Moth Balls - how can I get rid of the foul smell?

[Rhiannon]

I have some inherited furniture which stinks of moth balls. I took it all outside on the few warm days we had last summer to try and air it but it's still smells awful.

I ended up putting it all in the garage because I couldn't stand it but now it's back in the house as the garage is being knocked down! Help what can I do!

Just a thought. If it looks as though it could fetch something on the antiquarian/auction scene, have someone round to value it, then casually remark on the pong and ask what they would recommend to get rid of it. Where are those BBC2 "Tricks of the Trade" programmes when you need them?

Instructions on how to get rid of the smell of mothballs is just the sort of thing you'd find in one of those old housewives tips book. A browse round an antiquarion bookseller ( the shop not the person!) might yield success.

Alternatively find a shop selling vintage textiles, eiderdowns, clothing etc and ask there.

Failing that, buy the stongest musk oil you can get and sprinkle liberally. Should at least change the smell and encourage some passionate moments on the said furniture!