How to get funky old smells out of antique dresser drawers?

Question

I bought two antique pieces from a barn furniture collector. The drawers smell old and funky. I cannot put anything in them because whatever goes in, comes out smelling like the drawers. What can be done, besides sachet packets? Been there, done that.

Answer 1

As someone who buys and sells old antiques I can help you with this one.  Take a slightly damp rag or microfiber cloth and put a bit of baking soda on it and wipe each drawer on the inside, allow to dry, and then take clean, crumpled newspaper and fill the drawers with and close them up for a day or more.  Open the drawers, remove the newspaper and vacuum ANY baking soda remaining.  If there is ANY stink left, repeat, but with newspapers only and let the drawers remain closed for a week.  Should be odorless.  If not, you may have some mold or fungus inside the drawers.  You can once again take a slightly dampened cloth from a gallon of water with 1-2 tablespoons, (NO MORE than that) and wipe the insides of the drawers and allow to air dry completely.  When I say slightly dampened, I mean just barely enough water to feel the cloth is DAMP, again with the crumpled newspapers.  Wipe the insides and outsides of the piece with a lint free cloth with some lemon oil.  DO NOT use this on the insides of drawers!   If you want you can also try some freshly ground coffee set in cups inside the drawers and closed for a week and toss the coffee grounds when done.  This should solve your problems easily!  Hope this helps you!  Good luck!

Answer 2

Put the whole baking soda box opened in each drawer and it is supposed to draw smells out.

Answer 3

Try dryer sheets.

And or , baking soda.