How do I get the smell of cigarette smoke out of a china hutch?

Question

I just bought it used from a couple that smoked in their home. It's thirty years old so it has thirty years worth of cigarette smoke odor in it. I've wiped all the wood down with PineSol and used Old English after it dried. I've also cleaned all the glass with an ammonia glass cleaner. I've even sprayed an air freshner inside of it. It still smells strongly of cigarette smoke everytime I open the glass door. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Try refinishing it, and use a sealer. The sealer should seal in the smell if it's soaked into the wood. Try talking to your local paint store. There are certain product made for things like this. I know Zinsser makes a product called Bin that works great for smoke damage and things like that. It's not a clear sealer though. I'm sure there is a clear sealer that may do the same thing.

Answer 2

Charcoal - I have the perfect solution. It is an unscented product called FRIDGE IT odor absorbers. It is a littler purple cube with an incredible activated carbon filter inside that is really, really, great. It works so much better than baking soda and all those sprays and fragrances that just cover up smells and doesn't get rid of them. Just place a couple of these small cubes in the hutch. The carbon literally absorbs and eliminates the odors and works for a long time. I use this product everywhere including car, storage, closets, my fridge and also under sinks, near trash and have friends that use it on cat litter box and also diaper pails - it's that good. I really recommend it. You can buy it in kitchen gadget sections in stores like walmart and linens and things. I also think camping world sells it. Definitely worth trying

Answer 3

Might sound silly but if you cut an onion in half and leave it face up inside it will help . but if you don´t think this will work try with some peppermint oil put some on a cotton cloth and leave inside. Sorry can´t be of much more help than that , would be a good idea to give the furniture as much fresh air as possible

Answer 4

There are spray odorants that counteract the cigarette smell.

Answer 5

Try soaking it in baking soda mixed with water. That usually removes strong smells.

Answer 6

Place a small cup of vinegar inside. It will absorb the smell.

Answer 7

I betcha an 'antique store' or just any furniture store could help you with some advise from your home town.Good luck!

Answer 8

have you tried using an oil burner? i have found that it will take away the smell and replace it with a better smell.

Answer 9

use baking soda to clean wood surfaces,clean glass if any,with ammonia

Answer 10

I would rub it down with linseed oil.