How to Remove Musty Smell from Couch and Chair

The only downside to inheriting a couch and chair from someone’s basement or attic is the musty smell that often comes along with the furniture. To disinherit the odor and keep the free furniture, try this easy DIY method for removing the musty smell from upholstery.

Remove Cushions

Remove the couch and chair cushions if possible. If the cushions have removable slipcovers, unzip and take them off. Check the furniture manufacturer’s label to discover if the slipcovers can be laundered, and do so according to the manufacturer’s washing instructions.

Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on every fabric surface, then take your fingertips and rub the baking soda into the upholstery. Sprinkle and rub baking soda into the foam cushions that were uncovered when slipcovers were removed. Allow the baking soda to remain on the furniture overnight so it can absorb the musty smell.

Vacuum and Vinegar

Use the upholstery hose attachment on the vacuum and through vacuum every inch of the couch and chair. Mix a pail of white vinegar and water solution (50/50) and dip a micro-fiber cloth in the solution, wring out excess water and wipe down all hard surface on the furniture. The vinegar will clean, disinfect and deodorize the hard surfaces. Inspect couch and chair for spots and stains, dab any noticeable stains with a clean sponge that has been dampened in the vinegar and water solution. Blot dry with a clean micro-fiber cloth. Dry cleaning solution will also remove stubborn stains, test first in an inconspicuous location and follow manufacturer’s directions.

If Smell Lingers…

If the musty smell is still lingering, turn couch and chair upside down and gently remove the thin fabric attached to furniture bottoms. This will expose springs and the underside of stationary foam cushions. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on all exposed fabric and foam, let sit overnight then vacuum thoroughly with upholstery brush.

Spray underside of furniture with an unscented antimicrobial fabric spray (Febreze), flip furniture over and spray top side of upholstery, then let dry overnight.

If musty smell lingers after these odor-removal treatments, your inherited couch and chair are probably a lost cause. The odor has penetrated deep into the foam and padding where conventional cleaners cannot reach. Consider removing all upholstery and recycling the wood frames and metal springs so your inheritance can have another chance at usefulness.