Does a Leather Couch Become Musty Smelling?

Proper Leather Care

• Leather needs proper attention to keep its good looks over time. Dust the surface of furniture regularly with a soft cloth. Vacuum creases and crevices with the soft brush attachment of your machine. Blot up spills immediately. Do not rub the leather to avoid rubbing the stain into the leather. For greasy stains, apply a small amount of cornstarch and gently rub into the stain, according to website Overstock.com. Vacuum off the powder and repeat, if necessary. Keep leather furniture out of sunlight and away from heat sources. Heat will dry and crack the leather. Apply a leather conditioner to the couch twice a year, paying special attention to areas that see wear.

Airing Out Musty Leather

• Mildew is the primary cause of musty odors in leather couches. To combat this problem, take the couch to an area of the house where you can open the windows or doors to provide good air circulation to help kill the mildew spores.

Sunlight To Remove Musty Odors

• To help kill the mildew spores causing the musty odor in leather, carry the couch to an area of the yard where the sunlight can shine on it. Allow the couch to sit in the sun for no more than an hour or two. The harsh sunlight can fade leather colors and dry out the fabric.

Alcohol Treatment For Musty Smells

• If the air and sunlight treatment don't fully remove the musty odor from the couch, mix a solution of 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 cup water, according to University of Georgia environmental specialist Dale Dorman. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe all areas of the couch. Do not soak the leather. Dry thoroughly.

Soap and Water Treatment

• If the musty odor still remains, wash the leather couch with a sudsy solution of mild soap, such as liquid dish detergent or saddle soap, and water. Wipe the leather with a damp cloth to rinse and allow the couch to dry in an airy room. A mild detergent that contains a fungicide may be necessary for stubborn cases.