A musty smell in a dresser, cabinet or vintage piece usually means moisture has been trapped inside at some point, often with mildew. The good news is that most musty odors can be removed with airing, cleaning and odor absorbers. This guide explains how to get musty smell out of furniture, including drawers, wood cabinets and upholstered pieces, and how to keep it from coming back.
What Causes a Musty Smell?
- Moisture and mildew: Furniture stored in basements, garages or storage units absorbs humidity.
- Old, unsealed wood: Raw wood inside drawers absorbs odors over years.
- Poor airflow: Closed drawers and cabinets trap smells.
- Smoke or cooking odors that have soaked in.
First, check for visible mold. Small surface spots can be cleaned; widespread mold, especially on upholstery, may mean the piece isn't worth saving.
What You'll Need
- Vacuum with a brush attachment
- Mild dish soap and warm water
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Activated charcoal
- Microfiber cloths
- Gloves
Step 1: Empty and Air It Out
Remove all drawers and contents. Take the piece outside on a dry, breezy day if you can, or put it in a well-ventilated room with a fan. Fresh air and dry conditions are the most effective first step.
Step 2: Vacuum and Clean
- Vacuum inside drawers, corners and joints.
- Wipe interiors with a cloth dampened in warm water and a little mild dish soap.
- For stubborn odors on unfinished interiors, wipe with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water (test in a hidden spot first).
- Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth and leave drawers open to air-dry completely.
Avoid soaking wood. Clean the exterior according to its finish. See our guide on how to clean wood furniture.
Step 3: Use Sunlight (Carefully)
A few hours of indirect sunlight helps dry and freshen drawer interiors. Avoid long exposure on finished surfaces, which can fade or crack.
Step 4: Absorb the Odor
| Absorber | How to use | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | An open bowl inside, or sprinkle and vacuum in drawers | 24–72 hours |
| Activated charcoal | Bags or bowls inside drawers | Several days |
| Coffee grounds (dry) | A bowl inside the closed piece | 1–3 days |
| Newspaper | Crumpled sheets inside drawers | A few days, replace often |
| Cedar blocks | Freshen and deter moths | Ongoing |
Step 5: Seal Stubborn Odors
If the smell persists in old, unfinished drawer interiors, applying a coat of clear shellac seals the wood and locks in odors. Let it cure fully with drawers open before using the piece. On valuable antiques, ask a furniture restorer first.
Upholstered Furniture
- Vacuum thoroughly, including under cushions.
- Sprinkle baking soda, leave overnight and vacuum.
- Air the piece in a dry, ventilated room.
- Spot clean according to the fabric's cleaning code.
- For deep odors, a professional upholstery cleaner may help.
See our guide on how to get rid of couch smell.
How to Keep Furniture From Smelling Musty
- Keep indoor humidity moderate, roughly 35 to 55 percent; use a dehumidifier in damp rooms.
- Don't store furniture in damp basements or unventilated garages.
- Leave drawers slightly open occasionally to let air circulate.
- Put clothes away only when completely dry.
- Use drawer liners and cedar blocks.
- Keep furniture a few inches away from exterior walls that may be cold and damp.
See our guide on protecting wood furniture from humidity.
When to Replace
If a piece has widespread mold, water damage or swollen particleboard, or the odor returns despite cleaning, replacement may be the better option. When choosing new storage, look at materials and finishes: some pieces list water- and mildew-resistant finishes in their specifications. The Orbis Rounded Edge Sideboard, for example, lists a water resistant, mold/mildew resistant and stain resistant finish, and the Orbis 3-Drawer Curved Dresser is described as dustproof.
Musty Smell Remedies Compared
| Method | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh air and drying | All furniture | Always the first step |
| Soap and water | Finished surfaces, drawer interiors | Use a barely damp cloth; dry well |
| Diluted vinegar | Unfinished interiors | Test first; can dull finishes |
| Baking soda | Drawers, upholstery | Safe and cheap |
| Activated charcoal | Closed cabinets and drawers | Strong absorber; reusable after sunning |
| Clear shellac | Old raw-wood drawers | Seals odor in permanently |
Antique and Thrifted Furniture
Secondhand pieces often smell musty from years in storage. Before bringing one inside, inspect it for mold, insects and water damage. Clean it outdoors if possible, and give it several days of airing and odor absorbing before putting clothes or linens inside. Line drawers with paper while the smell fades.
Musty Smells in Closets and Cabinets
The same approach works for closets and built-in cabinets: empty, vacuum, wipe, dry and absorb. Improve airflow by leaving doors open for a while, and avoid packing items tightly against walls.
Related: see our guide to reducing dust at home and furniture care guide (by material).
FAQ
How do you get a musty smell out of wood furniture?
Air it out, vacuum, wipe interiors with mild soap and water (or diluted vinegar for unfinished wood), dry thoroughly, then use baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb remaining odor.
How do you get the musty smell out of dresser drawers?
Remove the drawers, clean and dry them, place an open bowl of baking soda or charcoal inside for a few days, and seal persistent odors with clear shellac.
Does vinegar remove musty smells?
Diluted vinegar can help on unfinished wood interiors, but test first and avoid soaking finished surfaces.
How long does it take to remove a musty smell?
Light odors may clear in a day or two; deep odors can take a week or more of airing and absorbing.