I have an antique dresser with the old, old smell. I just can't live with it. Any ideas on how to remove the smell?
Sandy in Mpls.
I would do one of two things, on a piece of cotton soaked in ammonia, placed on a bit of tin foil so it doesn't soak through, place it in each drawer to absorb the smells. Or you can try baking soda, sprinkle it on some tin foil (so you don't have to try to "sweep" it up. Let set for 24 hours. Good luck!! (02/11/2005)
By Diana
Place little bowls of bleach in each drawer and on top. Change it after about 3 days.
If this doesn't help, I've heard cat litter takes some odors out. (02/11/2005)
By Beverly
Try putting unused coffee grounds in either bowls or on newspaper in all the drawers for a day or two.
It works for truckers.
Rose (02/11/2005)
By rose
I have used kitty litter (the clumping kind) to get the coffee smell out of coffee containers. It really works. Probably would work for musty smells. (02/11/2005)
By GayCarolyn
Vinegar may do the trick.The vinegar smell will go away once dry, you may have to repeat a few times. Otherwise I would try using Lysol spray. You may have to spray a lot but if there is any mold spores this should kill them thus killing the smell.
If it's raw wood you could rub the interior and the exterior down with lemon or orange oil. Then once the smell is gone you may need to wipe out the drawers really well or you may have to line the drawers before inserting clothes after the smell is gone, but if you use paper that is waxy on one side, put wax side up, or use shelf liner then any oil residue left won't get on your clothes. Just a thought. (02/11/2005)
By Barbie
All the previous suggestions are really good. I have also heard that if you put crumpled up newspaper in each drawer, that will remove the smell, too. Put a lot in, not just a few clumps. (02/12/2005)
By Nativegirl
I'm assuming that the dresser is solid wood since it is antique. I suggest using Murphy's Oil Soap (be sure to check a small area to determine that it will not cause damage) on the outside. http://www.murphyoilsoap.com
Be careful of using anything that has oil or soaks the drawers, as the residue may damage whatever you store later. I use two bars of scented soap in each of my drawers to keep the wood scent at bay.
Good luck! (02/17/2005)
By Karen
Charcoal put in paper bags and inserted in the drawers should remove the smell. I have used charcoal many times for odor removal. (02/20/2005)
By meforester
Go to Mother Nature. Take out the drawers and put the whole thing outside on a sunny day. Leave it out for several hours. If the odor remains when you bring it back in, try either the kitty litter or the charcoal. They both work as well. (09/19/2007)
By julez2u
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