How can I clean an old trunk?

Question

I just received an old trunk and it is really dirty.  It looks like one of those old pirate chests with the rounded top and metal strips with the pointed fancy looking ends.  The base material is wood with the metal support braces and a metal latch.  I am not interested in restoring it as it appears way too far gone to save it.  It is in really rough shape with some holes in the sides and it is absolutely filthy.  It was left in an abandoned building for years, then an old barn, and it has been sitting outside on a covered porch for about a year lately.  I actually only want it to use as a potato box so I just need to get it clean but I am afraid that trying to spray it with water would deteriorate it even more.  Do any of you guys have ideas on how to get it clean enough that it could sit in my kitchen...just so it doesn't look so nasty?

bob · Accepted Answer

A stiff brush and lots of wax

Mabe · Answer

A blow dryer on high setting or using an air tank, or sand blaster.  Depending on how bad it is.

Jaime · Answer

Use water and old pieces of cloth.  Water shouldn't harm it and water is a wonderful cleaner.  Use wet pieces of cloth, but not dripping pieces so that water doesn't pool on the trunk.  Or you could use paper towels instead of cloth.

If the trunk is very dirty, you might need to clean it two or three times because the dust and dirt can form little lint balls as you clean, but eventually you'll get it clean with just water.  And water is very gentle and safe.

Anonymous · Answer

It might actually be worth something as it is, antique value.  Maybe best to leave it alone and try and sell it and use the money to buy something more suitable.

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How can I clean an old trunk?

4 Answers