How Do You Get Musty Smell Out Of Furniture?

Have you ever gone into your basement or attic and found an old piece of furniture that has a musty smell? Or maybe you bought a vintage piece from a thrift store that has a strong odor that you just can’t seem to get rid of. Whatever the case may be, getting rid of musty smells from furniture can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible.

Personal Experience

A few years ago, I inherited a beautiful antique dresser from my grandmother. It had been sitting in her attic for years and had a strong musty smell. I tried everything from airing it out to using various cleaning products, but nothing seemed to work. I was about to give up when I came across a few tips that finally did the trick.

Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Clean the Furniture

The first step in getting rid of musty smells from furniture is to clean it thoroughly. Use a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth to wipe down the entire piece, including the inside and outside. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 2: Dry it Out

Next, you need to dry out the furniture. If it’s a sunny day, take it outside and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. If it’s not sunny, you can use a fan to help circulate the air and speed up the drying process.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is great for absorbing odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the furniture and let it sit for a few days. Then, vacuum it up.

Step 4: Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is another great odor absorber. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the furniture. Be sure to get into all the cracks and crevices. Let it dry completely before using the furniture.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Use activated charcoal to absorb odors.
Place coffee grounds in a bowl and put it inside the furniture to absorb odors.
Place a bowl of white vinegar in the furniture and let it sit for a few days.
Use essential oils to mask the odor.
Put the furniture in a sealed plastic bag with a few dryer sheets for a few days.
Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
Change the air filter in the room where the furniture is located.
Use a commercial odor remover, such as Ozium or Febreze.
Place the furniture in a room with an air purifier.
Use a steam cleaner to clean the furniture.

Pros and Cons

There are both pros and cons to using different methods to get rid of musty smells from furniture. Some methods may work better than others and some may take longer. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each method to determine which one is right for you.

Pros

Most methods are affordable and easy to do.
Many methods use natural ingredients, such as baking soda and vinegar.
Most methods are effective at removing odors.

Cons

Some methods may take longer than others to work.
Some methods may not be effective for severe odors.
Some methods may damage the furniture.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

After trying several methods to get rid of the musty smell from my antique dresser, I found that using baking soda and white vinegar worked the best. It took a few days, but the smell was completely gone. I would recommend these methods to anyone dealing with musty smells in their furniture.

Question and Answer / FAQs

Q: Can I use bleach to get rid of the musty smell?

A: While bleach may be effective at removing stains, it’s not the best option for getting rid of musty smells. Bleach can be harsh on furniture and may cause damage.

Q: How long does it take for baking soda to work?

A: It can take a few days for baking soda to absorb the odors. Be sure to leave it on the furniture for at least 24 hours before vacuuming it up.

Q: Can I use essential oils to mask the odor?

A: Yes, essential oils can be effective at masking the odor. However, it’s important to note that they may not completely get rid of the odor and may only mask it temporarily.