How can I remove the molldy smell from furniture?

1. Wipe and Clean

Bacteria and germs can permeate porous wood causing awful “old-smell” odors. To eliminate the smell, kill the bacteria and germs by cleaning the inside of the drawers and all surfaces with a sponge dampened with vinegar, Murphy’s Oil Wood Soap or any Anti-Fungal Detergents. Then let dry in a well ventilated area.

2. Vinegar & Other Odor Absorbing Substances

Fill a plastic or glass container/ bowl with vinegar and place in each drawer. Close the drawers and wait a few days to see if the vinegar absorbs the odor. Other odor absorbing substances like charcoal, coffee grounds, kitty liter or baking soda may also help.

3. Natural Sun Light / Dehumidify

Porous wood absorbs moisture and smells from it’s surrounding environment. If your piece smells like a thrift store or old attic, try leaving the piece to dry out in the natural sun light. If you live in a humid environment, try placing your piece with a dehumidifier in a small enclosed room. Leave it running for a few days to suck the moisture and odors out of the wood.

4. Strip and Sand

Strip and sand the piece. If the odors are caught in the original finish, this will help by removing the finish and letting the natural wood breath. If there is still a slight odor after stripping and sanding, using method #2. The odor absorbing substance should get rid of any remaining unpleasantness.

5. Bleach or Vodka

Put bleach or cheap vodka into a spray bottle and mist the entire piece inside and out. Then leave it in the sunshine or another moisture free area to completely dry. This will help disinfect and eliminate odors.

to remove the smell from the puncher is easy. delude 2 tables spoons of bleach to a 12 oz glass of water ad 4 table spoons of white vinegar in the same glass and wipe all you furnisher with a soft cloth .then use polish to shine it

Wipe it down thoroughly with white vinegar and see if that helps. You might have to paint it with Kilz to seal it and then paint a top coat over it.