This past week I picked up an older dresser from an auction–nice shape overall, will be a nice project to re-finish. The problem, that I unfortunately did not detect at the auction as it was out in the open air on a breezy day, is that apparently this piece had been stored in the barn for years and has acquired the unmistakeable odor of cat urine. There is no obvious evidence that a cat urinated directly on the piece (stains), but perhaps on a blanket/tarp covering the piece? At any rate, does anyone have good advice as to how I might “pull” this odor out of the wood? A second quick question is in regard to the joinery used on the drawers–I’ll describe it as best I can–the drawer sides have a “rounded” (half-moon) profile cut all the way down the side and the front has the matching profile cut in it to accept the side, along with a small, round, through “pin” that is centered in each of the half-moons. Really neat-looking, and very tight fit–just unfamiliar with this joinery. Is this style unique to a particular time period/style, and does it increase the value of the piece (the cat odor nonwithstanding:))? Thanks to all who respond!
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Replies
Stever ,
The drawer jointery you describe sounds to me like what is called "pins and scallops " the era would be similar to machine made dovetails . They are a beautiful thing to look at, but probably add no more value than dovetails would. As far as the odor , since you mentioned this being a good project to re-finish , perhaps the smell will vanish from the stripping and washing process.
good luck dusty
Stever,
I don't know about "pulling" the odor out but you can eliminate (seal it in) with a couple coats of shellac.
Regards,
Tim
"WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"
Stever,
How big is your kitty's litterbox?
Diluted household bleach and good air circulation plus strong sunlight out doors
Rats do that all the time PHEW! Steinmetz
In the defense of felines, the odor isn't from a cat but rather from the lack of one.
The smell you're describing is very common and is caused by mice that nest in clothes that were stored away in the drawers. If the piece sat for years in a barn or an attic the problem could get pretty bad as the dresser became a mouse condominium. The odor will be concentrated in the drawers but the whole piece can be permeated by the scent.
If you look closely at the piece you'll probably find a small chewed wider opening in the back panel or the bottom panel where the mice got into the piece to set up housekeeping.
The most effective solution is to take the dresser to a fire and water damage restoration company and have them treat it with ozone. You could also try to scrub out the drawers with soapy water and then air them out in direct sunlight for several days, followed by sealing all of the interior surfaces of both the drawers and the carcass with a coat or two of shellac.
The scallop and pin drawer joints are frequently found in manufactured furniture and while attractive, they are are fairly common and don't usually add to the value of a piece.
John W.
I've used a product sucessfully to neutralize odors called smells be gone. It works great for getting rid of smoke odors and electrical fire odors from car interiors. Don't ask..........
If it can get rid of the burnt plastic smell from the interior of a truck, it's worth a try.
One of the guys over at Breaktime swears by apple cider vinegar.
I've heard a bowl of vanilla works well too, but haven't had the chance to try it.
Stever,
Your local pet store will have a product for removing urine odors from carpet, supposed to be effective because it uses enzymes to neutralize the smell. Might be worth a try...Baking soda is the old standby, buy a couple boxes and sprinkle liberally in all the drawers.
Re: the shellac; if you can get it, gum benzoin as an additive to shellac was supposedly the reason for the good smell that well cared for furniture sometimes has. It's kind of a spicy, aromatic scent, but by itself I would'nt count on it to cover urine odor.
Regards,
Ray
We use "Simple Solution" Cat Spray & Urine Stain & Odor Remover. Should work on mouse urine, too. It's been very effective on the things I've tried it on (please don't ask). Got it at a local pet store.
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