Or use charcoal briquets. Make sure they're the kind without lighter fluid added to make them easier to light.

I planned to have them folded so that the boards would be longer than the fabric so that I can write intended use, etc. at the top...then I would just have to worry about the ones that would rest against the sides. Hmmm...will talk to hubby about a solution (I think we have some polyurethane in the garage for another project...then I'll have another smell to contend with) :) thanks for the suggestions!!!

We picked up a dresser that my neighbor left on the curb. It is perfect for my stuff. The trick was that she was also given the dresser but did not need it. My hubby who is (bed) bug phobic sprayed the whole think inside and out with a roach/bug kill spray that is all natural and I believe contains tea tree oil. It smelled very strong for a while, but after airing it for couple of weeks it has a mild minty smell. I actually enjoy it. I cannot remember the name of it, but it would definitely take care of all the odors.

Storing a quilt in an old dresser
 

Ok, so the dresser is 40-50 yrs old and it has an odor. I’m considering buying some activated charcoal bags from A to absorb the odors. Can I place the (cloth covered) bags in the same drawer as the quilt? Any other suggestions?

Sunlight and baking soda (dry) can also help remove odors, just be aware of humidity. I'd put out the drawers in the sun with quite a bit of the baking soda for a couple hours and then shake out the baking soda. If you can put the dresser on its back with the drawer openings getting the light/air, I'd do that too.

I have used the charcoal bags with success in one of my car trunks, where the problem was Seattle wet and humidity and a car that smelled like wet dog. In that case, I had to rotate the charcoal bags every few weeks take out the old one, replace with a new one while I dried/recharged the charcoal.

I can report that there was no stainage or anything even with damp as an issue. White charcoal bags stayed white, gray car carpet stayed gray -- smell was much improved!

Ever since we spilled kerosene on the carpet of our SUV, we have used this method to get rid of undesirable odors with good outcomes. Pour about 1" of cheap clay kitty litter on the spill, in the drawers, or spread on shelves. Spread it out, close drawers and let sit for a few days. Remove litter, repeat again as necessary. I would also apply to undersides of drawers in same manner. Smell should go away. If it doesn't, I am afraid that I wouldn't add any fabric as it will absorb the smell even if it doesn't seem strong.

I am sure that this needn't be said, but don't ever add any fabric with odors to your stash as in no time at all it will all smell bad.

Cut potatoes are great at absorbing odors also. I use them every time we paint. Just cut a potato into about 8 pieces and place cut side up.

Thanks for the reminder and all the suggestions to deal with acid in the wood, odors, etc. Under the guise of spring cleaning, I've been working on the fabric storage. A couple years ago, my husband bought me an antique wardrobe , a great big monster of a thing. Much of my fabric is in bins on shelves on one side, but I do have some bolts sitting upright on the other and there's drawers that are filled with particular types of fabric that is gradually diminishing as I work on the fabric moratorium. I've been meaning to line the drawers and shelves.