Replies

1. 
   Ckenney | Nov 17, 2008 04:43pm | #1

   Is the odor coming from the outside or the inside?

   If it's coming from inside the drawers, I would suggest some shellac, which will seal in any older finish and smell.

   If it's outside, you may need to strip whatever finish is on it, then shellac and the finish of your choice.

   Good luck

2. 
   RalphBarker | Nov 17, 2008 07:50pm | #2

   Depending on the finish, you might try cleaning it and then letting it sit for a while with trays of baking soda in the drawers to absorb the odor. If the odor is musky, that may be an indication of internal mold, which may need some other treatment to kill it.

   
   

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   Edited 11/17/2008 11:52 am by RalphBarker

3. 
   brucet9 | Nov 18, 2008 02:07am | #3

   Here's a few websites with advice on odor control that might help, especially this one:

   "A great way to remove musty odors from furniture is to place handful's of tea in each drawer and or cubby. Don't rush it. Check the odor every couple of days. You'll know when the smell is gone!I use a cheap tea for this. Cut the bags open and spread it around. This leaves no odor of tea and will help dry the pc. of any moisture."

   http://kovels.blogspot.com/2008/08/getting-rid-of-musty-odor.html

   http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf585248.tip.html

   http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_remove_musty_or_moldy_smells_from_books

   Good luck

   BruceT