Musty Smell in Upholstered Furniture

Causes

• Furniture left in rooms with a lot of moisture -- either from sinks, toilets, bathtubs or washing machines -- can develop a musty smell over time, especially in naturally humid climates. Other smells can come from bacteria growth, general disuse, the presence of pets and time spent in poorly ventilated or dusty areas.

Prevention

• Avoid putting upholstered furniture in rooms with water sources. Keep the interior of your home dry by opening windows and doors frequently. Vacuum your furniture regularly. Don't allow your pets on your furniture, and vacuum to eliminate pet hair daily. Climate control the air on hot and humid days, and ensure that your air conditioning functions properly. Clean mildew from your home when you see it growing in moist areas. Clean grease from the walls of your kitchen regularly, and keep a clean home generally in order to prevent bacteria from growing.

Elimination

• First of all, air out the furniture and vacuum it. Sometimes time in a sunlit and well-ventilated area gets rid of the smell. If that doesn't work, sprinkle baking soda over the furniture and leave it there for several hours, then vacuum it off.

Persistent Odor

• Mix fabric-safe detergent in a bucket of warm water and clean the furniture with a sponge. Wipe away suds as they form, using a towel. Finally, wipe the furniture with a damp towel. Set the furniture piece in the sun and allow it to completely dry before inspecting your work. Repeat until the smell disappears.