Damp smelling sideboard and silverfish :(

[DoNotDisturb]

I've bought a victorian pine sideboard. It smelled a bit damp so I gave it a good clean and air and then left it a bit. A couple of the cupboards still smell damp though. It's in a dry room so I know it can't be.. Is this woodworm or rot? Any ideas what I can do??

Also I spotted a silverfish in one of the cupboards (hurl) any ideas on how best to deal with these in a wooden cupboard?

Thanks in advance. I've always bought old furniture and cleaned and looked after it so a bit disappointed that I seem to have failed with this purchase :(

No one!? :(

We bought an old court cupboard which smelled musty and unpleasant for days. After it thoroughly dried out, (left all drawers and cupboards open) I put scented tealights (unlit!) in every corner. Took a week or two but now smells fresh. The silverfish will vanish when it's properly aired!

where do silverfish come from they're so odd

I've only ever seen them in houses which are damp/unaired with concrete floors. Yours will leave for more conducive environs when the sideboard is dried out. Love the scented unlit tea lights idea too.

So I leave it empty and open for weeks. No chemicals or sprays? Ive had it a while now could the wood really still be damp from the door being shut?

Thanks everyone.

It takes a long time for old wood to dry out. I'd give it three weeks, it'll be worth it in the long run.

You could try an "ant and crawling insect spray" which dries to leave a faint film on the surface. Apply it after cleaning or you will clean it off.

I find damp-sponging with clean water and a drop of WUL, squeezed out and rubbed dry with a cotton cloth, seems to take stale furniture smells away as it dries. You can also get soapy cleaners especially for wood. You don't want wood to get wet or damp as it may warp or crack.

Items which have been in a kitchen and have greasy cooking smells, you can use white spirit on a clean rag to clean off the greasy film. Test first as it will also remove wax polish or oil treatments. Air well, preferably outdoors, drawers out.

Thanks everyone. Guess I'll be airing the sideboard for a few weeks ha ha.