I have oak wooden cupboards in my laundry room. There was a fire and a lot of smoke damage which didn't actually damage the cupboards. We were able to clean them perfectly, but a heavy smoke smell is still present. Any ideas as to what I might try next?
We have painted the inside to try and help get rid of the smell. I have used dishes of vinegar and water sitting in the laundry room which has helped reduce the smell, but not get rid of it totally.
By Laurie from Ottawa, Ontario
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Have you tried lightly sanding them?
Hi, I would try wadding up newspaper and putting it in the cupboards overnight. Newspaper works in stinky shoes, musty trunks, so it may work in the cupboards. Won't cost you a penny, so it is worth a try. Hope it works, Dorothy
Try setting a bowl of charcoal on each shelf for about a week. Charcoal absorbs odor. You may also try bowls of kitty litter that is made from clay.
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How does one get the smell of smoke out of a cupboard? Smoke had swirled in it for about five minutes before it was discovered. We have placed baking soda in it, with minimal difference.
Bruce from St. Paul, MN
Try a bowl of vinegar and let sit inside or old coffee grounds. Both are known to eliminate odors and smells. (02/01/2006)
By Angelique
My friend buys Glade candles and burns them once or twice then puts then in her cupboards. Everytime you open the door you have a great smell. Hope this helps. (02/02/2006)
By Katie
The best way that I have found to do that, is to either crush a charcoal briquette or just buy a box of activated charcoal from the fish/pet store and sprinkle it right on the shelf or put it on the shelf in a small container (w/out the lid). Leave it in until the smell is gone. If it is particularly strong, you may want to change the charcoal every 3-4 days. It gets nearly every odor out of nearly everything (even the dreaded burnt popcorn in the microwave, though it takes a few times). (02/02/2006)
Spray vinegar or vinegar water on the surface and let dry, no wiping needed. When dry the vinegar spell goes away. This works for many odors and on many surfaces. (02/02/2006)
By Barbie