Cleaning Musty Antique Furniture

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    Removing Odors



    • Removing that old musty smell from antique furniture can be difficult if you want to preserve original look of the furniture and maintain the value. Obviously this is not one of those times that you can just throw it in the wash. Because of the delicate nature of antique cloth, it is best avoid most commercial cleaning products.

      The best and safest method for removing odors is by simply covering the fabric liberally in baking soda. For the best results leave the baking soda on the furniture overnight and then gently vacuum it off in the morning. If the smell is still there you can repeat this step. It's more than likely that there may still be a faint smell and if that is the case, a light misting of Febreze is safe to use on antique furniture. This product should take care of any leftover smell.

    Cleaning Wood

    • Most modern cleaning products can strip the finish of antique wood. It is best to use a soft rag for dusting. Ideally a polishing cloth for jewelry or leather would be best. If the wood is in need of more intense cleaning, furniture wax can be used to buff and shine. If there is any kind of sticky residue, lemon juice can be used to spot treat those areas. The citrus from the lemon alone, should be strong to to break up anything sticky. If you need extra help, a toothbrush should should be strong enough to break up goo and gentle enough not to scratch the wood.

    Brass and Leather

    • For both brass and leather a soft buffing rag for jewelery or leather should be enough. However if your furniture is in need of a deeper cleaning, a small amount of leather conditioner or "saddle soap" is gentle enough to clean antique leather. It should also be strong enough to remove any excess residue.

      Brass can be shined up with baking soda mixed with a small amount of water just so it's thick enough to make a paste.

      After both the brass and leather have dried, buff them back into to their top condition with a soft jewelery or leather cloth.

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