Cleaning used dresser drawers involves addressing dirt, grime, and potential odors to make them fresh and ready for use.
Here's a straightforward guide on how to effectively clean used dresser drawers:
Steps for Cleaning Used Dresser Drawers
Cleaning used drawers typically involves emptying, wiping down, addressing odors, and ensuring they are fully dry.
Step 1: Empty and Assess
- Remove everything: Take out any lingering items, paper liners, or debris from the drawers.
- Inspect: Look for stains, mold, mildew, or significant damage that might require extra attention or professional help. Note any musty or unpleasant smells.
Step 2: Basic Wipe Down
- Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose dust, dirt, and cobwebs from corners and crevices.
- Wipe Surfaces: Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside surfaces of the drawers. For tougher grime, a mild cleaning solution can be used (e.g., a few drops of dish soap in water). Avoid saturating the wood, as excess moisture can cause damage.
Step 3: Address Lingering Odors
Used furniture, especially drawers, can often hold onto smells like old mothballs, mustiness, or cigarettes. Baking soda is an excellent natural odor absorber.
- Apply Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the drawers, and allow it to sit for a couple of hours. For strong odors, you can leave it overnight.
- Remove Baking Soda: Use your handheld vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner attachment to remove the baking soda. The baking soda absorbs odors from the air and surfaces within the drawer.
Pro Tip: For very stubborn odors, you might need to repeat the baking soda process or try placing crumpled newspaper inside the drawers for a few days, as newspaper can also absorb smells.
Step 4: Tackle Stains (If Necessary)
- For minor marks, rubbing gently with a slightly damp cloth might work.
- Specific stains on wood might require targeted cleaning products, but always test in an inconspicuous area first. Be cautious with strong chemicals that could damage the finish.
Step 5: Ensure Complete Drying
- Air Out: After wiping or using any moisture, it is crucial to let the drawers dry completely.
- Pull the drawers out or remove them from the dresser if possible to allow air circulation.
- Ensure they are bone dry before putting them back or filling them, as trapped moisture can lead to mold or mildew.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean and refresh used dresser drawers, making them suitable for storing clothes or other items.
