Expert: Kirk Ryan - 3/17/2009

Question
I recently moved into a new condo where my bedroom faces a creek.  When I moved in, I placed the dresser I have had for over ten years between the two windows that face the creek and I pretty much leave the windows open all of the time.  Within two weeks of living here, three of the drawers in the dresser would not nudge without serious force.  Those three drawers corresponded in area with the open parts of the windows.  I have since moved the dresser away from the windows, rubbed a bar of soap on the drawers, sanded the inside some, and still the drawers do not budge.  I've always lived in dry climates with this dresser (Idaho and now Colorado).  What can I do to fix it or is it a lost cause?

Answer
Soap? I have never heard that before. I would try to use "Butchers Wax" or something like it. This tends to help for a longer haul. Other than that I recommend oiling and conditioning the wood on a regular basis to prevent dryness and unwanted wood expansion. Depending on what type of wood it is, they should make a specific oil that would work for it.

If your still having trouble with the drawers, I would seek a professional to have them come and look at it.