So, you’ve scored an old dresser at a yard sale, or maybe you dragged one out of the attic that’s been sitting there for ages. It looks beautiful. Maybe it even has that vintage charm you’ve been hunting for.

But then you open the drawers and… whew. Not so charming.

Musty, smoky, or just plain funky smells can make you want to give up before you even start.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to live with it, and you definitely don’t need to toss the dresser. You can get that smell out for good with a little patience.

In this post, I’ll show you how to get smells out of old dressers.

#1 Empty And Clean It First

First things first: you can’t fight the odor if the dresser is still packed with stuff.

So pull everything out of the drawers and set it aside. If it’s dusty or lined with old paper, grab a vacuum and suck all that up. Dust and dirt just add to the smell problem.

Next, you’ll want to give the dresser a wipe-down.

A bucket of warm water and a small splash of mild dish soap works wonders.

If you want to go a little more natural, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar has a magical way of neutralizing odors without being harsh.

Use a soft cloth or sponge and wipe inside the drawers, the sides, and even the back of the dresser. Don’t forget the underside too. Funky smells love to hide in places we usually ignore.

Also Read: How To Get Pot Smell Out Of House FAST

Once you’ve cleaned it, leave the drawers open so everything can dry.

A dresser that’s even slightly damp is just asking for more musty smells.

#2 Let Fresh Air Do Its Job

Now that it’s clean, let nature take over.

If you can, move the dresser outside to a dry, shaded spot. A porch or garage with good airflow works too. Sunlight is a natural deodorizer, and fresh air can do what no cleaner really can - it helps push the odor out of the wood.

Open the drawers completely and let them breathe.

If it’s sunny, even better. The warmth can help dry things out while breaking down some of the odor-causing bacteria.

Depending on how strong the smell is, you might need a few hours or even a whole day. The longer it gets fresh air, the better.

If you can’t get the dresser outside, just leave it in a well-ventilated room with the drawers open. Point a fan at it to speed things up. It might feel boring, but this step makes a big difference.

#3 Use Odor Absorbers Inside Drawers

Once the dresser has had a chance to breathe, it’s time to let a few natural odor absorbers take over.

These are easy, inexpensive, and do a great job at pulling smells out of the wood instead of just covering them up. Just place them inside the drawers and let them sit for a few days.

Baking soda in a small bowl or sprinkled lightly across the drawer bottom
Activated charcoal bags made for closets or shoes
Dry coffee grounds in an open container or paper pouch

All these can get that smell out of old dressers.

Also Read: How To Get Smells Out Of Wood Furniture

#4 Deep Treatments For Stubborn Smells

Sometimes, no matter how much you clean or air things out, the odor just lingers. That’s when you need to get a little more serious.

Don’t worry, it’s still doable, just takes a bit more elbow grease:

Clean With Vinegar

Vinegar is one of those household superheroes that always seems to save the day.

For dresser odors, it’s simple but effective. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then lightly dampen a cloth with it. Wipe down the inside of the drawers, making sure to get into the corners where smells like to hang out.

Don’t soak the wood tho, as too much liquid can cause swelling or damage.

Once it dries, the vinegar smell itself will fade quickly, leaving behind a fresher, cleaner scent.

If the dresser still feels a little musty afterward, repeat the process once or twice until it improves.

Sand The Drawer

Sometimes the smell is trapped deeper in the wood fibers, especially with really old pieces.

That’s when sanding comes in handy.

Grab some fine-grit sandpaper and gently sand the inside surfaces of the drawers. You’re not trying to strip the whole thing, just removing that top layer where the odor is clinging. Work slowly and evenly so you don’t gouge the wood.

After sanding, wipe away all the dust with a dry cloth or vacuum attachment.

You’ll often notice that the wood smells cleaner almost instantly, and it also gives you a smooth surface if you decide to line the drawers later.

Also Read: How To Make Drawers Smell Good

Use A Sealer

If you’ve tried cleaning and sanding but the smell still lingers, sealing is your best bet.

This will trap the odor so it can’t escape anymore.

A shellac-based primer or a clear wood sealer works well for this. Apply a thin, even coat to the inside of the drawers, making sure you cover every surface. Once it dries, the odors are locked in for good.

The bonus is that sealing also protects the wood from future smells or stains, so it’s kind of a double win. If you want, you can add a second coat for extra insurance.

After that, your dresser is basically starting fresh.

#5 Add A Fresh Finish

Once you’ve cleaned, aired, absorbed, and possibly sanded or sealed, you’re in the home stretch. Now it’s time to give the dresser a little something extra so it smells fresh.

You can line the drawers with pretty paper, cedar sheets, or even peel-and-stick wallpaper.

It adds a nice touch and keeps things smelling good.

If you’d rather keep it natural, cedar blocks or lavender sachets are great. They smell nice, and cedar also repels bugs, which is a bonus.

Even a couple of dryer sheets tucked in the back of each drawer can work. Just make sure you’ve fully tackled the smell before adding these.

Think of it as adding perfume only after you’ve showered: it’s way more effective.

Bottom Line

Old dressers can look gorgeous, but the smell can definitely kill the vibe.

Luckily, you don’t have to live with it.

To get smell out of an old dresser, clean it, let fresh air do its job, and bring in odor absorbers. If the smell still hangs on, tackle it with vinegar, sanding, or even a sealer.

Finish things off with a fresh liner or a scented touch, and you’ll have a piece that not only looks amazing but smells just as good.

At the end of the day, it’s about patience and layering the steps. Each one chips away at the problem until the dresser feels brand new again.

How To Get Smell Out Of Old Dresser (Easy Guide)