Try putting a coat of clear shellac on the insides of the drawers and drawer supports.

Bleach by itself will not kill mold spores, so the application is not solving that problem.

The shellac will stick to/cover any areas of fine mold and prevent regrowth.

The only caveat when choosing shellac is it has a short shelf life---although either MinWax or Zinsser makes a three year shelf life product---with a date stamp on each container.

Or, you can get a couple gallons of denatured alcohol(be prepared for the price to be VERY high) and buy enough shellac flakes to mix a fresh batch.

Before you do anything drastic:

Wipe down the inside with denatured alcohol.
Then apply two coats of shellac. It is a great odor sealer.

Here is a link that might be useful: Seal Coat 100% dewaxed shellac

Try using cedar chips in the drawers. The cedar chips will absorb the musty and moldy smells. Re-treat as necessary if the smell returns.

I used 2 coats of shellac to get rid of a perfume smell on an old dresser. It got rid of the perfume smell but it has been almost 2 weeks and I still get a denatured alcohol smell. At least I think that is what I smell. I'm surprised as I would have thought by now any DNA would have long since evaporated. Any suggestions? Bake the the drawers in the sun for a few days?

Shellac has its own smell, and it lasts for years in confined spaces (inside drawers). I find it pleasant.

Odor absorbers like a box of baking soda or charcoal filters will help. There is also some pretty amazing stuff called Nilodor that may work.

Karin: