My new house is a 15 years old subsale unit with a kitchen cabinet which is mostly wooden based. Every time I open the cabinet especially under the sink, there's a strong musty/mold-ish smell. I have tried many ways to get rid of the smell e.g. by cleaning it thoroughly with detergent, placing dehumidifier and fragrant (which only work temporary and the fragrant seems to affect my water purifier). The smell still remain and even if I open the cabinet for few days for air circulation it would still be smelly. I suspect there's mold within the cabinet already due to poor maintenance by previous owner.

Is there anyway to completely get rid of the smell without changing the cabinet? I heard the interior of the cabinet could be repainted to block odor, but I not sure if this is a good option and how much it would cost.

This post has been edited by bashlyner: May 17 2021, 09:24 AM

i think is worth trying, similar to drclo method
put a dish of clorox with tissue paper. the tissue paper act as diffuser

leave it in for a week and see.

could be water leaking into the wood making it rot/growing molds. u might wanna check that 1st.

If the quality of the cabinet is compressed wood board, I suggest you try allocate a budget and have it replace.

I have an under counter water purifier under the sink, would the clorox affecting the drinking water? Because I tried to put those scented air freshener and I suspect it affect the water taste.

I have to teach the kitchen designer to put a strip of perforated stainless steel sheet to the door under sink to to control humidity.

Under the sink especially metal one, the possibility of even water droplet will happened due to cod surface inside sink. By using perforated metal sheet, the air flow will help reduce humidity and keep air flow.

I don't have picture for mine. Mine is not whole door like this but just probably 5" metal strip from top to bottom which I think more modern look

should not. even if your water purifier is leaking, smell should not seep in.

scented air freshner is just cover up. dont solve the problem.

if possible, replace the board.

Is the under counter waste dicharge trap cup emptied and clean occasionally?

Possible to have a photo of it ?

Nice design, too bad I am buying subsale unit and dun have the money to replace the cabinet



Haven't check it yet since I just move in recently. However, the smell is not only on under sink part, other compartment also have similar smell, some stronger than another

Just modified the door under sink only. No need to change whole cabinet.

No budget ..... nevermind ... try this and hope it works.

1. Wipe down the whole cabinet with mild soap or dish washing liquid and warm water. To include kitchen wall.

2. Use a stand fan and face the cabinet. Set in rotating mode, if necessary. Keep the fan on for at least a day. Leave the kitchen door open for ventilation.

3. The smell should reduce and repeat 1 and 2 untill you are satisfied.

4. Leave some mothballs under the kitchen sink thereafter.