I recently acquired a really nice dresser from my sister in law. However, I can't stand the smell of it and I am ready to throw it out of the house! It has that old type smell, I really don't know how to describe it other than it smells like my grandmother's furniture so I hope someone else knows what I am talking about. It is not a "wood" smell as I wouldn't mind that... it is different and I can smell it the second I walk into my son's room where the dresser is. I already wiped the whole thing down inside and out with clorox wipes and sprayed it with room spray but it didn't help one bit. I don't want to just cover up the scent and have it come back in a week... and if I can't get this smell out the dresser is going to have to go. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!!
Thanks mamas, it is sitting out in the sun as we speak!
To Giggles - my son does not notice the smell...in fact my husband can hardly understand what I am talking about. It is not a "bad" smell per-say, not mildew, just a weird smell that reminds me of my grandmas old furniture and I cannot stand it. And I also did not notice the smell until it was IN my son's room, in an enclosed area. I feel like your response was rude for and in no way helpful. This is a supportive community of mothers who value the advice of other moms, and your post really bummed me out.
It seems like you have rec'd a lot of suggestions. If it was me- if I can't stand it, then how could my child?
I would not have allowed to put the dresser in my child's room if I was not comfortable with it.
All the ideas are good so far, I even got some ideas for myself!!
If the sunshine, Murphy's, or baking soda don't work, you might contact an antique dealer for other suggestions on what else to do that won't ruin the wood. Good luck.
Robyn
Put an open can of baking soda in the drawers, that should help take the smell go away, close the drawers and leave it close for a couple of days.
If it doesn't help, I'm sorry. Maybe someone has a different idea or a different product you can try.
Whether it's a musty smell or that smell of mothballs, I would do every suggestion given thus far. Sit it outside in the sunshine with the drawers open after you clean it with Murphy's oil soap. If the aroma is still there put sachets in the closed drawers for a few days. If that doesn't get rid of it.....the only other option is to sand down the insides of the drawers. That will work if the odor is not too deep.
Good luck!
M.
Stick it outside.. in the sun... with the drawers open. Leave it there for a whole day or longer.
If it is not raining of course.
Sun, sanitizes things... much like air drying laundry on a line outside.
You might also use sachets... lavender or something, some herb.
good luck,
Susan
You can try putting some cedar blocks in the drawers. For my dresser I like putting lavender sachets in the drawers to scent my things but it might not be a scent that a boy would go for.
White vinegar in the drawers (in a small bowl) may help, too, along with the other great suggestions. I can only imagine the smell - like a really, really old library book - that's what comes to my mind!
