Things You Will Need
If the wood has been exposed to moisture, the smell may be a result of mildew, which can also damage the wood. Cleaning the drawer is a vital part of getting rid of these unpleasant odors.
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Empty out any contents within the drawer and set them aside. If the cause of the odor is in the drawer remove it and discard it immediately.
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Mix wood soap or laundry detergent into warm water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing wood soap with water. For laundry detergent, mix 2 tbsp. of detergent per 1 qt. of warm water.
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Sponge the soapy water into the drawer, making sure to get into all the cracks and crevices. Use a small brush to get into hard-to-reach areas.
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Wipe down the inside of the drawer with a clean, wet cloth to rinse away the soap.
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Set the drawer outside in the sunshine to dry and air out. A cool, dry place is a safe alternative if you can’t set it outside.
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Allow the drawer several hours to make sure that it is completely dry before putting it back into the furniture it came out of.