Disgusting smell in food cupboard.

[YoureBeingASillyBilly]

Noticed a smell over the last few days. Cleared out the cupboard yesterday and found a tin of kids hot dogs had been partially opened and the liquid spilled inside the cupboard. Vile smell. Ive had to bin every single thing in the cupboard and have washed it out entirely with firstly kitchen spray and rinsed then bleach and water and rinsed. I then left a cup of bicarb over night but the smell is still really strong. What do i need to do/buy to get rid of it?

This is my only space for food storage and the cutlery drawer above it is also smelly too so have the cutlery out and all washed (they all stank) but cant put anything in til it's gone. Currently have no food anyway as have to go and replace everything today but will need the cupboard cleared ASAP as cant use the kitchen table forever.

Please help!

[YoureBeingASillyBilly]

Bumping.


Anyone?

[wowfudge]

You're sure that's what was causing the smell? It sounds as though there may be smelly liquid down the back of the cupboard or that has trickled down the sides of the bottom shelf and is on the floor underneath the cupboard. Is the cupboard a base unit? Sounds as though it is from your description with the drawer above.

I would try taking the shelves out and wiping them on all edges, if you haven't already done so. Then try removing the plinth between the cupboard and the floor - they are usually on clips which hold the plinth in place by clipping onto the cupboard legs - but are designed to be removable.

Then have a look underneath the cupboard - it can get quite grotty down there with dust and fluff, but at least you'll be able to see and can reach to clean under the cupboard.

Good luck!

[YoureBeingASillyBilly]

Thank you wow.

It was definitely the can because i stupidly tool a whiff of it and it was pungent. The hotdogs must have started to rot or something. Eugh!

Will see if i can get the shelves out. It is a base unit so hopefully will able to get it all cleaned out.

[wowfudge]

Did you sort it OP?

[YoureBeingASillyBilly]

Nope- i got the shelf and base board out and cleaned and nothing had dripped underneath. Cleaned shelves and cupboard walls again with disinfectant. Can still smell the smell. I think it might have seeped into the actual wood? The units are quite old. Have left a bowl of white vinegar to sit overnight in it and will see how it isnin the morning.

[PigletJohn]

I'm told you can pour Zoflora onto the wood.

If it was me I would cut a piece of ply or laminated chip to replace the shelf and floor. Some DIY sheds will cut board to your measurements.

[YoureBeingASillyBilly]

Thank PJ- my dad was a joiner so i'm sure he could do a couple of shelves for me. I think i'll have to replace them, the smell isnt shifting.

[wowfudge]

It could also have seeped into the floorboards underneath the cupboard - if you have floorboards - or ply that the kitchen flooring is laid on top of. You could try sprinkling bicarb on the floor under the cupboard and just leaving it.

[YoureBeingASillyBilly]

Its just a concrete floor underneath but will sprinkle bicarb anyway just incase.

[wowfudge]

How is it today? If you have vinyl flooring, is it possible the liquid has seeped under the edge beneath the cabinet?