How to Get Smells Out of Old Wood Furniture

Old wooden furniture can become infused with musty odors that are difficult to eradicate. Conventional deodorizing sprays are not always effective on wooden furniture and may be damaging to the surface of the wood. Fortunately, one of the easiest and most effective techniques for removing odors from wooden furniture only requires a few common household ingredients. The entire process should take about a week to complete, and once the odor is removed it will not return.

Medium bowl
White vinegar
Cloth
Baking soda
Dry coffee grounds
Large bowl

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a medium-sized bowl with 2 cups of hot water and 2 cups of white vinegar.
- 2
  Submerge a clean cloth in the mixture. Wring out the excess water, leaving the cloth very damp.
- 3
  Rub the entire surface of the furniture with the vinegar-soaked cloth. Move the cloth gently but firmly in small circles across the wood. Vinegar is an effective odor neutralizer and should be able to eradicate or at least significantly reduce the unwanted smell.
- 4
  Leave the furniture to air dry.
- 5
  Mix together 2 cups of baking soda and 2 cups of dry coffee grounds (fresh or used) in a large bowl.
- 6
  Sprinkle the grounds over the surface of the furniture and inside any drawers. Leave for at least three days. Coffee grounds and baking soda absorb odors, and they should extract any remaining scent from the furniture.
- 7
  Brush off the coffee ground mixture and move the furniture outside to air dry.

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