Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/3/2009

Question
I would love to use my great-grandparents' dresser brought from Germany ... except whatever I put in there comes out smelling musty.  It is too large and heavy to move outdoors for airing.  Obviously, it is solid wood throughout.  What can I do?

Answer
Hi Susan
Nice to hear from you.
This can be a problem.
First get the drawers out of the dresser.
Bet they can go outdoors for an airing even if the case is too large to move.
Then I would wipe down all areas of the wood that have no finish on them.
That includes the dresser back, all interior areas, all drawers inside, and under.
Use a mild household bleach solution. About 1/2 a cup in a quart of water.
Let everything thoroughly dry.
Hopefully you can leave the drawers out of the chest for a time.
Place some fabric softener sheets in the drawers after they are put back in the dresser.
And Susan I find that time is the best remedy for this smell.
After the dresser has lived in your home for a time the smell will disappear.
Kind Regards
Eileen