What is the best way to remove odors from antique dresser drawers?

Question

I have a dresser that has been stored for a long time in a basement the drawers have a musty smell. That I am afraid will
transfer to clothes I put in them. I would like some advise on how to remove the odor. Thanks Al

Answer 1

Lay out a paper towel and put a small mound of arm and hammer baking soda in the center and then use a bread rapper to wrap up the sides of the paper towel. Like making it into sort of an enclosed bag. Make one for each drawer. Place them in each drawer and repeat with fresh ones about every three days for about two weeks or longer if needed. These little bags of baking soda should soak up the odors pretty well.

Answer 2

Yes, rubbing wax or soap is the best bet. But if it is tight because someone painted it, and it wasnt originally, I would remove the paint. Ok, so its not painted? Then what has happened is that the wood has expanded because the air in your area is fairly humid. Its ok. Even a 1/32 of an inch difference will make a BIG difference. I've been doing woodwork for the last 15 years. So..... Pull the drawer all the way out, and if you cant, pull it out as far as it will go. Go grab some steel wool, 00 or 000. the 0's tell you how fine the wool is, the more the finer. Anyways, rub the steel wool on the rails. This will help to remove a very very slight amount of wood, between 1/64" and 1/32". Afterwards, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth, allow to fully dry, then apply some parafin wax along the rails. I prefer to use wax as it also helps to treat and preserve the wood and doesnt deposit any chemicals into it either. But no matter what, DONT use sandpaper. Most real woodworkers will tell you to not use sandpaper unless you are removing heavy amounts of wood.

Answer 3

DON'T USE ENZYMATIC CLEANSERS!!! Many enzymes will eat through any stain or varnish that the dresser has. I would try one of the baking soda boxes used in refrigerators. Put one in each drawer for a few weeks and see if that clears up any smell. Also might want to try taking the drawers out and leaving them out in a well lit room where the air can move through it to clear out the mustiness. But I doubt you will ever get rid of it completely.

Answer 4

I have heard that using layers of dry newpaper will remove musty odors from dresser drawers.

Answer 5

I have three ideas......

Place cheese cloth down, sprinkle ground up charcoal and close the drawer. Charcoal absorbs all.

Or place a few pieces of cedar wood in the drawers.

Rub the wood with linseed oil. It not only removes bad odors but it also is great for the preservation of the wood..."Great one!"

Answer 6

You can also buy aromatic cedar chips to place in the drawers. Try airing the unit out... pull the drawers out completely and let them set out in the clean air. Look for any signs of mold or mildew and gently clean them with mild soap and warm water then allow to completely dry.

Answer 7

I'd put sprigs of eucalyptus in them.if you want NO smell sprinkle in a good layer of baking soda.good luck

Answer 8

Well Big Al. Fart in them a few times and slam them shut.

Answer 9

try an enzymatic cleaner, the type ment for cleaning animal stains, like natures miriacal