How to Get Rid of a Musty Smell from Wood Furniture
Cleaning Wood Furniture
Moldy wood furniture won't smell any better after using any amount of odor removing products if it isn't properly cleaned in advance. I've found Murphy's Oil Soap to be the best commercial product for cleaning wood, especially wood furniture that has taken on a musty smell. Furniture polish won't do anything but temporarily cover up the odor, and you'll end up with furniture that smells like musty oranges, lemons, flowers, or whatever scent you use. For a clean fresh scent, try Murphy's Oil Soap, and follow product label instructions for best results. After thoroughly cleaning and drying, try one or more of the following easy methods to get rid if a musty smell in your wood furniture.
Coffee
Ground dry coffee is a great odor remover. Truck drivers use it to remove stale odors from inside their rigs, and I've used it to remove musty odors in a cabinet beneath my sink. If the interior of wood furniture smells musty after cleaning, place bowls of fresh ground coffee in the drawers and cabinets. Allow it to absorb odors for at least 24 hours before removing.
Charcoal
In many cases, ordinary charcoal briquettes are even better at removing musty odors from wood furniture. I like the fact that charcoal briquettes are virtually odorless, and once odors are removed, the furniture won't smell like anything in particular. Place bowls of charcoal briquettes inside musty cabinets and drawers, and allow them to remain undisturbed for at least 24 hours. After removing musty odors, the briquettes don't have to go to waste. If desired, they can be returned to the bag and used once again for odor removal or charcoal grilling.
Baking Soda
If you want to try something inexpensive that also works well to get rid of foul odors in wood furniture, place bowls of baking soda inside musty cabinets and drawers. Baking soda is a natural odor remover, and it will effectively remove musty smells from all types of wood furniture. You'll find baking soda in large boxes that are meant for cleaning and deodorizing large areas, and you'll be surprised by how cheap it is compared to other odor removal options.
Kitty Litter
Natural clay kitty litter is also a great odor absorbing product, and it's also inexpensive. Fill bowls with natural clay kitty litter, and place them inside drawers and cabinets. Keep the drawers and cabinets closed, and allow the kitty litter to work for at least 24 hours. If the mold has been properly cleaned from wood furniture, it should no longer have a musty smell after allowing the kitty litter to remain inside for an extended period of time. If it doesn't work, try one of the other methods to get rid of musty smells. One or more of these tried and true ways to get rid of musty odors in wood will eventually work for you.
Published by Crystal Ray - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Crystal Ray is an award-winning freelance writer and artist from the Chicago area. Her passion is interior design, but she also loves entertaining and crafting. She is continually developing unique and creat... View profile
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17 Comments
Post a CommentUnfortunately, none of these tips worked. I was getting a mix of musty and Murphy Oil smells, then a mix of musty, Murphy and coffee, etc. It was driving me insane. But then I read on MarthaStewart.com to place vinegar containers in the cabinets overnight, and that worked like a charm! Guess there's no one else like Martha! Here's a link for those of you still struggling: http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/spring-cleaning-bed-and-bath#slide_4
I cleaned the furniture w/ pure bleach (not the front ) but everithing out,did not WORK ,i will try today Murphy's Oil .I will let you know.
I heard about the coffe years ago a friend of mine used it inside her car b/c a cat pee inside,i can remember if it worked or not.
I tried using the Baking Soda first for a few days, and the odor remained. Then I tried using the charcoal, and left it there for one week. The smell still remains.
You said "25 Amazing uses for Baking Soda......" then you go on to say.."Baking Powder"....??
Any information on removing cigarette odors from upholstered living room furniture, or furniture obtained second hand, or that has been stored in a smoker's home? The material on the furniture is microfiber. We were thinking of steamcleaning and using Febreze, but any information would be helpful!
Thanks.
I'm sorry to hear that ab. It worked for me. Maybe you should have tried for a few days longer, or maybe the source of the odor had not been removed.
it's a great info :). the only problem with it that neither coffee nor charcoal removed rather mild odor in my furniture. :)
Lots of good tips!
I'm a vintage furniture junkie, so these tips are treasures - thanks!
Excellent ideas!