New Cabinets

[davebr]

A bar was just recently built in my house. The cabinets are new and stained. Before I pour any wine, I have to rinse out the clean glasses because they smell way too much of wood. Handing someone a slightly wet glass is getting to be embarassing. What do I do?

[Chris Amirault]

I imagine it'd help to keep the cabinets open for a good while to air them out. You could also pull out the glasses you'll be using ahead of time while keeping the rest in the bar.

Good luck.

[Fat Guy]

It definitely sounds like your stain never dried properly. Do you live in a humid area, or is the bar in a finished basement where it's very humid? If so you might want to set up a dehumidifier and some fans and open those doors up for three or four days. Also, are the shelves themselves stained? If so, you might consider sealing those with polyurethane. And you're of course not storing your glasses upside-down . . .

[FistFullaRoux]

If the cabinets were made with plywood (even cabinet grade), there are solvents involved in the making of the stuff that can linger for a while. It could also be regarding the moisture content of the wood that was used. The wood may not have been completely dry when it was built.

I would air them out extensively, including the use of fans. It may need more than 3 or 4 days, but move the air out if you are able to do so. If it just circulates the same room air, you really aren't fixing anything.

There are some more drastic steps to take that may help as well. You may be getting the smell from the unstained wood in the interior of the joints and the ends of the panels and such. You can use some clear silicone caulk on all of the edges where wood meets wood. That will keep the fumes and smells from intruding into the interior of the cabinet. You can also use a tack rag to make sure all of the sawdust and other particles are removed from the casework.

[davebr]

It definitely sounds like your stain never dried properly. Do you live in a humid area, or is the bar in a finished basement where it's very humid?

←

Yes I live in Louisiana its very humid. The shelves are glass. I have opened the doors and we'll see what happens the next couple of days.

I am really worried because my regular cabinets have been up a year and they still make the glasses smell like wood.

Edited May 19, 2007 by davebr (log)

[Chris Amirault]

I'd go with Julia's "never let 'em see you sweat" principle: in a proud, authoritative voice, tell your guests that the chardonnay is prized for being "extraordinarily oaky," and quaff with gusto. That should work for a few months if you vary guests sufficiently.

[andiesenji]

Order 1 or two packs of these Silica Gel Packs

put several in each cabinet, depending on volume.

You will have to sweep them out of the cabinet, spread them on a sheet pan and dry them in a very low oven every two or three months.

Get enough so you can rotate them.

I have friends who live on their boats in marinas and they buy these in bulk because it is the only way to keep mildew at bay.

Naturally, living in the desert, I have virtually no problem with humidity. However, when I travel, I always have silica gel packs in with my cameras, laptop and other electronics.