Mildew spores accumulate in dark and damp environments and even if we can t see them the smell gives them away.
Chest of drawers smells musty.
If the odors penetrate wood in a chest of drawers they will be more challenging to eliminate.
Musty smell still strong.
Then if you find the smells remain maybe from mothballs musty or new wood laundry soaps drawer sachets or spilled perfumes work on the drawers to eliminate the odors.
Scented drawer liners may help but likely clothing will then smell of artificial scent as well as mustiness sorry.
How to prevent mildew in drawers.
Cause of musty smells musty smells are the result of mildew in your clothing or in your dresser.
Smelly dresser drawers can be caused by spills substances transferred from clothing bacteria mold mildew fungi insects and rodents.
Have you painted inside the drawers.
It s crucial to deodorize the drawers before using the piece of furniture.
Baking soda or carpet powder.
Again this one is for more mild to moderate smells.
This is a really great little trick for lots of yucky smells.
Bacteria and mold or mildew are the most common cause of odors.
Moisture often finds its way into the drawer usually by means of damp clothing but it may also be the result of spills or humidity.
Maybe it would seal in the smell.
Step 1 use white bread and white vinegar.
Combine three parts water and one part household bleach if the odor remains.
Step 1 open all of the dresser drawers and leave open for 24 hours.
If you have an old dresser just line the drawers with dryer sheets or if it s a vintage trunk just find a way to stash a few of them inside.
Thoroughly cleaning the drawers usually solves the issue although very old furniture or items stored in a damp area for a long length of time may require sanding.
Wet a cloth with the solution and squeeze out any excess moisture.
Drawers can provide an ideal environment for mildew and once it begins.
Wipe all unvarnished surfaces inside the drawers.
Mildew requires moisture organic dirt and oxygen to grow but doesn t require light.
If you do not remove this smell and instead use the chest of drawers to store clothing the clothing itself will absorb the musty smell.