I've inherited a chest of drawers and matching bureau from my mother. The interior and drawers stink. I'm at a loss as to what the odor is much less how to get rid of it.
The odor reminds me of Estee Lauder's Youth Dew perfume with a sharp vinegary overtone. I've tried cedar eggs, mothballs, potpourri, bleach, and fabric softener (liquid and dryer sheets).
Does anyone have any idea what might work to kill the odor? I'm handicapped and on a limited budget, so I could really use a great home remedy that is very easy to use. Thank you in advance for any suggestions!
By Susan from Brentwood, NY
Try cleaning the inside of the drawers with Murphy's Oil Soap which leaves a nice scent behind. In a large bowl use about 1/4 to 1/2 capful of the liquid with warm water. Dip your cleaning rag in the water, wring it out and wipe away inside and out.
I would try to polycoat the inside of the drawers if they are natural, if they are painted I would repaint them. This should "seal the odor in" as opposed trying to remove it.
I've used the sun to get rid of odors from a trunk. Just place in strong sunlight. Don't let the furniture get wet at all and check often so the finish will stay OK. I have also read that charcoal, crumbled newspapers, and cat litter help.
I know this sounds silly but it works! Pour fresh (unused) kitty litter in the drawers. Wait a few days and the odor will be gone. I used this technique to remove odors from wooden cheese boxes.
PS keep the cats away while waiting or you will have a bigger issue! Sherielu
Put an open small bag of charcoal that you grill with in the drawers and forget about it for about a week or longer. Amazingly the charcoal will absorb the orders then throw them away.
Place a slice of lemon on a saucer or bicarbonate of soda in the drawer and it will absorb the odor.
This works every time! Line the drawers with a couple sheets of newspaper and put 1/2 cup unused coffee grounds over the paper. Shut the drawers for a week. Voila! No more odor.
Last month I bought a dresser for my guest bedroom. It was cheapish, particle board. My guests were here for 4 days. They had to wash their clothes everyday because of the horrible smell in the drawers. I tried vinegar, baking soda, borax, charcoal, and putting them outside. Nothing works.
Please help!
There is a product called Nok-Out. You have to saturate the particle board. Compare the price to what you paid for the dresser to see if it is worth it to you.
Hi,
I would mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into teo cups of water. Then I would wipe the drawers and surfaces with this solution. Leave until dry. The rag should be wet with the vinegar water solution but not dripping wet. This should take care of the smell.
----Robyn
Did you buy it new? If so, it may be formaldehyde, which is almost impossible to remove. You can try letting them sit out in the sun on a warm, dry day (for a few days), but I have never had luck with this. You may want to return it to the store and ask for a refund. Perhaps if enough people fuss, they will stop using this on furniture. Good luck!! Post back what you decide/learn!
my first impression is that it is in fact either formaldehyde, or that the glue inherent in the particle board at some point rotted out and gives off an offensive smell.
I have heard this happening with indoor paint where either the pigment or the fluid rots and stinks everything up
a third option is that it did develop rot or mould inside the particle board part itself
either way your only option is to throw the piece of furniture in the garbage or try to get your money back
If this is worth it to you to spend $35.00 or so, you can rent an ozinator machine at one of the local equipment rental places. Put the piece of furniture in a closet or small room, like a bathroom (that you won't need to use for 12 or more hrs), with the ozinator overnight. NOTE: this will kill any animals or plants, so do NOT leave any in the same room. It's simple. Put the machine (it's small) in the room, turn it on, shut the door and put a towel along the bottom of the bathroom, or closet door. The next day, open the door BUT DO NOT GO IN immediately. Wait a few minutes to turn off the machine, then wait a few more minutes to enter and do anything else. The room will have no oxygen in it when first opened. It takes a few minutes to re-oxygenate.
When contaminants such as odors, bacteria or viruses make contact with ozone, they are destroyed completely by oxidation. In so doing, that extra atom of oxygen is consumed and there is nothing left...no odor...no bacteria...no extra atom, only oxygen. Ozone reverts back to oxygen after it is used.
This is an excellent tool to rid a house of dog or cat urine, or any other obnoxious smell.
Embarrassing I'm sure but hopefully your guest understood about the problem.
I would say to return it if possible (even if you had to put it together) because I do not believe you can remedy this - no matter what is causing the "smell".
Trying to remove this smell means you would have to reach every spot on/in this dresser and that will be almost impossible.
If you cannot return it then maybe you have someplace that can accommodate the odor and still be useful - just not in your house.
I have an old dresser in great condition. Except for the odor of the drawers which gets in the clothes. I've tried fabric softener sheet, potpourri pouches, etc. Any suggestions on how to eliminate odors from wooden drawers?
