I'm not so sure about the soap and water method, as mold grows due to water. Use disinfectant wipes (I just checked mine, it is safe for tables and desktops.) Its probably finished, or at least treated or it would smell just like a tree. As for the sanding, I would go to home depot or lowes and talk to the people there, I've always gotten great advice. You probably won't have to sand much, if any..I would try the wipes first since it should kill everything on contact. Then wait a few days and smell it again so you won't have to try to distinguish any mold smell from chin urine.
And yes you would be able to smell the mold. It would either smell sharp, like ammonia, or very musky. While not all mold smells like this, I'm positive that common types do so chances are you'd smell it.
