Lance Carson
Antique dressers are often passed down through families or purchased from antique shops, but they can sometimes emit a strong, musty smell. This smell can be caused by perfume, mildew, cigarette smoke, or simply old age. While some people may not mind the scent, others may wish to remove it before storing their clothing in the dresser. There are several methods to remove odours from antique dressers, ranging from natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda to more unconventional approaches like onions and incense.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | 8-24 hours or several days |
| Materials | Baking soda, vinegar, onion, soap, kitty litter, charcoal, incense, bleach, vodka, shellac |
| Steps | Remove drawers, air out, sprinkle baking soda, wipe down, spray vinegar, place bowls of baking soda in drawers, vacuum |
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What You'll Learn
Use baking soda
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that neutralises acidic odours. It is an effective way to minimise odours and has been used to neutralise odours for generations. To use baking soda to remove perfume stink from an antique dresser, follow these steps:
First, clean the dresser. Use a shop vac, a coarse-bristle brush broom, or a vacuum cleaner with an attachment to get rid of any dirt, debris, or flaking paint. If you are using a vacuum cleaner with an attachment, make sure to empty the canister immediately after cleaning.
Next, prepare the baking soda. You can place a small cup filled with baking soda in each drawer, or sprinkle baking soda directly into the drawers, making sure to get into the corners. If you are placing cups of baking soda in the drawers, close the drawers and let the baking soda absorb the odours for a few days. If you are sprinkling baking soda directly into the drawers, let it sit for at least 24 hours before vacuuming it up.
If you are using a cup of baking soda, you can also try placing the entire drawer into a large garbage bag and sealing it for a few days. This will help to contain the perfume stink and prevent it from escaping into the room.
For very stubborn smells, baking soda may not work on its own. In this case, you can try combining it with other odour-fighting ingredients such as vinegar or essential oils.
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Try vinegar
Vinegar can be used to remove perfume odours from antique dressers. Firstly, it is important to clean the dresser to get rid of any dirt, debris, or flaking paint. A shop vac, coarse-bristle brush broom, or vacuum cleaner with an attachment can be used for this purpose.
Once the dresser is clean, a thick layer of baking soda should be sprinkled over the affected area. After 8-10 hours, the baking soda can be wiped away with a damp sponge. This process will help to absorb any liquid perfume and remove residue.
Next, pour some vinegar into a spray bottle and screw on the lid. Spray the surface of the dresser with the vinegar solution. The vinegar will help to neutralise any remaining odours and deodorise the dresser.
It is important to note that vinegar may not be suitable for all surfaces and may cause discolouration or damage. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first. Additionally, proper ventilation is crucial when working with vinegar to avoid inhaling fumes.
Another method that can be used in conjunction with vinegar is to place bowls of vinegar in the dresser drawers and leave them to sit in open air. This will help to absorb mild odours. For stronger odours, a combination of vinegar and baking soda can be used.
While vinegar can be effective in removing perfume odours, it may not completely eliminate all traces of the scent, especially if the perfume has soaked into the wood for an extended period. In such cases, a combination of cleaning methods may be necessary to fully refresh the antique dresser.
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Air it out
Airing out your antique dresser is a great first step to removing any unwanted perfume odours. It is important to act quickly, as the longer the perfume has to soak into the dresser, the more difficult the odour will be to remove.
Firstly, remove all drawers from the dresser and place them in a well-ventilated area. If possible, leave them outside in the fresh air overnight. If you are unable to leave them outside, place them in a room with an open window.
Next, you will need to deodorize the dresser. There are a few different methods you can try. One option is to use baking soda. Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the affected areas, making sure to rub it into the corners. Leave the baking soda on the dresser for eight to ten hours, or even a few days if the smell is particularly strong. Then, use a damp sponge to wipe the baking soda away. Rinse the sponge after every two swipes to remove any leftover perfume or residue.
Another option is to use vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and lightly mist the entire interior of the dresser. Leave the dresser to air out overnight. You can also try placing a bowl of vinegar inside the dresser, although some people prefer to use bowls of baking soda for this method instead.
Finally, if you are happy that the dresser has been sufficiently aired out and deodorized, you can return the drawers to the dresser.
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Use an onion
Onions are a great natural way to eliminate odours and bacteria. The sulfuric compounds in onions absorb and neutralise the smell. Here is a step-by-step guide to using an onion to remove the perfume stink from your antique dresser:
First, clean the dresser with a damp cloth and a mild household cleaner, and let it dry. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any superficial oxidised old varnish, going with the wood grain. Next, cut an onion in half and place each half in a small bowl. Place the bowls in the drawers of your antique dresser and close the drawers. Leave the onion in the dresser for 24 hours. The onion will remove the musty perfume smell, but it will leave behind its own strong odour. To remove the onion smell, place a bowl of baking soda in the dresser. This should neutralise the onion odour and any remaining perfume smell.
You can also try other methods to remove the smell of perfume from your antique dresser. One option is to place a bowl of vinegar in the dresser and let it sit in open air to absorb the odour. Another method is to spread baking soda all over the drawers and let it sit in the sun for a week. You can also try using an odour-blocking primer like BIN Shellac Primer to seal the wood and trap the smell.
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Seal with shellac
If you're looking to remove a strong perfume smell from an antique dresser, sealing the wood with shellac is a viable option. Wood is porous, so the bacteria that cause odours can become embedded in the material. Sealing the wood prevents smells from escaping.
Before applying shellac, clean the dresser as best you can. You might want to try a light sanding if the dresser needs it. Then, apply the shellac. It doesn't matter what kind of shellac you use, or how you apply it—spray, brush, or wipe it on. Dewaxed shellac will also work.
However, it's worth noting that shellac has a strong odour of its own, which some people find unpleasant. If you're looking for a natural alternative, linseed oil seals well and has a more pleasant smell.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods you can try. Firstly, remove any remaining liquid perfume by sprinkling a thick layer of baking soda over the area and leaving it for 8-10 hours. Then, wipe the baking soda off with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge after every two swipes. You can also try using an odour-eliminating spray like Febreeze or a scented candle to replace the stench with something more bearable.
You can try airing out the dresser by opening all the doors and drawers and leaving the item by a window for a few days. Another method is to place an unsealed sandwich bag of soap, such as Dial Mountain Fresh, in the drawers and leave it for a few days. You can also try using dryer sheets, but these will lose their smell after a few days.
Yes, you can try using natural deodorizers such as onions, fresh litter, or vinegar. However, these methods may not be as effective as other options.
