Cleaning wooden drawers might sound like a chore, but it’s really not that bad.

Over time, they can get a little dusty, sticky, or or just full of random crumbs and bits of stuff. But no worries – keeping them clean is actually pretty simple!

If you want to keep your drawers looking fresh and organized, here’s a simple guide on how to clean wooden drawers.

#1 Empty The Drawer

First things first, you’ve got to empty out the drawer.

Take everything out, even those random bits and bobs you keep stashed away (you know, the ones you totally forgot about).

This makes it way easier to clean and also gives you a chance to declutter if you're in the mood. You’ll probably find things you forgot you even owned—maybe even some stuff you can donate or toss!

If you can, pull the drawer all the way out - it makes cleaning so much easier when you can reach every spot.

While you're at it, take a good look at the empty drawer. Check if anything's loose or damaged, like cracks in the wood or wobbly joints.

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#2 Dust It Out

Once your drawer is empty, grab a dry cloth or a soft brush and dust away any dirt, crumbs, or other little particles that might be hiding in the corners.

You’d be surprised at what gets caught in there over time.

Dusting first makes the actual cleaning part a lot smoother. It will also help you avoid pushing dirt around when you start wiping things down.

If there’s a lot of buildup, it might even help to vacuum the inside with a soft brush attachment.

Don't forget about the undersides and backs of the drawers - dust can accumulate everywhere. A clean paintbrush can help reach those tight spots where dust settles.

#3 Clean With A Gentle Solution

Time to actually clean the wood.

Let’s make a simple cleaning solution. You don’t need anything too fancy—just mix a little dish soap with warm water.

Dip your cloth in the solution (make sure it’s not dripping wet) and gently wipe down the inside of the drawer. Be sure to get the sides and the bottom, too.

If you have any stubborn stains or sticky spots, you might need to scrub a little more, but always keep it gentle so you don’t damage the wood.

Wooden drawers are delicate, and harsh chemicals or excess water can cause damage, so stick to mild cleaners.

Also Read: How To Clean A Sticky Steering Wheel

#4 Wipe Dry Immediately

After cleaning, it’s super important to wipe the drawer dry right away. You don’t want any leftover moisture to sit and potentially warp or damage the wood.

A dry cloth is all you need (use a fresh, lint-free cloth for best results) so give it a good wipe down to soak up any leftover dampness.

Pay extra attention to any areas around joints or seams where moisture might collect.

Don’t skip this step, as moisture can cause the wood to swell, crack, or lose its finish over time.

If you’re in a rush, you can even leave the drawer open for a little while to air dry, just to be safe.

#5 Polishing (Optional)

This step is totally optional, but if you want your drawer to shine and look all polished, you can apply a little wood polish. It’ll add a nice finish and can help protect the wood.

Just make sure to follow the directions on the polish and go easy—too much can make things greasy. A little goes a long way.

If you have a particular type of wood, it’s a good idea to use a polish made specifically for it.

But, again, if you’re not in the mood for extra steps, you can skip this one and still have a clean, fresh drawer.

#6 Clean The Handles, Knobs, Etc.

Don’t forget the handles and knobs! They get touched all the time, so they can get a little grimy.

Use the same gentle cleaning solution you used for the drawer, and wipe down the handles, knobs, or any other hardware.

For metal ones, you might want to give them a little extra shine with a metal polish. Wooden or ceramic knobs might benefit from a quick wipe with a damp cloth.

It’s the little details that make a big difference in making everything look neat and fresh.

This is also a good time to tighten any loose screws or replace damaged hardware.

#7 Deodorize (Optional)

If your drawers have a funky smell, there are a couple of easy ways to freshen them up.

You can toss in a small bag of baking soda or a fabric softener sheet to keep things smelling nice. Or try some lavender sachets, dried herbs or even cedar blocks.

It’s a simple trick, but it works wonders, especially for drawers that have been closed for a while.

If you have a lot of storage in the drawer, leaving it open to air out every so often can also help prevent musty smells from building up.

Bottom Line

And that’s it! Cleaning wooden drawers doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. Just follow these steps, and you'll have your drawers looking great in no time.

Plus, it’s a simple way to keep your house organized and fresh.

The most important thing to remember is to be gentle and never use too much water.
If you've got really valuable antique pieces, you might want to ask a professional about specific care instructions.

How To Clean Wooden Drawers (Easy Guide)