Strange smell from Ikea drawer unit

[JoeJoe]

Bought and put together one of these a few days ago:

It is made of the usual Ikea laminated sheets.

A day later I noticed quite a strong smell in the room - something I would describe as a mixture of wet wood shavings and varnish...

Thought that it was because it was new, so have kept the window in the room open every day since (closed at night - it is a bedroom). The smell in the morning is pretty strong/bad and not getting any better.

There is/was no sign of any moisture inside when I opened the box - the cardboard box was also completely dry.

Any idea? I am sure Ikea will take it back, but I am actually planning on buying another unit... Shall I wait a few weeks for a new batch to arrive?

[stuart noble]

I had a pair of shoes like that. Never did find out why they smelt so bad

[Davey]

It might do no good, but have you asked IKEA if they have any idea?

[JoeJoe]

Just back from Ikea - decided to take it back for a refund (smell upstairs was terrible this morning after having the windows closed overnight).

They didn't have a clue, and apparently, have never heard/seen/smelt anything like this. The guy did agree that the smell was pretty strong, and suggested that perhaps I should wait a few weeks before buying it again (I need two of them) to make sure they come from a new batch... :-)

[The Natural Philosopher]

cat peed in them?

[Davey]

Sounds like a good plan! But at least they were sympathetic.

[Brian Gaff]

I do hope their manufacturing plant does not have a fox infestation.... Brian

[Davey]

Yes, an excess of Richard Murdoch's US TV stations would be too much for anyone.

[Bob Eager]

Didn't think he had any....or newspapers come to that.

[Davey]

Well, I meant Rupert, of course. His empire is vast, and he became an American citizen so that he could expand his holdings in the US.