When you acquire or inherit old furniture, it often comes with a lingering, musty odor that can detract from its charm and usability. These smells can originate from years of exposure to dust, moisture, or even smoke, embedding deeply into the fabric or wood. Fortunately, with the right techniques and some patience, you can effectively remove these odors and restore your furniture to its former glory.
This guide on how to get the smell out of old furniture will walk you through practical steps to eliminate unpleasant smells from old furniture, ensuring it becomes a fresh and functional piece for your home.
What is Causing the Smell?
Before we dive into removing the odor, it’s essential to understand what is causing it. As mentioned earlier, various factors can contribute to old furniture smelling musty or unpleasant. Here are some common culprits:
Dust and Dirt:
Old furniture often collects dust and dirt over time, resulting in a stale smell. This is especially true for upholstered furniture that may have accumulated dust and pet dander in its fabric.
Moisture:
Excessive moisture or exposure to water can cause wood to rot, leading to a musty smell. Upholstered furniture can also absorb moisture, resulting in mold growth and unpleasant odors.
Smoke:
If the previous owner was a smoker, the furniture may retain the smoke odor. This can be challenging to remove as it seeps into the fabric and clings onto surfaces.
Needed Materials
To effectively remove odors from old furniture, you will need the following materials:
Baking Soda:
This household staple is an excellent odor absorber and can help neutralize musty smells.
White Vinegar:
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and fungi which cause bad odors.
Activated Charcoal:
Activated charcoal has strong absorbent properties and can effectively remove odors from the air.
Essential Oils:
Adding a few drops of essential oils to your cleaning solution or furniture spray can help mask any remaining unpleasant odors. Lavender, peppermint, or lemon are good options for fresh scents.
8 Simple Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Get the Smell Out of Old Furniture
Step 1: Remove the Furniture
Start by moving the furniture to a well-ventilated area, such as an open garage, a porch, or even outside on a dry, sunny day. Proper air circulation will help dissipate some of the odors naturally. Make sure the location is free of excess humidity or heavy rain to prevent further damage to the furniture.
Allowing the furniture to “air out” is an essential first step in the deodorizing process and can eliminate a portion of the smell before you begin deeper cleaning methods.
Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly
Once the furniture has had time to air out, the next step is to vacuum it thoroughly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush or upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris from all surfaces, including crevices, seams, and cushions. For wooden furniture, use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the surface. Pay close attention to any cracks or carvings where dirt can accumulate over time.
Vacuuming is especially crucial for upholstered furniture, as it helps remove trapped particles in the fabric that may be contributing to the odor. This step ensures that your cleaning efforts are more effective by eliminating loose contaminants before moving to deeper cleaning treatments.
Step 3: Test for Colorfastness
Before applying any cleaning solutions or products, it’s crucial to test an inconspicuous area of the furniture for colorfastness. This step ensures that the fabric or wood will not be damaged by the cleaning solution and helps prevent discoloration or fading.
To test, dampen a clean cloth with water and apply it to a small, hidden spot on the furniture. If there is no change in color or texture, you can proceed with confidence.
Step 4: Treat Stains and Spots
If your old furniture has visible stains or spots, address them before moving on to overall deodorizing. Use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or a specialized stain remover to spot-clean the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before gently blotting it with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone, then move on to deodorizing.
It’s essential to address stains first as they can hold onto odors and make it more challenging to remove them.
Step 5: Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer and can effectively absorb odors from furniture. Generously sprinkle baking soda over all surfaces of the furniture, including cushions if applicable. Use your hands or a brush to work the baking soda into any fabric or cracks in wooden furniture.
Leave the baking soda on the furniture for at least 24 hours, allowing it time to absorb the odors.
Step 6: Vacuum Again
After 24 hours, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda from all surfaces. Be thorough and ensure you remove any visible traces of baking soda. If the odor persists, consider repeating this step before moving on to the next one.
But if the odor has improved, move on to the next step in deodorizing.
Step 7: Use Activated Charcoal
If baking soda alone is not enough to remove the remaining smells, try using activated charcoal. Place a few bowls of activated charcoal around and under the furniture, then leave it for another 24 hours. The charcoal will absorb any leftover odors from the air.
Afterward, vacuum up any remaining charcoal and check if there are any lingering smells. If so, you can repeat this process until you achieve the desired results.
Step 8: Apply Essential Oils
For a final touch, use essential oils to leave your furniture with a fresh and pleasant scent. Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil—such as lavender, lemon, or peppermint—with water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the furniture, focusing on fabric surfaces and wooden areas that have been thoroughly cleaned. Be sure not to over-saturate, especially on delicate materials.
Alternatively, you can add a drop or two of essential oil to a clean, dry cloth and gently rub it onto wooden surfaces. This helps to infuse the furniture with a subtle fragrance while keeping it natural. Allow the furniture to dry completely before bringing it back indoors or using it. This final step ensures that your furniture not only smells fresh but also provides a sense of rejuvenation to your space.
Following these simple guidelines on how to get the smell out of old furniture can help you effectively get the smell out of old furniture, leaving it clean, fresh, and ready for use once again. With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your furniture smelling great for years to come. So next time you encounter a musty or unpleasant odor coming from your favorite chair or sofa, don’t give up on it just yet—try these steps instead! Stay fresh and stay happy! Happy deodorizing!
Tips for Removing Odor from Old Furniture
If you’re looking for additional ways to ensure your old furniture stays odor-free, consider these helpful tips:
Use White Vinegar:
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that can neutralize odors effectively. Place small bowls of white vinegar around or inside the furniture and leave them for a few hours.
The vinegar will absorb the unpleasant smells, leaving your furniture smelling fresh. You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to mist the furniture before vacuuming.
Air Out Furniture Regularly:
Make it a habit to air out your old furniture regularly. Open windows or doors, if possible, and let fresh air circulate through the space. This will help prevent odors from building up over time.
Keep Your Space Clean:
Regular cleaning of your home can help prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and other particles that can contribute to unpleasant smells on your furniture. Vacuum floors and upholstery regularly and keep surfaces free of clutter.
Use Baking Soda as a Preventative Measure:
Sprinkling baking soda on carpets and upholstery regularly can help prevent odors from forming in the first place. Leave it on for a few hours before vacuuming to keep your furniture smelling fresh.
Avoid Smoking Indoors:
Cigarette smoke can linger on furniture and fabrics, leaving a strong and unpleasant smell. Avoid smoking indoors if possible, or designate a specific area for smoking to minimize its effect on your furniture.
Consider Using Natural Air Purifiers:
Plants such as bamboo palm, peace lily, and spider plants can help purify the air in your home and reduce odors. Place them near your old furniture to absorb any lingering smells.
Conclusion
Restoring old furniture to a clean, fresh condition is not only satisfying but also an environmentally friendly practice. By using simple, natural methods like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, you can effectively eliminate odors and prolong the lifespan of your cherished pieces. Regular maintenance and preventive practices will ensure that your furniture remains odor-free and continues to enhance your living space.
With a bit of patience and care, you can breathe new life into old furniture and enjoy its beauty and functionality for years to come. Thanks for reading this article on how to get the smell out of old furniture.
