Damp cabinet

[JustACountryMusicGirlInCowboyBoots]

My mum has a (now retro cool) 80s mahogany cocktail cabinet that smells musty and damp whenever doors snd drawers are opened. It's not used much these days but it dies have vents at the back and sits a couple of inches away from the internal wall. I'm going to give everything a good clean that's inside and clean the wood but how can I keep it smelling fresh or st least not musty? Thanks.

Bump 😊

Bumping again because I'm cleaning it again and it's not working. I e tried soapy water, and white vinegar neatly and scrubbed on with a scourer. The mould is still there so today I've done it again with soapy water. I've been leaving the cabinet doors open to air the inside. The humidity in the room is controlled with a dehumidifier.

What else can I try? Or am I stuck with it?

Wipe out with some cold tea. The tannin can sometimes do a good job.

If it's got mould there's moisture coming from somewhere.

Has something spilled? Is the wall behind damp?

Any chance of a photo?

I would try wiping it white spirit, but I use that for all sorts of things that you probably shouldn't!

Also leave the doors open for a few days (maybe just at night).

Sprinkle it all with bicarbonate of soda, brush it into any seams, leave for a few days then hoover it all out. Should do it.

Thank you! I can take a photo tomorrow if it's grown back.

Buy a proper dehumidifier and / or open doors and windows more. Also make sure there’s not an external factor ie water ingress. Good ventilation and a dehumidifier will do the trick as long as there’s no external issue.