Trash to Treasure: Musty drawers - AmericaNowNews.com

Trash to Treasure: Musty drawers

Flea markets are a great source for finding antiques at bargain prices, but sometimes you get more than you bargained for! A common problem with buying old trunks and chests of drawers is the smell of mildew that often forms on the inside. But the solution is quite simple.

Francesca de la Flor is one of the country's leading antique dealers and has the "must-do" tips for getting rid of musty drawers.

"Sometimes you'll find a wonderful piece at a flea market," says Francesca. "Beautiful inlay. Wonderful detail. You'll open a drawer, and the aroma will be horrendous. It'll be moldy and smelly and you certainly won't want to put anything in it."

But don't despair! Francesca says all you need is some lavender.

"You can find it anywhere," she says. "Put it in the drawer and by the time this lavender dries out, your drawer will smell wonderful."

Other mildew-odor-killing tricks of the trade include:

  • Washing the drawers with fresh squeezed lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Wetting the drawers in the hot sun for a minimum of eight hours.
  • Placing an apple slice inside a drawer until it dries.

Follow these simple tips, and your musty drawers will go from stinky trash to delightful treasure!

Copyright 2012 America Now. All rights reserved.

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