Damp Cupboards

[sophie_1003]

In my boyfriends house (rented from his parents) the kitchen cupboards smell very damp, they are on an outside wall and are the cupboards at the bottom so have a sideboard on top. While he waits until such a time when he/his parents can afford to sort it properly are there any temporary solutions?

[Mamyalynne]

obviously thoroughly wash them out and dry them then try placing a tub or dish of Bicarb at the back.

[sophie_1003]

Ta mamya, will give it a go; did put a couple of the little silica gel packets in but don't think they're doing anything!

[maclarencat]

Do they just smell damp or are they actually damp? If they just smell damp it could be that the construction means it will always smell like that. We have granite walls and some of them smell damp but we do not have any damp its just age. If they are damp you can buy cheap dehumidifiers that are like a tub that you put a sachet in and they collect water (not electrical) I think they cost about £8

[Wak]

If the walls are not actually damp, they could be just very cold (being on an outside wall) and are condensing the damp atmosphere from the kitchen so you could try drying them with a small electric fire or hairdryer and then cover them with a thin coating of polystyrene sheet and then a plain wallpaper.
Polystyrene used to be available in 2 mm thick rolls but I haven't used it for years so you'd better check at the wallpaper suppliers.

[AlBags]

Often caused by condensation under the sink or leaking tap connections.

[sophie_1003]

Thanks all, will try everything for now but have a feeling that eventually the cupboards will have to come out!

[welshlibranr]

get some of those dehumidifier units from wilko, put them inside the cupboards, they will absorb any moisture!........make sure to check them often, should work ok!...........

[sophie_1003]

Should have added; the cupboards have backs on them so there is a gap between back of cupboard and wall and the backs don't go all the way to the top, makes cleaning and drying more difficult!