I have an antique cabinet that has a strange permanent odor. I tried baking soda and clove. No luck. Any Idea?

Question

(This is a little glass front case that held small momentos... the only "degradable" things were a bit of fabric and some candied almonds. I think the odor was possibly caused by something used to preserve the cabinet from woodworm but have no way to be sure. There are a few black stains inside that didn't wash away with flax soap and after I washed it I closed a dish of baking soda inside hoping to absorb the odor. That not working I put a jar of cloves inside hoping to, at least, cover the smell but also this to no avail.)

Please help.

Answer 1

Almost all the antique wood pieces I have bought have that smell, I know it well, lol! I found luck in buying those drawer sachets at a local country/gift store. I bought euchalyptis (spelling?) and put a sachet of that scent in my cabinet and at first it smelled like both the old and the sachet, but after a couple months, the smell of the sachet started overpowering. Now, years later, the sachets are gone, but that's all you can smell in my cabinets! (so be sure to pick a smell you really like!) Good Luck!!! :)

Answer 2

I agree with kitty. Arm and Hammer litter deodorizer is the best and affordable. Cleans up easy and my box doesn't have odor unless something hasn't been buried. You can purchase it at your local supermarket. It is a big orange box and they have one for multiple cats. It doesn't matter which one you buy as they all work great. Adding baking soda not real great. I didn't notice a big enough change to make up for the bigger mess it makes.

Answer 3

You could wipe the interior down with vinegar. It should absorb the odors and it's own smell will evaporate.

Answer 4

I would get some wood cedar chips to make the cabinet smell better.

Answer 5

how about a small shallow bowl or box of charcoal briquets