Replies

1. 
   fussy | Sep 14, 2007 07:16am | #1

   Cover it with a couple coats of shellac.  That'll fix it

   There are two secrets to keeping one's wife happy.

   1.  Let her think she's having her own way.

   2.  Let her have her own way. President  Lyndon Baines Johnson

1. 
   Libraryroom | Sep 14, 2007 05:17pm | #4

   Thank you for the advice. I will try it!

1. 
   BilljustBill | Sep 16, 2007 05:53am | #11

   Before the sunshine and the sealer, try spraying the wood with the odor controller called "Oust".   Grocery store or Home Depot carries the spray cans for $4.

   'Seems to take apart the odor and break it down.

     Bill

1. 
   Gretchen | Sep 16, 2007 03:15pm | #12

   Air and time. That is all. And it won't be long.Gretchen

2. 
   BobSmalser | Sep 14, 2007 08:00am | #2

   I'd add lots of sunlight and air before the shellac.

   “When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think...that a time is to come when those (heirlooms) will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See! This our father did for us.’ “ --John Ruskin.

1. 
   Libraryroom | Sep 14, 2007 05:18pm | #5

   Thank you for the advice. I will take your advice and try it.

3. 
   Steinmetz | Sep 14, 2007 08:50am | #3

   Rent an Ozone generator Google up OZONE GENERATOR

   
   

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   Edited 9/17/2007 11:17 pm ET by Steinmetz

4. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 14, 2007 10:54pm | #6

   I do not know about moth balls but I would try this.

   Get some fresh ground coffee and put some in each drawer and seal it up the best you can. Big plastic bag or something or just close the drawers as tight as possible and let it sit for a few days.

   BUT, if it works the dresser may smell of Coffee fer' awhile!

   EDIT: I forgot. I do not remember the brand names but there are products that you can put in a car or some other place that absorb odors. A jar of 'goo' you open and put it inside the car or whatever.

   Some are scented and others just absorb odors. 3 or 4 bucks a jar. Works for me. I'm a smoker and hate the smell in my car. Works for smoke and may work for the moth balls. Who knows. Not very expensive and just may work. Good luck!

   Edited 9/14/2007 4:01 pm by WillGeorge

   
   

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   Edited 9/14/2007 4:02 pm by WillGeorge

1. 
   Libraryroom | Sep 15, 2007 03:21am | #7

   Thank you for the advice!

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Sep 15, 2007 03:26pm | #8

   I wonder if baking soda/powder as is used in refrigerators might help.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

5. 
   saschafer | Sep 15, 2007 07:10pm | #9

   I think your first method was the best--all you need is air and time. Take the drawers out and leave them where they can get plenty of air circulation. The smell should be gone within a month or two.

   -Steve

    

6. 
   BruceT999 | Sep 16, 2007 02:32am | #10

   Moth balls are made of a waxy and toxic chemical called paradichlorobenzene which gradually sublimates away, producing vapors that kill any moth eggs or larvae in the clothes. Dispersed in the air, the vapors are harmless, so airing the drawers out is safe and will eventually get rid of the odor. Trying to bury it with shellac would not be a good idea.

   You might be able to accelerate the process by wiping the inside surfaces of the drawers with a rag wet with toluene or xylene.

   BruceT
7. 
   PanBroil | Sep 16, 2007 06:54pm | #13

   I wouldn't set an antique mahogany dresser in the sun as somebody else suggested.

1. 
   user-223562 | Sep 17, 2007 05:06am | #14

   You could apply a home made version (simply because it is much much cheaper) of Cramer's antique wood preserver.

   The formula is "equal parts of turpintine, white vinegar, and boiled linseed oil.   Mix thoroughly at first.   Then after it sets for a few minutes or so it needs to be shaken again to keep it mixed.   Some people find the smell offensive so leave your piece of furniture in a shop with good air circulation or outside in dry weather.   It will take a couple days to a week for the smell to wear down.   Then you will have a well preserved piece of antique wood that does not smell like moth balls.

   To apply,(use rubber gloves)  simply soak a cloth and rub in lavishly.  Soak the wood while rubbing it down.   Let soak a couple minutes and wipe off completely.   If the wood is very dried out, it will soak in the "nector" that it needs.   Wipe of the rest until it shows no wetness.

   NOTE:  You can also use this same solution and a "0000" steel wool pad to refinish furniture that has been obused.  It really brings the finish of the wood  back to life.  Sort o like Formby's Antique Restorer product works.   Good luck.

    

1. 
   saschafer | Sep 17, 2007 05:10am | #15

   "Then you will have a well preserved piece of antique wood that does not smell like moth balls."

   Important safety tip: Never use oil inside a cabinet or drawer. It smells horrible over time. You will be reminded of your error every time you open it.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   user-223562 | Sep 17, 2007 05:16am | #16

   Thanks for your timely advise.   I haven't given that any thought.   Obviously I haven't used any of the pieces I have treated that way. (I sold them all).   Will absolutely abstain from that practice starting now.   Thanks again.