chest and not whiskey LOL
Seriously Pam, I suggest a very agressive sanding of the interior surfaces.
This is the procedure we use to get the cedar smell back and I hope this will take most of the perfume smell away as it restores the proper smell.
And some airing as you are doing is great too.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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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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