Easy Cleaning Tips for Dresser Drawers In 12 Steps

An unmaintained and dirty dresser ruins the look of the whole space. Not to mention the space efficiency is compromised. The Messier the dresser drawers are, the harder it becomes to locate your items in that clutter. So, we bring to you this guide for the proper decluttering and maintenance of dresser drawers. Let’s learn how to clean dresser drawers.

This will not only streamline the outlook of your space but also allow the dressers to become a pleasant storage space. So follow these steps to clean your dirty drawers and remove dust, stains, and any lingering odor:

• Empty the drawers.
• Dust the inside of the drawers
• Prepare a cleaning solution. 
• Dip a clean cloth into the solution
• Wipe the inside of each drawer.
• For stubborn stains, use a soft-bristle brush to scrub gently.
• Wipe down the exterior of the drawers.
• Rinse the cloth with clean water.
• Wipe down the drawers again to remove any soap residue.
• Leave the drawers open for several hours to air dry before replacing the contents.

Let’s dive into the details;

How to Clean Dresser Drawers

Step#01 Empty the Drawers:

The first step in re-arranging your dresser drawers is to declutter. For that, empty your drawers by removing all contents. Set them to one side. This step ensures that you don’t use any items while decluttering, and all crevices are accessible for the subsequent steps. 

Step#02 Dust the Drawers:

Now that the contents are out of the dresser, it needs a thorough cleaning from the inside out before we go on with the re-arrangement part. For this, a dry microfiber cloth works best. Use it to dust off the drawers, paying special attention to all the corners inside. Any loose dust particles, light grease, or grime should come off with this alone.

Step#03 Prepare a Cleaning Solution:

Sometimes, the drawers have not been cleaned in so long that the stains become resistant and tough to come off. To get rid of such stains, a special cleaning agent has to be made. For that, you need:

• Dishwashing liquid
• Warm water

Mix equal parts water and soap to make a solution. This solution is gentle enough not to cause Any damage to the material of the dresser drawers.

Step#04 Dampen a Cloth:

Once the solution is ready, the next step is scrubbing and cleaning. Use a gentle cloth and dip it in the solution. Wring out excess water and scrubbing. Use a gentle hand and focus on areas with the toughest stains. You might need to re-dip the cloth depending on the kind of stain. Ensure to wring out excess water before touching the dresser, or it will become a watery mess. 

Step#05 Wipe the Drawers:

Take another damp cloth. Wring out to get rid of dripping excess water. Now wipe off the soapy solution. See if all the stains are off. If not, repeat step 04. By this time, 80 percent of the stains would have come off. 

Step#06 Tackle Stubborn Stains:

There are still some stains that refuse to come off with gentle rubbing motion. This is your queue to switch to a soft bristle brush. Scrub the areas with the persistent stains using circular motions. Make sure to keep a steady and gentle hand. You don’t want to chip off your dressers or cause permanent damage accidentally. 

Step#07 Clean the Exterior:

Once the insides are sparkly clean, it is time to wipe down the rest of the drawers. This includes the handles, exteriors, and sides. You can use a damp cloth or a soapy mixture, depending on the extent of the stains. Our cleaning process is 90 percent complete. 

Step#08 Rinse the Cloth:

Give one final rinse to the cloth and wring out all the dirty remains on it. No soapy residue or dirt should be left behind because this same cloth will be used for one final wipe down, and you wouldn’t want a sticky film coating your drawers after spending so long on thorough cleaning. 

Step#09 Final Wipe Down:

Use the recently washed cloth to give one final sweep to the dressers. This is an additional step to ensure all our cleaning agents are off the surface. By this time, your dresser should be as good as new.

Step#10 Allow Adequate Drying Time:

Keep the dresser open for a few hours to completely dry off before placing the stuff back. If adequate time for drying is not provided, mold or mildew can grow. More so, the personal items you will arrange afterward might stick to the bottom of the drawer. And don’t get me talking about the smell of stale water that will seep out of your dressers every time you open them.

Step#12 Arrange your personal belongings:

Now, start placing the stuff that you emptied initially.

Make sure to put the most used items in accessible places so the positioning is least disturbed when grabbing things quickly.

My Opinion

Having an organized space with all your personal belongings in proper placement makes your dresser more inviting and space-efficient. Establish a habit of regularly cleaning the dresser drawers. The more the dirt and stains pile on, the harder it will become to clean it up.