How to get the smell out of wooden jewellery box

[OneWaySystemBlues]

I got given a beautiful, wooden jewellery box, made in Egypt - it's inlaid with mother of pearl and is lined with red velour-type fabric. But it STINKS and I can't get rid of the smell. It was new when I got it, so it must be something in the wood or the glue of the lining. It makes everything you put in it smell. I've tried leaving it propped open to air, I've tried spraying it with perfume, but nothing shifts it. I really want to keep it, but can't use it like this - any ideas?

Try putting bicarb in it and leaving it, shut for a week and see whether that absorbs the smell.

Thanks! I'd forgotten about bicarb - will give it a go.

I have a metal one exactly the same. I wonder if it's the fabric? Have had to stop using it

Had the same problem with a box from India. Put rose petals and potpourri in (and left them for ages and ages, years even?) and it did the trick.