Smell in understairs cupboard - advice on how to get rid.

[jker]

Hi everyone,

We’ve recently bought a house (built in 1996) and have noticed that both the under-stairs cupboard and the cupboard above the stairs have a quite strong, distinct smell. It’s not really a damp or musty smell, but more like a MDF/material type of smell We are wondering if it could be VOCs or off-gassing from the materials, even though the house is 30 years old.

We aren't entirely sure what materials were used for the stairs and the cupboard panelling, but we want to tackle both areas and would love some advice.

Under-Stairs Cupboard

- We are thinking of opening up this cupboard (either taking the door off and replacing with a curtain or removing a panel) to create more open space an have my desk in that area.
- Will opening it up just make the entire room smell? My work-from-home desk would be right next to this area, and since I sit there working all day, I’m worried the smell will be distracting or unpleasant.
- And what could be causing the smell?

Above-the-Stairs Cupboard

- We want to keep this cupboard fully enclosed, but we desperately want to get rid of the smell. Currently, we are avoiding storing any clothes or soft fabric items in there so they don't absorb the odour.
- Also, inside this cupboard, there are 3 or 4 holes in the plasterboard ceiling that pierce straight through to the loft. When I put my finger near or in them, I can actually feel the loft insulation. Not sure is that is contributing to the smell.
- What would be the best way to block/seal these holes ? And what can we do to permanently try an get rid of the the smell inside it? Would painting it help at all?

Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

 

[foxhole]

Nothing you mention is detectable by the human nose . Damp and dead vermin do smell , maybe one of those .From your description this is a stairs to loft not ground floor as loft is above?
Lots of online videos on how to repair holes in plasterboard .

 

[jker]

Nothing you mention is detectable by the human nose . Damp and dead vermin do smell , maybe one of those .From your description this is a stairs to loft not ground floor as loft is above?
Lots of online videos on how to repair holes in plasterboard .

There's one cubaord below the stairs, and then one above.

Do you think the smell could just be stale air and lack of ventilation? And normal with cupbaords?

Couldnt see any sign of damp, and not having any issues anywhere else. Could be pest, but it doesn't really smell like that and we've got the same smell in both cupboards.

Maybe it's just normal cupboard smell and I am overthinking it?

 

[HERTS P&D]

Check your manholes.

Andy

 

[endecotp]

Do you think the smell could just be stale air and lack of ventilation?

Leave the doors open (or take them off) for a week and see what happens.

 

[jker]

It seems like it could be a smell from the chipboard subfloor. Precious owner have put carpet over it without underlay. When smelling this is the bit that has the strongest smell

 

[jker]

I'm

Nothing you mention is detectable by the human nose . Damp and dead vermin do smell , maybe one of those .From your description this is a stairs to loft not ground floor as loft is above?
Lots of online videos on how to repair holes in plasterboard .

It seems like it could be a smell from the chipboard subfloor. Precious owner have put carpet over it without underlay. When smelling this is the bit that has the strongest smell