Suggestions for getting rid of damp smell from wooden furniture

[Kiffers]

We recently bought a lovely dresser from someone locally on social media but after it was delivered, we realised it has quite a strong smell of damp. It’s a really nice piece and we’re otherwise really pleased with it but for the smell! Please does anyone have any suggestions of how to reduce/eliminate the smell.

I had an idea to take it out in our garden into the sun while the weather is hot for the next couple of days to see if that helps.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance 😎

I think that is a really good idea. Open the doors snd drawers too. Wipe it down. If this doesn"t help I think painting it would be the solution!

Thanks for your reply, yes I thought the hot sun might ‘dry’ it out a bit. Sadly, it’s already been painted (I think I now know why!)

If it is actually damp, then standing it in hot sunshine to dry out might cause the wood to warp and/or crack.

There is a tip, and I think I heard it on MN, and that is to put dishes of scented cat litter inside. That draws out any damp and the smells too.

Can you post a photo? Is the item antique? Is it oiled or waxed or varnished?

I've had this before but have usually stripped, stained and refinished the item
so the smell disappeared along the way.
One price smelt of dog pee 🤮

A good wash with a bit of soap and vinigar is good but it really depends what the surface is

Bicarb perhaps? That's supposed to absorb odours