DH builds and repairs furniture. He suggests you use a spray shellac. Bullseye is the brand he uses. You will need to cover the glass. And it may take more than one coat.

Baking soda. The Irish Spring will leave that smell. Ask me how I know.

Polyurethane? Good idea! Thank you!!!

Sounds odd, but put a tray full of charcoal (the regular kind you use in the bar-b-que, not the gas soaked stuff) with some crumpled newspaper. This will absorb all the moisture and most all odors from all sorts of things - drawers, fridges, cupboards, chests, etc.

This is going to be a bummer as you probably want the quilts to be seen but...

If you are going to store antique quilts in it, I would recommend wrapping them in acid free tissue and lining the cabinet where the fabric touches the wood with Tyvek. I would have serious concerns about anything that is giving off or have given off fumes. Gases still are given off that damage textiles, even though YOU can't smell them.

Also, I would line the glass with museum grade UV blocking film. It is completely transparent and won't affect the look. I have just had all the windows on my house done to protect my textiles and pictures. It wasn't as expensive as you would think.

HettyB

Many years ago, I purchased a buffet that had an odd smell. I remember using some orange scented cleaner on it that took the smell right out. Good luck! I don't blame you for wanting to get it out. I'm sure it would get in the fabric of the quilts if you didn't. Ick.

ROFL Does kitty like her new box?

please let us know what worked for you! just in case i get something with this problem.

Okay, Jennifer- will do!
BTW- I had a Tigger too and loved him to pieces. I still miss him after all these years.

Try wadded up newspaper. Leave it closed a few days with lots of paper to absorb the odor.