How to Get the Musty Smell Out of Furniture?

That old, dank smell in your furniture can make your whole room unpleasant.

Nobody wants to sit on a couch that smells like it’s been stored in a wet basement for years.

The musty odor is annoying and often indicates mold or mildew, which can affect health.

But don’t worry. Getting rid of that smell is simpler than you might think.

In this guide, I’ll share proven methods to remove musty odors from your furniture.

You’ll learn:

How to spot the root cause of the smell
Simple cleaning methods that really work
Ways to prevent the odor from coming back

Let’s freshen up your furniture and make your living space feel clean again.

Essential Supplies to Get Rid of Musty Odors

Before we start cleaning, let’s gather what you’ll need.

Most of these items are probably sitting in your kitchen cabinets right now.

Basic Cleaning Supplies

White vinegar – it breaks down odor-causing bacteria
Baking soda – this natural powder pulls out bad smells
Clean white cloths – you’ll need several for different steps
Spray bottle – to apply cleaning solutions
Fresh air – yes, really! You’ll want to open those windows

Optional but Helpful Items

Enzyme cleaner – works well for stubborn smells
Essential oils (like tea tree or lavender) – add a fresh scent
Dehumidifier – helps prevent future musty smells
Fan – speeds up drying time

Remember: Always test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden spot first.

This quick check helps avoid damage to your furniture’s fabric or finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Freshen Up Your Furniture

Let’s start with the simplest method and, if necessary, work our way up to deeper cleaning.

Follow these steps for the best results.

Step 1: Initial Clean-Up

If possible, take your furniture outside.

If not, open all windows. Remove cushions, pillows, and any removable parts.

Vacuum every surface, including cracks and seams.

Step 2: Baking Soda Treatment

Sprinkle baking soda all over the furniture
Gently brush it into the fabric with a soft brush
Let it sit for 24 hours
Vacuum thoroughly

Step 3: Vinegar Solution

In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and white vinegar.

Lightly mist the furniture—don’t soak it—and let it dry completely.

Once dry, the vinegar smell will disappear.

For Different Materials

Upholstered Furniture:

Test cleaners on a hidden spot first
Use a clean white cloth to blot; never rub
Allow extra drying time between steps

Wooden Furniture:

Wipe with vinegar solution using a barely damp cloth
Dry immediately with a clean cloth
Apply wood polish once the smell is gone

Step 4: Drying Process

Set up fans to move air around your furniture.

If the weather permits, keep windows open.

This step is crucial, as dampness leads to more musty smells.

Pro Tips:

Place bowls of coffee grounds nearby to absorb odors
Use sunshine when possible – UV rays help kill odor-causing bacteria
Check for water leaks or high humidity that might cause future problems

Remember: Patience is key. Sometimes, you must repeat these steps, especially for old or deeply affected pieces.

Understanding the Causes of Musty Smell in Furniture

The Main Culprit: Moisture

When furniture gets wet or sits in damp areas, tiny mold spores begin to grow.

Think of spores like seeds – they’re everywhere in the air, just waiting for the right conditions to grow.

All they need is moisture and darkness.

Common Sources of Moisture

Spills not cleaned up right away
Basements and damp rooms
Steam from showers or cooking
Wet windows that drip
Flooding or leaks

Why Some Rooms Are Worse

Furniture in certain spots tends to get musty faster.

Rooms with poor airflow trap moisture.

Basements, spare rooms, and closed-up storage spaces often have this issue.

Hidden Problems to Check

Leaky pipes behind walls
Blocked air vents
Broken seals around windows
High indoor humidity levels
Dark corners with no air movement

Prevention Tips to Keep Furniture Smelling Fresh

The best way to deal with musty smells is to stop them before they start.

Here’s what I’ve learned works best to keep furniture fresh year-round.

Control Your Indoor Climate

Keep your home’s humidity between 30% and 50%.

I recommend buying a simple humidity meter—they’re inexpensive and help you spot problems early.

If you see high readings, run a dehumidifier in that room.

Regular Cleaning Routine

Vacuum furniture weekly, including under cushions
Wipe wooden surfaces with a dry cloth monthly
Clean spills right away – even small ones
Remove dust regularly – it holds moisture

Smart Furniture Placement

Keep furniture away from:

Outside walls (they get cold and wet)
Air conditioning vents (causes condensation)
Windows that leak air
Damp basement walls

Give Your Furniture Space

Pull furniture a few inches away from the walls.

This lets air move around all sides.

Never stack cushions when wet or damp – they need space to dry.

Quick Daily Habits

Open windows for 15 minutes each day
Use ceiling fans to move air around
Pull back curtains to let in sunlight
Check for dampness when cleaning

These simple steps take just minutes but save hours of deep cleaning later.

Your furniture will stay fresh, and your room will feel clean.

How to Maintain a Must-Free Environment for Your Furniture

Simple daily habits can keep your furniture fresh for years.

Let me share the most effective ways to maintain your pieces without spending much time or money.

Weekly Care Routine

Run your vacuum over furniture surfaces
Check for any new spots or stains
Look under cushions for crumbs or dampness
Feel for any damp areas, especially near windows

Monthly Maintenance

Set aside one day each month for deeper care. I find this schedule works well:

Rotate cushions front to back
Move furniture slightly to clean underneath
Check all pieces for signs of moisture
Change out any odor absorbers you’re using

Natural Fresheners That Work

Place these items near your furniture to absorb odors:

Small bowls of white vinegar
Fresh cedar blocks
Cotton balls with vanilla extract
Small mesh bags of charcoal

Smart Storage Habits

Store throw blankets in open baskets
Keep decorative pillows off the floor
Use furniture covers only when they’re needed
Leave space between furniture pieces

Quick Tip: Mark your calendar for furniture care days.

Even five minutes of attention can prevent hours of cleaning later.

Seasonal Care

Spring: Deep clean and air out
Summer: Check for sun damage
Fall: Prepare for closed windows
Winter: Watch for heating system dryness

Remember: Good furniture care is like brushing your teeth – small daily efforts prevent big problems later.

When to Seek Professional Help for Musty Furniture

Signs You Need Professional Help

The musty smell returns within days of cleaning
You see visible mold spots or discoloration
Your allergies get worse near the furniture
The odor has lasted more than a month despite home treatments
The furniture feels damp even in dry weather

Safety First

If you spot black or dark green patches on your furniture, don’t try to clean them yourself.

These could be harmful mold types that need special handling.

What Professionals Can Do

Professional cleaners have tools and methods that work better than home solutions:

Special cleaning machines that reach deep into fabrics
Industrial-strength treatments that kill mold spores
Heat treatments that remove trapped moisture
Safe chemicals that won’t harm your furniture

Cost vs. Value

Professional cleaning might cost $100-300 per piece.

While this may seem high, it’s much less than replacing your furniture.

Plus, experts can often save pieces you thought were beyond help.

Important Warning Signs: Call a professional immediately if:

You smell a strong, earthy odor
Family members have unexplained headaches
The furniture feels wet to the touch
Do you see any signs of pest damage

Conclusion

Getting rid of musty smells from your furniture doesn’t have to be difficult.

Start with basic cleaning methods like baking soda and vinegar.

If those don’t work, move on to deeper cleaning techniques.

Remember to fix any moisture issues to keep the smell from coming back.

The key is to act quickly when you notice that first hint of mustiness.

Regular cleaning and good ventilation will keep your furniture fresh for years.

I’ve shared these methods because they work—I’ve tested them myself.

Give them a try, and you’ll see the difference.

Your furniture will smell better and last longer, making your home more welcoming.

Want even better results?

Include furniture care in your weekly cleaning routine.

A few minutes of prevention will beat hours of deep cleaning later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Remove Pet Odors From My Furniture Along With Musty Smells?

Mix equal parts vinegar and water with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Lightly spray, then sprinkle with baking soda.

Let it sit overnight before vacuuming.

What’s The Best Way To Clean Leather Furniture That Smells Musty?

Wipe with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.

Dry thoroughly, then condition the leather with a specialized leather conditioner to prevent cracking.

Can I Use Essential Oils To Keep My Furniture Smelling Fresh?

Add 10-15 drops of lavender, tea tree, or lemon oil to a cup of baking soda.

Sprinkle on furniture, wait an hour, then vacuum.