How to Get Musty Odor Out of Wood Furniture?

What Causes Musty Smells in Wood Furniture?

Wood furniture adds beauty and warmth to any home. But over time, it can start to smell musty. That odor is not only unpleasant—it can also be a sign of mold, mildew, or trapped moisture. This happens mostly when furniture is kept in dark, damp places like basements or storage rooms.

Wood is a natural material. It absorbs moisture from the air, along with smells. If you’ve found a great piece of old furniture or just want to refresh a piece you already own, don’t worry. There are easy steps you can take to remove the smell and make your furniture fresh again.

Understand The Source Of The Musty Smell

Before you clean the furniture, you need to know what’s causing the smell. Sometimes, it's just dust or trapped air from a closed drawer. Other times, it could be mildew or mold inside the wood.

Check the surface closely. Look for signs like dark spots, white patches, or soft areas. If you find these, it’s likely mold or mildew. In this case, it’s important to clean carefully. If the smell is strong or has been there for years, the odor may have soaked deep into the wood.

Prepare The Furniture For Cleaning

Start by placing the furniture in a safe, dry area. Outdoors is best if the weather is dry and sunny. If not, use a well-ventilated room with fans or open windows. Wear gloves and a face mask if you suspect mold.

Remove any drawers, shelves, or cushions. Clean out anything inside the furniture like paper, cloth, or padding. These things can hold smells too. Now your furniture is ready for treatment.

 Try Natural Deodorizing Methods First

Before using strong cleaners, try simple and safe methods to remove odors. These natural options are gentle on wood and often work well.

a. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful odor absorber. Sprinkle it inside drawers or directly on wood surfaces. Let it sit overnight, or longer if the smell is strong. Then, vacuum or wipe it away using a soft cloth. This method is safe and often removes surface smells quickly.

b. White Vinegar

White vinegar fights bacteria and mold. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the wood surface or use a cloth to wipe it on. Do not soak the wood—just dampen it. Let it dry fully in the air. You can also leave a small bowl of vinegar inside a drawer to absorb the smell over time.

c. Activated Charcoal or Coffee Grounds

These are great for pulling odors out of tight spaces. Fill a small bowl with charcoal or dry coffee grounds and place it inside drawers or cabinets. Leave it for 24 to 48 hours. Replace if needed until the smell is gone.

Deep Cleaning The Wood

If the odor doesn’t go away with natural methods, it may be time for a deeper clean. Use a mix of warm water and mild dish soap. Dampen a soft cloth and gently wipe the surface. Be careful not to soak the wood—too much water can damage it.

After cleaning, dry the furniture with a towel. Let it air dry completely in a warm space. This helps stop new smells from forming. If needed, you can follow this with another round of vinegar wiping to remove leftover odor.

Sun And Fresh Air Treatment

Fresh air and sunlight are great natural odor removers. Place the furniture outside in the sun for a few hours. Sunlight helps kill mold and remove moisture trapped inside the wood.

Be sure to avoid long exposure if the furniture has a painted or delicate finish. Move it into the shade if needed. Repeat this outdoor airing a few times if the smell is strong.

Sanding And Refinishing (For Persistent Odors)

If none of the above steps work, the smell may be deep inside the wood. In this case, sanding may help. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the surface. Always go with the wood grain to avoid scratches.

After sanding, wipe off the dust and check the smell. If the odor is gone, you can refinish the wood using a sealant or wood oil. This step helps protect the wood and keeps new smells from soaking in.

If the smell still returns, consider reaching out to odor removal services. They have special tools and techniques that can reach deeper into the wood.

Preventing Musty Smells In The Future

Once your furniture is clean and fresh, it’s smart to take steps to keep it that way. Store wood furniture in dry, clean spaces. Avoid placing it near damp walls or vents.

Use a dehumidifier if your room is often humid. Keep windows open on dry days to allow airflow. Clean your furniture regularly with a soft cloth, and check for early signs of mold or moisture.

You can also use small bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal to help prevent future odors.

When To Call A Professional

Sometimes, the musty smell may return even after all your efforts. If that happens, or if the furniture is very old or valuable, it's best to call a professional.

Odor removal services are trained to find and treat hidden causes of bad smells. They use tools that go deeper than simple home cleaning. If you live in New York and are dealing with a serious smell problem, you might want to search for Professional odor removal NY specialists. They understand how to treat wood safely without damage.

Getting help from a professional can save your furniture and give you peace of mind. It's worth it when the odor is strong, ongoing, or seems to be spreading.

How To Keep Your Wood Furniture Smelling Fresh

Getting rid of a musty odor from wood furniture takes a little time, but it’s not hard if you follow the right steps. Start with natural methods like baking soda, vinegar, and charcoal. If the smell stays, try deep cleaning or gentle sanding. Fresh air and sunshine can also work wonders.

If the problem becomes too big, don’t hesitate to contact trusted odor removal services. And if you're nearby, hiring Professional odor removal NY teams can help restore your wood furniture like new.

Taking simple care steps now can help you avoid future smells. Keep your furniture clean, dry, and aired out. That way, your home will stay fresh, and your furniture will last for many years.