How to fix smelly shaving cabinet?

jmo

hi I  installed a shaving cab mondella (#4844413) which was purchased from Bunnings in Mar 2024.  The inside of the cabinet emits a really bad fishy smell and has done so for the last couple of months.  The smell is so bad that the cabinet is not used to avoid being opened.  
how can I get rid of this smell?

thanks

janita

JacobZ

Hi @jmo,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you join us.

Did something happen a couple of months ago that might explain the sudden fishy smell?

Are there any visible issues, such as mould or mildew, inside the cabinet?

Did something spill in the cabinet that could have rotted causing a bad smell?

The first step in removing the smell would be to allow the cabinet to ventilate as much as possible. Open all the doors and remove any contents from inside the cabinet. If the bathroom has poor airflow, position a fan nearby to help circulate air directly into the cabinet. If humidity is high, which is common in bathrooms, placing a small dehumidifier in the room can also help reduce moisture levels that may be contributing to the smell. Leave the cabinet open for several days, ideally a full week, to allow any trapped vapours or odours to dissipate naturally. This airing-out phase is essential before introducing cleaning products or odour absorbers.

You can also sit a DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber inside the cabinet while airing it out to help absorb odours and any potential moisture.

I would then thoroughly clean the cabinet using 1 part Cleaning Vinegar mixed with 3 parts warm water. This will help remove any surface residue and help to neutralise any mould or mildew that could be contributing to the smell.

Give these things a try and let me know how you get on.

Jacob