Run a full empty-clean-sun-dry cycle, use baking soda or charcoal, and air with vinegar spray.
I’ve cleaned dozens of wood and laminate dressers, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to get musty smell out of dresser with simple steps, tested tips, and easy prevention. This guide explains causes, quick fixes, deep-clean methods, and long-term care so your dresser smells fresh and stays that way.
Why dressers get a musty smell
Musty smells come from mold, mildew, or trapped moisture inside drawers and wood. Poor ventilation and damp clothing make the problem worse. Old finishes, spilled liquids, and storing things without airing them also add to the odor.
I’ve seen dressers that looked clean but smelled bad because damp towels sat in a drawer for days. Knowing the root cause helps when you try how to get musty smell out of dresser for good.
What you’ll need before you start
Gather a few simple items so the cleaning goes fast and well.
- Soft cloths or microfiber towels for wiping.
- Baking soda, white vinegar, and mild dish soap.
- Activated charcoal or coffee grounds for odor absorption.
- A spray bottle, vacuum with brush attachment, and a screwdriver for removing hardware.
- Gloves and a mask if you suspect mold.
Keep supplies ready to make the process easier and safer. These items cover the most common ways to get musty smell out of dresser.
Step-by-step: how to get musty smell out of dresser
Follow these steps in order for best results.
- Empty every drawer and the dresser top. Check clothing for dampness or mildew and wash items as needed.
- Vacuum inside the dresser, using a brush tool to lift dust and debris. Clean corners and the back panel.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth, then dry immediately with a clean towel.
- For wood, avoid soaking. Use as little water as possible and dry quickly to prevent swelling.
- Spray a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water lightly inside drawers. Let sit 10–15 minutes, then wipe and dry. The vinegar kills odor-causing microbes and helps neutralize smell.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda in each drawer and leave for 24–48 hours. Vacuum or wipe out the baking soda afterward.
Doing these steps tackles surface dirt and common microbes. If the smell lingers, proceed to deep treatments below to complete how to get musty smell out of dresser.
Deep cleaning techniques that actually work
Use one or more of these targeted methods for stubborn odors.
- Baking soda bowl method
- Place a shallow bowl of baking soda in each drawer for 48–72 hours to absorb odor.
- Activated charcoal pouches
- Use charcoal pouches or fresh charcoal in breathable bags to trap smell molecules. Replace monthly until scent fades.
- Sun and fresh air
- Remove drawers and place them in sun for a few hours. Sunlight kills mold spores and helps drive out moisture.
- Steam cleaning (for sealed surfaces)
- Use a handheld steamer on non-wood, sealed finishes to sanitize. Test a small area first.
- Ozone-free deodorizers and enzyme sprays
- Use enzyme cleaners or odor neutralizers designed for fabrics and wood. Follow product directions and ventilate well.
I once left charcoal pouches in a cedar dresser for a week and the musty smell vanished. Try a combination: vinegar wipe, sun, then baking soda or charcoal to complete how to get musty smell out of dresser.
Natural scents and safe masking tricks
Masking only hides odor short-term, but used with cleaning it helps.
- Essential oil cotton balls
- Put a few drops of lavender or lemon oil on cotton and tuck in drawers.
- Cedar blocks or liners
- Use cedar for a classic, natural scent that also repels some pests.
- Coffee grounds in a jar
- Place dry coffee grounds in a breathable container to absorb and add a mild scent.
Remember: masking is not a substitute for cleaning. Use these only after you work on how to get musty smell out of dresser.
Preventing musty smells long-term
Small habits prevent repeat problems and keep dressers fresh.
- Air items before storing. Never put damp clothes into drawers.
- Use drawer liners and rotate them every few months.
- Keep a small container of baking soda or a charcoal pouch in each drawer.
- Maintain room humidity under 50 percent with a dehumidifier or AC in damp climates.
- Inspect drawers regularly for spills, stains, or new odors.
My best tip: make a habit of airing drawers once a season. Prevention makes how to get musty smell out of dresser easy and fast.
When to repair, refinish, or replace
Sometimes the smell comes from deep damage or persistent mold.
- Replace if the wood is warped, crumbly, or has deep mold that returns after cleaning.
- Refinish if the finish traps odors but the structure is sound. Sanding and sealing can lock out smells.
- Call a mold professional for toxic or extensive mold that covers large areas or has spread to walls.
I tried cleaning an antique chest twice and still smelled mold. After refinishing the interior and sealing it, the odor stayed gone. Choose repair versus replace based on cost, sentimental value, and health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to get musty smell out of dresser
How long does it take to remove a musty smell from a dresser?
Most mild odors clear in 24–72 hours with baking soda, vinegar, and airing. Deeper smells can take a week or more with repeated treatments.
Can I use bleach to kill mold in my dresser?
Bleach can work on nonporous surfaces but may damage wood finishes and is less effective on porous wood. Use trusted cleaners suited for wood and consider professional help for large mold problems.
Is it safe to use vinegar on all dressers?
Vinegar is safe for many finishes in diluted form, but test a hidden spot first. Avoid soaking raw or untreated wood to prevent warping.
Will sunlight ruin my dresser finish?
Short sun exposure helps kill spores and dry moisture. Prolonged, direct sun can fade finishes, so limit time in direct sun and flip drawers to dry both sides.
How often should I refresh odor absorbers in drawers?
Replace baking soda every 1–2 months and charcoal pouches every 2–3 months for ongoing odor control. Check them more often in damp climates.
Can humidity cause my dresser to smell musty even if clothes are dry?
Yes. High room humidity can trap moisture in wood and fabric and encourage mold growth. Use a dehumidifier or improve ventilation to reduce the risk.
Conclusion
You can get musty smell out of dresser with a clear plan: empty and air, clean with mild soap and vinegar, absorb odor with baking soda or charcoal, and prevent return with good habits. Start with the simple steps and use deeper methods only if needed. Try one change today—air a drawer, add a baking soda bowl, or test a charcoal pouch—and see how fresh your dresser becomes. Leave a comment with your dresser type and I’ll suggest the best next step.
