Scotty Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Hi everyone, as you know from the other post I've acquired a vintage 1930s handbuilt house. I spent last evening stripping off all the papers and old lino (I know it's a shame but they were very smelly). Underneath the house shell has been made from packing crates. The builder worked for a local cigarette factory and obviously brought home some crates to build the house. The walls have cigarette info printed on them which I will photograph as it adds to the unique history of this house. Anyway back to the main query...... The builder didn't treat the wood from the crates in any way and just wallpapered over it - now it's stripped back I have 4 key issues. 1. It has had at some time woodworm and although I expect it has long gone I want to be on the safeside and treat it. 2. There are gaps in between the slates of the crate which will make wallpapering uneven so I want to fill it. 3. What shall I use to treat the wood before I wallpaper this time? 4. It's a bit smelly - any ideas for deodorising? All help appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLyn M. Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Hi Debbie! Hope I can answer some of these questions...I believe it was Holly who mentioned that Charcoal is good for removeing odors..Can this DH be put in a plastic trash bag or something like it?? Ron is making his Dh from scratch..just like building a real house and he's putting in plaster in between the wood for the walls..I've used Mod-Podge for a sealer on all my wood.It's water soluble and has no noxious fumes. As for wormwood..I don't know....but wait a minute and someone more knowlegable will come-along!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaC Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I've used fresh coffee grounds to remove smell from freezer after it was shut up for some time. worked great. I would tackle this job then move on to woodworm elimination 'in case' so they don't infest your home. I would ask your local Home Base or similiar about woodworm treating. caulking or plaster of paris would work to fill in gaps. good luck, LindaC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted March 20, 2011 Author Share Posted March 20, 2011 Thanks for the advice. I've bought a woodworm aerosol from the local DIY place and intend to give the house a spray tomorrow and leave it outdoors if the weather stays fine. It takes 2 days to dry. Now I've stripped out as much as I can, I've given the house a good scrub with hot soapy water and left it to dry in the garden, this has helped the smell a lot but I like the idea of using charcoal or coffee grains to help too. Do you think filling the gaps is better than covering with card/hardboard? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caseymini Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Debbie, there is also the possibility of fabric dryer sheets for the laundry helping with the smell. I have even used those on old books. It seems to work. Just put them inside and leave for a few days. In this case, I think that I would do the charcoal first and then, depending on the smell that you want to be left with, you could try the coffee or fabric sheets. Also, I have had some success with baking soda. It absorbs odors also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 ...the main query...I have 4 key issues. 1. It has had at some time woodworm and although I expect it has long gone I want to be on the safeside and treat it. 2. There are gaps in between the slates of the crate which will make wallpapering uneven so I want to fill it. 3. What shall I use to treat the wood before I wallpaper this time? 4. It's a bit smelly - any ideas for deodorising?...1. Treat the woodworm STAT! 2. You can use foamcore, scrapwood (the same thickness), cardboard or whatever to fill the gaps and smooth the surfaces, since... 3. you'll want to stain floors and anything else you want stained. Anything you want to paint or wallpaper you'll want to prime first, to keep acids naturally occuring in the wood from leaching into the papers or paint and turning it yellowish/ brown over time. 4. The fabric softener sheets are OK (I've not had a lot of luck using them), as is scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and rinsing with a chlorine bleach solution followed by a clear water rinse. I've had best results with activated charcoal, the stuff you buy at the pet shop to put in your aquarium filter. ...I believe it was Holly who mentioned that Charcoal is good for removeing odors..Can this DH be put in a plastic trash bag or something like it??...This holly recommends activated charcoal and pet shops sell it for aquarium filters. ...Do you think filling the gaps is better than covering with card/hardboard?I suggested filling the gaps first and then smoothing over the seams with polyfilla or drywall "mud" to make the surface smooth and even. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.