How do I get the musty smell out of my kitchen cabinets?

Question

We moved into a cabin a year ago that had been previously used seasonally and closed up in the winters. On separate occasions I have cleaned all surfaces with white vinegar, baking soda, and bleach. I tried sprinkling baking soda overall and leaving for a full 2 weeks then vacuuming it out. For the past 9 months I’ve tried just using them hoping the smell would go away. I tried lining the sections of drawers with contact paper and also spraying these inside and out and in the cupboard, that surrounds them with a strong mixture of peppermint essential oil and water, over and over for a 2-week period. None of these methods have worked, the smell just comes back. They are what I think are called builder’s grade oak cabinets. How do I get rid of this smell? ? It was worse when it was humid this summer but it’s still awful. I have fibromyalgia so I'm very sensitive to smells. Help?

JoAnn Meyer · Answer

Sealing them with varnish or shellac might do it.

Emily · Answer

Why not remove the doors for a while and let them air out? Don't seal. I did that to my china closet and it takes forever for the fumes to evaporate and I mean many years. I also painted inside some small drawers I have in my kitchen and while the stored items smell o.k. the drawers themselves do not.

V Smith · Answer

Activated charcoal. You can buy it where they sell aquarium supplies. Place it in bowls then put bowls in cabinets, close doors and wait.

Ellis · Answer

I would try leaving the doors open all the time, or removing them, for a long time, to see if the odor dissipates.

I have seen recommendations to use ground coffee, tied up in a sock or cheesecloth, in the back of the cabinet, to deodorize cabinets from the musty smell. Can you tolerate the smell of coffee with your fibromyalgia? It might be worth a try.

PJ Wise · Answer

Wad up the black and white sections of newspapers (no ads)and fill the cupboards full. Allow to remain in the cupboards with the doors closed for 7-10 days. You can also add charcoal briquettes (not used and not fast lighting), set throughout the cupboards at the same time. I've used these to remove the most offensive smells from refrigerators, freezers and ice chests as well as cupboards and closets in the past without fail. I've also been told that coffee grounds, fresh or used work. When you leave your cabin at the end of the season, stuff the cupboards with newspapers and charcoal!

Sharon · Answer

With all that washing with vinegar etc, spraying with oil and water, you've probably introduced more moisture into an already too damp problem. Take some kitty litter and put in some disposable bowls, put in the cabinets, close doors, wait a day or two and get rid off. Repeat until it stays dry. You can also buy the commerical Stay Dry moisture removers, Dollar Tree has them most of the time here in PNW.

Ellis · Answer

I love the smell of coffee, too. I guess you don't have to buy gourmet coffee for this purpose!

Mfi47590246 · Answer

Paint the inside of the cabinets with Kilz paint and then a few coats of regular paint. Allow to dry for several days. Maybe that might help the odor.

How do I get the musty smell out of my kitchen cabinets?

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How do I get the musty smell out of my kitchen cabinets?

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