Patrice, one of my sisters is an antiques finder/collector, and her secret to the "stink" is lots of time, and lots of newspapers (she says the ink will absorb the smell) and I guess it works. I collect sewing machines, and like you say, they can sometimes smell bad (but I was mostly aware of the cabinets and carrying cases). One of the ladies mentioned outside in the sun and air for a few days and that might work, but I can't tell where you are located. It might be too cold or wet to leave it outside for any extended amount of time. Anyway, I agree with you about the Brother--I have one that looks a lot like it and I can remember it being a good sewer. Good luck, keep us posted.