Antique Dresser question (refinish, smells, cabinet, dryer)

[Yorkie_Mom]

Hi, I had an antique dresser refinished, it looks like new, now the problem that I have with it is: the dresser has an old smell to it and I don't want to put any clothes in it until I can get that old smell out of it.
Is there anything to remove this smell?? I know some people say to use newspapers, and I don't know if something else might work better or faster, but if anyone has had this problem and knows how to solve it, I would be greatful for any advice anyone could give. Thanks ahead of time. Yorkie

[Cattknap]

Fabreeze, charcoal, fabric softener sheets....just out of curiosity, why would you want an antique dresser that looks new?

[Yorkie_Mom]

It was in bad shape as far as water rings, and mildew smelling, so I thought if I refinished it, it would look so much better and I could get that smell out of it.
It is still the same color, but it looks refurbished, and cleaned up, it dates back to the 1800's and I never plan on selling it, it also matches my bed that I have now with all the scroll work, it is really cool.
I will give some of your ides a try, and maybe do a combo thingy. Thanks!!!!!

[Cosmic]

Try some baking soda sprinkled heavy on a newpaper and put it in each drawer and then close them. It absorbs odors well.

[Racelady88]

If there is a cigar shop near you ask them for some of the cedar separators that are used in boxes of better cigars. Line the drawers with the cedar sheets.

[Cornerguy1]

If you feel really ambitious, you could empty the dresser and wash all the unfinished interior areas with a mild bleach and water solution in an attempt to kill of whatever mildew spores are causing the smell. Be sure to rinse well with clear water afterward.

When everything is dry, then use the cedar/fabric softener sheet ploy.

However, old wood has the nasty habit of smelling like old wood.

[movingoutofCA]

You might try kitty litter.

[Lisa_from_Debary]

I would think baking soda might work as well, it absorbs smells pretty well.

[dennis s]

murphys oil soap the drawers and the inside back and sides of the cabinet to get rid of that "grandma's attic" smell

[sylviawalker]

Originally Posted by Yorkie_Mom

Hi, I had an antique dresser refinished, it looks like new, now the problem that I have with it is: the dresser has an old smell to it and I don't want to put any clothes in it until I can get that old smell out of it.
Is there anything to remove this smell?? I know some people say to use newspapers, and I don't know if something else might work better or faster, but if anyone has had this problem and knows how to solve it, I would be greatful for any advice anyone could give. Thanks ahead of time. Yorkie

I have exactly the same problem, my sister gave me a whole suite (two dressers) but mine also stinks of smoke (like cigarettes) as well as old, and I can't put anything in it either. I tried dryer sheets - fleecy - but it just smells like that and the smoke-old smell.