How to remove musty smell from a wardrobe or furniture

Have you encountered that unpleasant musty smell in a wardrobe or piece of furniture? It's not only annoying, but it can also be a sign of problems like mould or lack of ventilation. But don't worry, just like last time we explained how to clean plastic chairs, in this article we will tell you how to remove the musty smell from a wardrobe easily and effectively, so your furniture smells fresh and pleasant again.

Why do wardrobes or furniture smell musty?

The musty smell in closets usually appears due to a combination of factors: lack of ventilation, excess humidity in the environment, or even water leaks. Materials like wood and stored textiles are especially prone to absorbing moisture, creating the perfect environment for mould or bacteria to appear. This, in turn, generates that characteristic smell that is hard to ignore.

That's why, before applying any method to remove the smell, it's important to identify and solve the cause.

How long does the musty smell take to go away?

One of the most common questions is: How long does it take for the musty smell to go away? The answer can vary. With the right products and a thorough cleaning, you can start to notice improvements within hours or days. However, if the problem is deeper, like embedded mould, the process could take up to a week.

The key is to be consistent and ensure that the closet or furniture is completely dry before using it again. If not, the smell could return quickly.

Remember that maintaining good ventilation in spaces is essential to prevent future odour problems. Also, if you have furniture made of different materials, you can check our guide to clean synthetic leather, so everything in your home stays fresh and in good condition.

Do you want to complement the decor of your space with functional and stylish furniture? Check out this white office chair for a modern and practical touch.

Remove the musty smell from the closet step by step

1. Deep cleaning with white vinegar

What you need:

• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloths
• A mixing container

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a container.
2. Soak a microfiber cloth in the mixture and wipe all internal surfaces of the closet, including the corners.
3. Let the closet air dry with the doors open for several hours.

The vinegar is an excellent oduor neutralizer and also has antifungal properties, making it ideal for eliminating musty smells.

2. Baking soda to absorb odors

What you need:

• Baking soda
• A small container or fabric bags

Steps:

1. Place a generous amount of baking soda in a small container or in breathable fabric bags.
2. Distribute the containers or bags inside the closet.
3. Leave them for at least 24-48 hours to absorb the odors.

The baking soda is a simple and effective solution for removing musty smells from closets without much effort.

3. Activated charcoal for persistent odours

What you need:

• Activated charcoal
• A container or fabric bag

Steps:

1. Place the activated charcoal in small containers or in fabric bags.
2. Put them inside the wardrobe, distributing them in different spots.
3. Leave them for several days, periodically checking the results.

The activated charcoal is especially useful for strong and persistent odours, as it has a high absorption capacity.

4. Homemade air fresheners with essential oils

What you need:

• Cotton or cotton balls
• Essential oils (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, etc.)
• A small container

Steps:

1. Soak the cotton balls with a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
2. Place them in a small container and distribute them inside the closet.
3. Replace the cotton balls every two weeks to keep the aroma fresh.

This method not only helps to remove the musty smell, but also leaves a pleasant aroma in the furniture.

5. Use of portable dehumidifiers

What you need:

• A small dehumidifier or desiccant bags

Steps:

1. Place the portable dehumidifier or desiccant bags inside the closet.
2. Let them work for several days to eliminate excess moisture.
3. Check and empty the dehumidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Remember that controlling the closed smell is key to preventing the problem from recurring.