How do I get rid of an odor in a dresser?

Question

I recently bought a DIY dresser from a store, brought it home, stained it and polyurethaned it. Now it stinks! I can't use it because the smell permeates the clothes! Does anyone know the easiest way to get rid of the smell? I aired it out in the sun last fall for about two weeks, and it still smells. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Wipe the inside of the drawers with a rag soaked in vinegar.
Then using another clean rag, soak a rag in vinegar for each drawer .
Put them in place and leave the rags for 48 hours or until they dry.
Then put a dryer fabric softener sheet to put a good smell in the drawers.
HTH

Answer 2

Someone else recommended charcoal to absorb odors .I have the perfect solution. It is a product called FRIDGE IT odor absorbers. It is a little purple cube with an activated carbon filter inside that is really great. It works so much better than baking soda and all those sprays. I'm not particulary fond of fragrances that just cover up odors and do nothing to get rid of them. Also, most have warning statements on them as eye irritants. Just put a couple of these odor absorbers in the drawers and close it for a day.. No messy pieces or carbon powder to worry about. The carbon filter in this product literally eliminates the odors and works for a long time. I use this product everywhere including my fridge and freezer and also under sinks, near trash, closets, drawers and have friends that use it on cat litter box and also diaper pails - it's that good. I really recommend it and it's not expensive. You can buy it in kitchen gadget sections in stores like walmart and linens and things. I also think camping world sells it. Definitely worth trying. It's the best product for any odors around the house.

Answer 3

Are you sure the odor is coming from the finish? That doesn't make sense. It should have dried out, by now. Another potential culprit is formaldehyde resins in the glue used to make particle board. Does the piece have particle board components? If so, can some of the, like a drawer box, be separated from the painted portion. If so. put that piece in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Place it in a warm area for 24 hours. Open the bag and smell. If that's the problem, call the store and complain. I'd demand my money back, if this is the case. Particle board may continue to out gas for years. Particle board looks like plywood, except from the edge. Plywood is made of thin layers, or plies, of wood, laid across at right angles. From the edge, one can see the layers. Particle board is just sawdust and glue. From the edges, this is evident.

Answer 4

Get a large bottle of mineral oil at WalGreens Pour some in a can and take a brush and coat the entire inside and outside and bottom of the drawers. That will seal the drawer wood and the odor will disappear. The oil will soak into the wood, so none will remain to stain your clothes. I do that on antiques and it works well.

I also seal the inside drawer runs and in fact the entire inside of the cabinet. Odor is gone. Its safe, convienent, inexpensive and will not harm a thing.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, the place where you bought the dresser should have given you better directions. Normally you would only stain or paint the "drawer fronts" to prevent this from happening. Other wise you would want to use a "water base" stain and top coat to minimize this from happening!

Your best bet would be.... just to SAND DOWN the product and just "seal it with a water base topcoat. Or leave it unfinished, after you've sanded down of course! :) Good luck

Answer 6

That is nasty!

There is a product on the market made from lava rock. The lava is shapped into little balls and enclosed in a mesh bag. The lava absorbes any odours. You put the bag into the drawers.

The way to clean the lava bag is to leave in the sunshine for a few hours. You might try a Wall mart or your local hardware type store.

Answer 7

well, use a clear paint over it to seal in the smell. then you can place cotton balls soaked with vanilla (for cooking) in the drawers and shut them overnight. This also works with coolers. It gives it a good smell. Then when you put your clothes in, place a dryer sheet, small poupurri bag, or scented soap bar in teh drawer. It will help.

Answer 8

A small amount of charcoal (not the kind with lighter fluid in it) will absorb the smell--but make sure to place it on a towel and not directly on the wood so it won't leave any residue to stain your clothing.

Answer 9

sprinkle the inside of the dresser with baking soda. let sit for a few days and empty it out and then wipe it out with a damp rag.... then, mix bleach and water (mild) and wipe out, let it dry and the smell should be gone...

Answer 10

Spray it with Febreze. If that doesn't work use some bleach and water.