How to Remove Odors from Drawers.

Getting Odors out of Dresser Drawers

Dresser drawers can become a breeding ground for odors due to darkness, lack of air circulation, and being tucked away so removing odors from dresser drawers should be done on a somewhat regular basis.

Odors in dresser drawers are typically caused by spills, substances from clothing, bacteria, mold, mildew, fungi, insects, or rodents.

Bacteria and mold are the most common culprits. Cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the drawers can effectively eliminate odors for good.

It’s important to address the issue promptly. The longer odors linger, the deeper they can penetrate into the wood, making removal more challenging.

Consider Drawer Construction Prior to Cleaning

Before cleaning wooden drawers, consider their construction.

• Solid Wood Drawers: These naturally resist liquid saturation and staining, making them suitable for heavier cleaning treatments.
• Particle Board Drawers: Inexpensive drawers made from flimsy materials like particle board or thin plywood require a gentler approach. They stain easily, warp, and absorb moisture quickly.

Keep These 3 Things in Mind

1. Use as little liquid as possible
2. Do not use abrasives to avoid scratching the wood finish
3. Allow the drawers to dry completely after cleaning

Getting Started Cleaning Dresser Drawers

To prepare for cleaning and deodorizing;

1. Remove all items from the drawer(s).
2. If your drawers have liners or paper inserts, remove them before trying to clean them especially if the odor is strong.
3. If the drawer does not have inner liners, first vacuum out crumbs or any debris that has accumulated inside the drawer.
4. Wipe with a clean, damp, soft cloth.

Disinfecting Dresser Drawers

Now, let’s move on to disinfecting. Borax and vinegar are two of my favorite disinfectants because they are effective, natural, and inexpensive. Both products deodorize and kill bacteria, germs, mold, and mildew. You can use whichever one you have on hand—they’re both excellent choices.

Using Borax to Remove Odors

Borax is a versatile cleaner and deodorizer found in the supermarket’s cleaning section. It acts as a disinfectant, natural deodorizer, anti-fungal agent, and insect repellent and is good for removing odors from dresser drawers.

After using Borax to clean drawers, wipe surfaces thoroughly to prevent leaving behind a white stain or discoloration on the wood.

I prefer Borax for drawer odor control because it lacks the strong odor of vinegar while still being an effective disinfectant. Borax also functions as a fungicide, eliminating mold and preventing its return.

Here’s how to effectively use Borax for cleaning:

1. Mix Solution: Dissolve 1/4 cup of Borax in one quart of warm water. Warmer water works better for dissolving Borax.
2. Prepare Cloth: Dip a clean cotton cloth into the solution. Wring out excess water so the cloth is damp, not wet—this is crucial for particle board drawers.
3. Clean Drawer: Wipe down the entire drawer, including the sides and bottom, with the damp cloth.
4. Rinse and Dry: After disinfecting with Borax, wipe the drawer again using a clean damp cloth and fresh water to remove any residue.
5. Air Dry: Allow the drawer to dry thoroughly and air out overnight. This helps ensure all moisture evaporates.

Using Vinegar for Odor Removal

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that works by breaking down bacteria and absorbing odors. It’s acidic and leaves no residue, and its sour smell dissipates as it dries.

Vinegar also acts as a mild antibacterial and anti-fungal agent, effectively killing molds and mildews while deodorizing naturally. It’s ideal for removing musty odors from drawers.

How to Use Vinegar

1. Mix Solution: Combine two tablespoons of vinegar with one quart of warm water.
2. Prepare Cloth: Dampen a clean cloth with the vinegar solution. Avoid saturating the cloth, especially on wooden drawers.
3. Clean Drawer: Thoroughly wipe down the inside and outside of the drawer, covering all surfaces with the vinegar solution.
4. Dry: Dry the drawer completely with a towel.
5. Air Out: Let the drawer sit out overnight to air out and allow any remaining vinegar odor to dissipate.

Handy Cleaning and Disinfecting Tip

When using either of the above methods, a great way to ensure success is to do this process on a sunny day. Follow the same steps above and wipe the drawer dry. Place the drawer outside in the sun, and the air and sunlight will dry the drawer quickly, further deodorize and sterilize the drawer.

Deodorizing Drawers

After disinfecting, a deodorizer will remove any remaining odors especially moldy-mildew smells that have penetrated the wood. Deodorizing also helps to keep the clothing and other items in the drawer smelling fresh.

Using Borax for Deodorizing

Borax is a mineral disinfectant, natural anti-fungal, and insect repellent. It’s also an effective deodorizer.

If any odor remains after disinfecting the drawer with Borax, follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle Borax: Sprinkle Borax evenly inside the drawer.
2. Shake and Distribute: Shake the drawer to distribute the Borax evenly.
3. Contain in Bag: Place the drawer in a clean, large garbage bag and tie or fold the end closed. Let it sit overnight.
4. Vacuum Out: After 24 hours, vacuum out the Borax from the drawer.

This method should effectively eliminate any lingering odors.

Using Baking Soda for Deodorizing

Baking soda neutralizes pH levels and absorbs odors effectively.

If any odor persists after disinfecting and the drawers can remain empty, sprinkle baking soda inside the drawers and vacuum it out after a few days.

To maintain fresh, odor-free drawers, place a new box of baking soda in each drawer. Lay the box down and poke holes in the top for ventilation to prevent spills when opening and closing the drawer. Over several weeks, this should help dissipate any remaining odors.

Using Charcoal to Deodorize Drawers

Activated charcoal is pure carbon that effectively absorbs odors and filters out impurities.

Activated charcoal has enhanced absorbing capabilities compared to regular charcoal briquettes, which should not be used due to pre-treatment with lighter fluid.

Steps to Use Activated Charcoal:

1. Place several pieces of activated charcoal in a container and place it inside each empty drawer.
2. The activated charcoal will absorb odors and purify the air in your drawer.
3. Like with baking soda, replace the charcoal every few weeks if the odor persists or if you can’t eliminate its source.
4. Be cautious not to spill the charcoal to avoid permanent black stains on wood and clothing from the solid charcoal particles.

Using Kitty Litter to Remove Odors

Wrapping It Up: Removing Odors from Dresser Drawers

Now that your drawers are clean and odor-free, it’s important to wash and clean the original contents before placing them back inside. This project is worth the effort, making it much more pleasant every time you open your drawers—just remember to keep those clothes neatly folded!

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