I've wiped it down with bleach on the inside and yesterday was going to Kilz the inside, but stopped as I didn't want to mess with the peices integrity. Are there any sure fire ways to get the odor out? It makes the whole room smell bad. I guess I could put a clear varnish on it? Would the odor eventually come thru? Thanks in advance, will check in soon.

If it is mildew, painting the drawers and inside wood with cheap white vinegar could help, and allow to dry naturally. (Might try it on one drawer to begin with, to check results) Mildew/molds are killed by acids, and that is the beauty of straight vinegar, as a mildewcide.

And if nothing else works a polyurethane will seal the wood, depends on any antique value lost. But to me, a piece that stinks, really has no useful value.

Well, all I know is what NOT to do. A few years ago we bought a nice buffet and it smelled musty. I put cinnamon sticks in the drawers and some cinnamon candles in the doors and now it's sickening sweet. My plan is to empty it out, wipe it down and put newspapers down with lots of baking soda on them, leave it for a few weeks and see if it's better. wish me luck!

What about a mild solution of TSP? I do have some of that around here. Conrad, what say you? thanks peeps!

Years ago on one of HGTV's shows, it was said to wipe with a cloth dampened with Vodka. Use a cotton sway to get into corners and right angles.

I can't say that I have tried it. It was an antique dealer guest that was telling how to do that.

HTH

Check the other thread? Plain aerosol Lysol spray might be a good start too.

TSP is a great cleaner/degreaser but I cannot see it helping much here? I have also heard of using Vodka for some odor clearing, but on textiles. Again the alcohol might kill off any fungus just as acidic things keep it from growing. (Vinegar does not get moldy for example)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: conrad,

Should have made it clear, the vodka was to be used on the inside only.

I have also heard of crumpled up newspapers. Also coffee grounds in a bowl, closed up in a cabinet or drawers.

Conrad, I'm going to need the Vodka if I can't get the smell out. I'm going to be doing this today...it's going to be Sunny and 50.

LOL, as you mentioned enough of the Vodka you won't worry about anything...including any odor from your armoire!

Actually if it were me, (trying the alcohol) I would just use 91 percent rubbing alcohol from the pharmacy or denatured alcohol from the hardware store, rather than the more expensive, drinkable stuff. Are you going to paint it on with a brush, or spray it with a small pump sprayer?

Did you ever try the aerosol spray Lysol? We had an area where the water meter leaked, and I sprayed that area of carpet really well for a couple of days and the odor disappeared.

I heard that dryer sheets left inside will also work or charcoal. I tried the dryer sheets underneath an upholstered couch with wire under the cushions. I laid the dryer sheets all over the wire but I think the horsehair was just beyond any help. It looked pretty with the new slip covers but I never could get the smell completely out.Salvation Army won it and it looked pretty but smelled bad when you sat on it.

My brother is slowly cleaning out our mother's house getting ready for new paint, carpet, etc. before he moves in. I think he's found a bushel basket full of dryer sheets spread throughout her old house.

it's a lost cause....i'm going to have to get rid of it. I went back up to the room it was in and the odor still lingers. The armoire/wardrobe is still out in the garage. It's not going back inside.

Thanks for the feedback and responses on this post.

I was wondering if you sprinkled bath salts all over and closed it up for a few days and then swept them up, if that may work.