My vintage dresser drawers smell of mothballs. What will remove odors?
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I have washed, used scented drawer liners. talc etc to no avail. Is this smell permanent or is there a way to remove it?
10 answers
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The dresser is wood with dovetail work & I really want to keep it but because of this odor we haven't used it. We stored it for some time but the odor persists. Help?!? I bought it used so it came this way....
![Sandy Kluver Gomez]()
Sandy Kluver Gomez
on Nov 23, 2014
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I have found results with paint. Many times I have had to paint the inside of drawers to remove the old odors. If you live in sunshine, you could put them out in the sun. I have heard this helps.
![Kathleen Gray Pagnozzi]()
Kathleen Gray Pagnozzi
on Nov 24, 2014
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Ran the inside of the drawers with baking soda. Do not dilute it, just sprinkle on a wet cloth.
![Karen Cederquist]()
Karen Cederquist
on Nov 24, 2014
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I have used shellac before and it works great. Just paint the inside of the drawers with it. It may take a few coats but it works.
![Suzanne]()
Suzanne
on Nov 24, 2014
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Leave a bowl of baking soda in the draw for at least 24 hrs
![Peg sweeney]()
Peg sweeney
on Nov 24, 2014
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Remove draws and sprayi all the inside with a solution of half n half white vinegar and water leave draws out until all is dry
![Diane McGowan]()
Diane McGowan
on Nov 24, 2014
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I have heard if you buy fresh lavender and lay inside each drawer, leave it there until it dries out. After its dried, remove and it's said to take out the musty smells of old furniture and i would think I'd be worth a try for mothball smell. Couldn't hurt and inexpensive cost and labor wise.
![Dale]()
Dale
on Nov 25, 2014
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Thank you all for the tips...since it is winter almost I will try spraying w/vinegar solution & the baking soda afterwards....I urgently need the storage space. If this does not help then I will do the other...we grow lavender but unfortunately it is all dried but will use it next year. Thanks everyone!
![Sandy Kluver Gomez]()
Sandy Kluver Gomez
on Nov 25, 2014
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I have used Febreze with great luck. Hope all works out for you I know how precious storage is. ps I grew up near Othello. sk
![SK on Elderberry]()
SK on Elderberry
on Jan 20, 2015
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take a piece of charcoal put in each drawer for a couple days. Then remove it. Its suppose to remove all strange odors
![Pamela Langone]()
Pamela Langone
on Jan 20, 2015
Kathleen Gray Pagnozzi
on Nov 24, 2014
Karen Cederquist
on Nov 24, 2014
Suzanne
on Nov 24, 2014
Peg sweeney
on Nov 24, 2014
Diane McGowan
on Nov 24, 2014
Dale
on Nov 25, 2014
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