How do I make my drawers not smell?
To make your drawers not smell, focus on thorough cleaning, airing them out, and utilizing natural odor absorbers like baking soda or activated charcoal. Addressing the source of the smell is key before attempting to neutralize residual odors.
Drawers can develop unpleasant smells for several reasons, including:
- Trapped odors: Smells from stored items, especially vintage clothing, linens, or spills.
- Mildew or mold: Caused by moisture trapped within the wood or materials.
- Old wood smell: Furniture, particularly antique pieces, can have a distinct musty or aged odor.
- Chemicals: Odors from finishes, glues, or previous cleaning products.
Effective Methods for Odor Removal
Removing smells from drawers often requires a combination of techniques.
Airing Out
This is the simplest first step.
- Action: Empty the drawers completely and pull them out if possible. Open windows in the room to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Notes: Leave the drawers open for as long as possible, ideally for several days in a well-ventilated space, possibly outdoors if weather permits and the furniture is protected.
Thorough Cleaning
Cleaning removes any residue or source material contributing to the smell.
- Action:
- Empty the drawer completely.
- Vacuum inside the drawer to remove dust and debris.
- Wipe down the interior surfaces with a cloth slightly dampened with mild soap and water, or a diluted solution of white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 1 part water). Vinegar is excellent for neutralizing odors and killing mildew.
- Crucially: Ensure the drawer is completely dry before closing it or placing items back inside to prevent mold growth.
Using Odor Absorbers
Once cleaned and aired, natural absorbers can help eliminate lingering smells.
- Baking Soda (Mentioned in Reference)
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a classic, inexpensive, and highly effective odor neutralizer. As suggested in a reference on removing smells from old furniture, you can use it in two primary ways within your drawers:- Option 1: Bowl Method: Pour a generous amount of good old-fashioned baking soda into an open bowl or shallow container and place it inside the empty drawer.
- Option 2: Direct Sprinkle: Go ahead and sprinkle it right into those drawers. Ensure the bottom is covered with a layer.
- Action: Close the drawer up after placing the baking soda inside. Leave the baking soda in the closed drawer for several days or up to a week to absorb odors.
- Cleanup: After the absorption period, carefully remove the bowl or vacuum/wipe away the sprinkled baking soda from the drawer interior.
- Activated Charcoal
Often sold in granules or packets, activated charcoal is highly porous and excels at absorbing odors from the air.- Action: Place packets of activated charcoal or a container of charcoal pieces in the empty drawer.
- Notes: Leave them in place for several days. Replace as needed if the smell persists.
- Coffee Grounds
Dried, used coffee grounds can also help absorb odors, although they may leave a slight coffee scent.- Action: Ensure used coffee grounds are completely dry (you can spread them on a tray). Place the dried grounds in a sachet made of breathable fabric or an open dish inside the drawer.
- Notes: Remove after a few days once the odor is gone or significantly reduced.
Table: Common Odor Removal Methods
Here's a quick summary of key techniques:
| Method | Primary Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airing Out | Ventilation | Simple, best for mild odors |
| Cleaning | Remove source/residue | Essential first step, use mild cleaner/vinegar |
| Baking Soda | Absorb odors | Versatile (bowl/sprinkle), effective (Ref) |
| Activated Charcoal | Absorb odors | Highly effective absorber, no added scent |
| Coffee Grounds | Absorb odors (adds coffee scent) | Use dried grounds, place in sachet or dish |
Preventing Future Odors
Once the drawers smell fresh, take steps to keep them that way:
- Ensure items stored in drawers are clean and completely dry.
- Use drawer liners, especially those made from materials that can breathe or have a subtle, pleasant scent (ensure it's not overpowering).
- Periodically open drawers to air them out.
- Address any moisture or humidity issues in the room.
By combining cleaning, airing, and using effective odor absorbers like baking soda, you can significantly improve the smell of your drawers.
