There’s nothing worse than opening a drawer to grab your favorite sweater or towel, only to be met with a stale, musty smell. Whether it's a dresser, kitchen drawer, or an old cabinet, musty odors can be a common problem, especially in humid environments. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can easily freshen up your drawers and get rid of that musty smell for good. Here’s how:
1. Empty the Drawer Completely
Start by removing everything from the drawer. If it contains fabrics like clothes or towels, consider washing them to remove any absorbed odors.2. Clean the Drawer Thoroughly
Next, clean the inside and outside of the drawer with warm water and mild soap. For any signs of mildew or mold, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to wipe down the surfaces. Vinegar is great for killing mold spores and neutralizing odors. Make sure to dry the drawer thoroughly with a clean cloth.3. Air Out the Drawer
Take the drawer out of the dresser or cabinet and place it in a well-ventilated area for a few hours or even a full day. If possible, leave it in direct sunlight—the sun naturally kills bacteria and eliminates odors. This step allows the drawer to air out and freshen up.4. Absorb Odors with Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the best natural odor absorbers. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda inside the drawer and let it sit for several hours, or overnight for more stubborn smells. Then, vacuum or wipe it out with a cloth. This will absorb any lingering musty smells.5. Use Activated Bamboo Charcoal Bags
Activated charcoal is another powerful odor remover. Place bamboo charcoal air purifying bags inside the drawer to neutralize the smell without adding any scent. Leave them for a day or two, or as long as needed, until the musty smell disappears.6. Add Essential Oils or Scent Sachets
After cleaning, you can give your drawer a pleasant scent by placing a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or small cloth. Oils like lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus work well for keeping things fresh. Alternatively, you can use scented sachets tucked into a corner of the drawer for a long-lasting fragrance.7. Use Scented Drawer Liners for Extra Freshness
Scented drawer liners are a simple and effective way to keep your drawers smelling fresh over time. These liners protect the surface of the drawer and add a subtle, long-lasting fragrance. You can find them in a variety of scents, such as lavender, rose, and fresh linen, to suit your preferences. Cut them to fit your drawer, and they’ll keep your belongings smelling clean for weeks.8. Place Silica Gel Packets to Prevent Future Moisture
To prevent the musty smell from returning, it’s important to keep moisture levels down. Place a few silica gel packets (the kind that come in shoe boxes or electronics) inside the drawer to absorb any excess moisture.9. Check for Underlying Moisture Issues
If the musty smell keeps coming back, you might have an underlying moisture problem. Check the surrounding area for leaks or high humidity, especially in basements or kitchens. Using a dehumidifier or improving ventilation in the room can help prevent moisture buildup and future odors.Final Thoughts
Musty smells in drawers are unpleasant, but they don’t have to be permanent. By following these steps—cleaning, airing out, using odor absorbers like baking soda or charcoal, and adding scented liners or essential oils—you can keep your drawers smelling fresh. Prevent future smells by adding silica gel packets and addressing any moisture issues.