We were recently given an old dresser. When we opened the drawers, there was an old, musty smell that won't go away. I took each drawer out and put them on the floor last night and the smell has subsided. Not sure if it will come back when the drawers go back in place. We'll be putting our child's clothes in the dresser and I'm worried the clothes will smell from the scent of the drawers.
I've heard of remedies such as charcoal, baking soda and kitty litter. What worked for you?
Thanks.
I'd air them out for a day or two, then put either a dryer sheet or, like Carrie said, lavendar satchels.
Put baking soda in them... Just a box in the middle drawer should do it.
You can get scented drawer liner papers... those will also help.
LBC
lavender satchels. i always used to have those as a kid.....also bounce drier sheets.
When my DD was born, my grandmother gave us a dresser and like you it had that "smell". I sprinkled baking soda in each of the drawers and let it sit for a few days, then I dumped it out. After that I put in scented drawer liners and that did the trick. Good Luck
I recently saw these yummy, but subtle, smelling "moisture absorbers" at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They are a gel based product. I would put one in one of the drawers also to help freshen and absorb some of the smells.
I also concur with the sunshine and baking soda remedies:)
Febreze seems to work for every stink under the sun.
My sister always puts sliced apples in the drawers and lets them dry out. She says it removes tobacco smell and that old musty smell too.
If you can, set the dresser and drawers outside to get some fresh air for a couple of days. When you bring it back in, put a bounce sheet in each drawer.
I tried all of those things including soap and charcoal. the only thing that worked for us was shellac we painted the inside of the drawers as well as the inside shell with a clear shellac and after 2 years of trying everything else this is the only thing that worked! good luck
I've heard that a product called Fresh Wave helps. I think this may be the " moisture absorber" Christy J. is talking about. You can buy it at any hardware store.
