Mildew smell in furniture can be both unpleasant and persistent, often resulting from excess moisture or improper storage. It not only affects the freshness of your home but may also indicate underlying mold or mildew growth, which could harm the integrity of your furniture.
Fortunately, with the right cleaning techniques and preventative measures, you can effectively eliminate mildew odors and restore your furniture to its original state. This guide will provide you with practical steps for how to get mildew smell out of furniture for a fresh look.
Why Furniture Can Develop a Mildew Smell
Furniture can develop a mildew smell due to prolonged exposure to moisture and a lack of proper ventilation. Mildew, a type of mold, thrives in damp, humid environments, and porous materials like wood, fabric, and upholstery can easily absorb moisture from their surroundings.
Poor storage conditions, such as keeping furniture in basements or other areas with high humidity, can accelerate this process. Additionally, spills or leaks that are not properly cleaned or dried can create an ideal breeding ground for mildew. Over time, this can lead to the distinctive musty odor that is often associated with mildew, signaling the need for thorough cleaning and drying to prevent further damage.
The Importance of Removing Mildew
Removing mildew from furniture is essential for several reasons. Firstly, mildew not only produces an unpleasant odor but can also pose health risks, especially for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Exposure to mildew spores may trigger allergic reactions or worsen respiratory symptoms over time. Secondly, allowing mildew to remain on furniture can lead to permanent damage, such as discoloration, weakening of the material, or structural deterioration, particularly in fabrics and wood.
By addressing mildew promptly, you can protect the integrity and longevity of your furniture. Furthermore, eliminating mildew and its odors helps maintain a clean and welcoming living environment, ensuring your home remains a healthy and pleasant space for you and your family.
Causes of Mildew Smell in Furniture
Several factors contribute to the development of a mildew smell in furniture, often stemming from environmental conditions and improper care. High humidity levels are one of the most common causes, as they create a moist atmosphere where mildew can thrive. Furniture made from porous materials, like wood, fabric, or upholstery, is particularly vulnerable because these surfaces can easily absorb moisture.
Poor ventilation in a room, combined with insufficient air circulation, exacerbates the problem by preventing moisture from evaporating. Additionally, accidental spills or water damage, such as from leaks or flooding, can soak into furniture if not addressed promptly, creating a breeding ground for mildew. Lastly, storing furniture in damp spaces, such as basements, garages, or poorly insulated areas, significantly increases the risk of developing a mildew smell. Understanding these causes is critical for preventing and addressing mildew issues effectively.
10 Methods How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Furniture
1. Clean with White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant that works effectively against mildew smells. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the affected areas of the furniture, then wipe it down with a clean cloth. Allow the furniture to air dry completely. For persistent odors, place small bowls of vinegar inside drawers or cabinets to absorb the smell over time.
2. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is excellent for neutralizing odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the surfaces of your furniture, including drawers or compartments. Leave it to sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it off with a soft brush attachment. Repeat the process if the smell persists.
3. Try Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a powerful odor absorber. Place charcoal briquettes or specially designed odor-absorbing charcoal packets inside the furniture’s compartments or on its surfaces. Leave them in place for several days to absorb the mildew smell. This method is particularly effective for enclosed spaces like cabinets or chests.
4. Expose to Sunlight and Fresh Air
Sunlight and fresh air can naturally eliminate mildew odors. Place the furniture outdoors on a dry, sunny day, ensuring it’s not exposed to excessive humidity. Sunlight helps to kill mildew spores, while fresh air disperses trapped odors. Turn or rotate the furniture to ensure all sides are exposed.
5. Use a Fabric Refresher
For upholstered furniture, a fabric refresher spray can help neutralize odors. Choose a product specifically designed for fabrics, and lightly mist the affected areas. Ensure the fabric dries completely before use. Test the spray on an inconspicuous area first to avoid discoloration.
6. Clean with Dish Soap and Water
For wooden or hard surfaces, a solution of dish soap and warm water can help remove mildew smells. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to wipe down the furniture. Be sure to wring out the cloth well to avoid over-saturating the wood. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue, then dry thoroughly.
7. Apply a Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste
For stubborn odors, combine white vinegar and baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas, gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. This method is particularly effective for heavily mildewed spots.
8. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus have natural antifungal and deodorizing properties. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Lightly mist the furniture, focusing on areas with strong odors. Essential oils not only mask the smell but can also help eliminate mildew spores.
9. Try Commercial Odor Removers
If natural remedies don’t fully eliminate the smell, consider using a commercial odor remover specifically designed for furniture. These products are formulated to target mildew and other persistent odors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and test on a small, inconspicuous area before full application.
10. Dehumidify the Environment
To prevent mildew smells from returning, it’s crucial to address the underlying cause: moisture. Use a dehumidifier in the room where the furniture is kept to maintain a dry environment. Keeping humidity levels low helps inhibit the growth of mildew and preserves the freshness of your furniture.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Preventing mildew smells in furniture requires regular maintenance and proper care. Start by ensuring that your home maintains a balanced humidity level, ideally between 30-50%, to create an environment unfavorable for mildew growth. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity and deploy dehumidifiers or air conditioners as needed.
Regularly clean your furniture to remove dust and moisture, focusing on crevices, fabric, and other hard-to-reach areas where mildew can form. For upholstered furniture, vacuum frequently using an upholstery attachment and spot clean as needed, ensuring that any damp areas are quickly dried. Wooden furniture benefits from periodic polish or protective treatments to repel moisture and preserve its finish.
Additionally, ensure that your living spaces are well-ventilated. Keep windows open whenever possible to improve airflow, and avoid blocking air vents with furniture. For storage, avoid placing furniture in damp, poorly insulated areas like basements or garages. Instead, opt for dry and well-ventilated spaces. If you must store furniture in less-than-ideal conditions, use moisture absorbers like silica gel packets or activated charcoal to help control humidity. Proactive care and simple preventative measures can significantly extend the life of your furniture and keep it mildew-free.
When to Contact a Professional
While many mildew odors and mild cases of contamination can be resolved with DIY methods, there are instances where professional help is necessary. If you notice severe or persistent mildew odors that do not improve despite your efforts, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, such as extensive mold growth inside the furniture or the surrounding area. Additionally, if the furniture shows visible signs of severe mold infestation, such as black or green patches, or if it causes allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or skin irritation, it’s time to consult an expert.
Professional furniture restorers and mold remediation specialists have the expertise and equipment to safely address deep-seated mildew issues. They can assess the extent of the damage, identify the underlying causes, and apply specialized cleaning or restoration techniques. This is particularly important for antique, valuable, or sentimental furniture pieces that require careful handling. Reaching out to a professional not only ensures the problem is effectively resolved but also minimizes the risk of further damage to your furniture and your health.
Conclusion
Getting the mildew smell out of furniture requires a combination of cleaning, deodorizing, and preventative measures. Whether you choose natural remedies like vinegar and baking soda or commercial products, the key is to be thorough and patient. By following these ten methods, you can restore your furniture to its original freshness and ensure it remains odor-free in the future. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to get mildew smell out of furniture! We hope you found it helpful and informative.