miskab, I don't know what you have tried, but here are a few suggestions. First make sure that the wood has conpletely dried out. Brush and vaccuum it thoroughly to remove any dust or dried mould. If you are going to take off any old finish, then this will help, if not then use a reviver to clean off dirt and old wax, both inside and out. Rewax with a pungent, old fashioned type wax as this will also help to kill the smell. You might also like to try a thing called a zilo, available from QVC. This sounds weird, it is a metal disc which needs to be kept in contact with air and water. It is supposed to split smell molecules back into their component parts, thus killing the smell. We have them around the house which now no longer smells of dog or cooking or takeaway curry. QVC offer a 30 day money back guarantee on all their sales, so if it doesn't work, all you are out is the p and p....and no I don't work for them :-))