How to Deodorize Antiques

Antique dresser

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Antiques, whether handed down from a family member or purchased at a yard sale, can be beautiful additions to your home. Of course, they can get that old musty smell. You can deodorize antiques easily and it doesn't take much work on your part.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Oil of wintergreen
Liquid fabric softener
Wash cloth
Piece of charcoal
Linseed oil
Lacquer or shellac
Bread
Vinegar

Step1

Rub some oil of wintergreen sparingly inside the antique item. When the smell of the oil of wintergreen is gone, the musty odor should be gone as well.

Step2

Take some liquid fabric softener as an alternative, pour a little onto a wash cloth and rub the inside of the antique.

Step3

Consider that another alternative to minimize odors is to place a piece of charcoal in the antique.

Step4

Use this method as a last resort. Apply some boiled linseed oil to the inside of the antique and let it air dry. Then, use some lacquer or shellac and paint it over the area with a brush.

Tips & Warnings

These tips work best for antique chest, drawers or dressers.
To deodorize an antique box or trunk, soak a piece of bread in vinegar and put it in the box or trunk for about 10 hours (or a little longer).