How To Remove Musty Smells From Upholstered Furniture Without Professional Cleaning

Proven At-Home Methods to Freshen Sofas, Chairs, and Cushions Without Harsh Chemicals or Expensive Services

There’s nothing worse than sitting down on your favorite armchair and catching a faint, musty smell. It’s the kind of odor that makes you wonder how long it’s been there — and whether guests have noticed before you did. Musty smells in upholstery are often a sign of trapped moisture, old spills, or even hidden mildew.

The good news? You don’t have to drag your sofa to a professional cleaner or rent heavy-duty equipment. With the right methods, you can remove odors and refresh upholstery at home — safely, effectively, and without damaging the fabric.

Why Upholstered Furniture Develops Musty Smells

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), musty smells are often caused by the presence of mold or mildew, which thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas. Upholstery can hold moisture from a variety of sources:

• Spills that weren’t fully dried

• High indoor humidity or lack of airflow

• Pet accidents

• Absorbed odors from cooking, smoking, or fireplaces

• Storage in damp basements or garages

Even if mold isn’t visible, spores can still be present within the fabric or padding, creating a persistent odor.

Step One: Identify the Source

Before you tackle the smell, figure out what’s causing it:

• Localized smell (one cushion or section): likely from a spill or pet accident.

• General smell across the whole piece: could be from humidity or prolonged exposure to damp air.

• Smell intensifies when sitting down: may indicate odor trapped in the foam or batting beneath the fabric.

If you suspect an active mold issue that’s visible or extensive, the EPA recommends professional removal to avoid health risks.

Step Two: Surface Cleaning to Remove Dust and Loose Particles

Dust, skin cells, and pet dander can hold onto odors. Start with a thorough surface clean:

1. Vacuum all fabric surfaces using the upholstery attachment.

2. Get into seams and crevices with a crevice tool.

3. If cushions have removable covers, wash them according to care labels before moving on to deeper treatments.

This step alone can noticeably reduce odor, especially for lighter smells.

Step Three: Baking Soda Odor Neutralization

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer recommended by the Good Housekeeping Institute for fabric furniture:

• Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire upholstered surface.

• Work it lightly into the fabric with a soft brush.

• Let it sit for at least 15 minutes — or up to overnight for stronger smells.

• Vacuum thoroughly.

Baking soda works by absorbing and neutralizing odor molecules rather than masking them.

Step Four: Vinegar Mist for Deeper Odor Control

White vinegar is a powerful, natural odor neutralizer — and once it dries, the vinegar smell disappears:

• Mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.

• Lightly mist the surface of the upholstery from 12 inches away — never saturate.

• Open windows or run fans to speed drying.

This is particularly effective for odors caused by bacteria and mildew.

Step Five: Steam Cleaning Without Professional Equipment

If you own a handheld garment steamer, you can use it to refresh upholstery:

• Test a hidden spot first to ensure fabric safety.

• Steam in slow, even passes over the surface.

• Avoid over-wetting — the goal is light heat treatment, not soaking.

Steam helps kill odor-causing bacteria and dust mites while also loosening trapped dirt. The Mayo Clinic notes that regular reduction of allergens like dust mites can also help improve indoor air quality.

Step Six: Sunlight and Airflow Boost

If weather permits, place furniture cushions (or the entire piece if possible) in direct sunlight for several hours.

UV rays help neutralize odors naturally, according to NC State University Extension. Combine with outdoor airflow for maximum freshness.

Preventing Musty Smells in the Future

• Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity between 40–50%.

• Vacuum upholstery weekly to remove dust and allergens before they settle deep into fibers.

• Address spills immediately — blot, clean, and dry thoroughly.

• Use washable slipcovers or throws in high-use areas.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences emphasizes that consistent maintenance is the key to preventing allergens and odors from taking hold.

When At-Home Cleaning Isn’t Enough

If odor persists after multiple treatments, it may be embedded in the foam or frame of the furniture — in which case professional deep cleaning or reupholstering may be necessary.

The Bottom Line

Musty smells in upholstered furniture are common, but with the right combination of baking soda, vinegar misting, light steaming, and airflow, you can refresh most pieces without professional help. The key is to address odors promptly, avoid over-wetting, and maintain a regular cleaning routine.

Your furniture will not only smell better, but your whole home will feel fresher — and guests will notice the difference for all the right reasons.