What is this smell?

[cupidandpsyche]

I have a nasty smell in one of my kitchen cupboards...... my DH thinks it smells like wet dog, I think it smells like rats pee. (Disclaimer, I have absolutely no idea what rats pee smells like in reality, but this is how I imagine it)

It's a floor cupboard, with a drawer over it. The drawer doesn't smell. The bottom shelf doesn't smell. But the top shelf stinks, as does anything I put on it. There is no sign of rodent activity and we've taken off the kick boards to check but there's nothing to be seen.

I wonder if it could be damp, but again no sign, and it's not on an outside wall. Also, why is it just this one shelf that's affected?

I just can't think of what it could be, any ideas wise Mumsnetters?

Take the shelf out, if it will, and see if it's the actual material itself. Otherwise sniff around all the things that were on the shelf.

Stick your head inside with a torch and see if there are any interesting stains around.

Thanks Spoon, I have taken the shelf out, not sure if it smells or not. The cupboard is not as bad, but not sure it's odour free

No sign of any stains etc....

Put talcum powder under the cupboard and leave it for a few days you will soon see if u have furry friends visiting.

So the plot thickens - we have been away, come home and no smell in the cupboard. I'm now starting to think it might be electrical? We have under cupboard and kick board lights, maybe it's those? Really don't think it can be plumbing as no pipes in the vicinity.......

The talcum powder trick sounds good though, just to rule it out!