Smelly wooden cabinet

[SeaSeeker]

I've inherited a very old wooden sideboard/cabinet. Problem is it smells really musty no matter how I clean it and anything I put in it is contaminated. Not really sure how to cure it. Any tips?

I think it's usually mold or something I imagine a home remedy exists look on upcycling sites...

Try cleaning it inside and out with neat distilled vinegar, leaving bowls of bicarbonate in it with the doors closed and leaving it outside with the doors open to air when it's dry outside. If it still smells, paint it with Zinsser primer to block the smell.

I have a similar issue with a gifted bureau. I was told newspaper scrunched up inside by a restorer.... and to just keep changing them till it goes....
Watching this for top tips

Is it possible to clean with a paste of damp bicarbonate of soda, as is often recommended for fridges?

Thanks for all this advice - sounds like bicarb might be the solution. It's just so engrained though I can't imagine it working. but I'll let you know!

I would clean it out with white vinegar too, a strong solution and leave it dry somewhere airy. Give it a good scrub.

A tray of cat litter inside it, the crystal type, use the whole bag. It can take time to remove old smells.

You could also try Simple Solution enzyme cleaner for pet accidents, basically anything with enzymes as it removes organic matter and is also perfumed.

Whatever you use it will need to dry out really well.

Forgot to add, bio washing powder in water is another option.

Ooh would this work on cigarette smoke smells? I've cleaned all the sticky nicotine off my inherited dressing table but the drawers.still stink.

It worked on curry when we moved into our house, wood everywhere and wrapped kitchen units so it was well absorbed. I simmered a pan of vinegar and water on the hob and it wafted through. Makes your eyes water if you are not careful.

Had a litter tray and a few bowls around. Washed the wood down with vinegar water mix. Left the house and returned to no smell.

I use Simple Solution a lot for spills and smells of organic nature.

If we have some hot sunny days (if it isn't too big to haul out in the garden) sunshine is also good for smells.
We bought a leather chesterfield sofa at auction and when we got it home there was an awful sweaty smell on one side as if someone liked to sit there half naked with their arm slung over the back. I tried lots of stuff and in the end hauling it out to the garden door and leaving it in the sun seemed most effective.
I have also used a tiny drop of patchouli oil to great effect for some really tenacious smells as it eats up odour. But you can guess the downside.