There’s nothing like collapsing onto your sofa after a long day—until a faint whiff of “old basement” hits your nose. Musty smells in upholstery have a sneaky way of sticking around, but with the right Guide to Remove Musty Smells from Upholstery, you can banish them for good.

1. Why Your Upholstery Smells

Musty odours are usually caused by trapped moisture, dirt, or bacteria.

  • Moisture build-up: Damp fabric is the perfect breeding ground for mould.

  • Daily use: Sweat, crumbs, and pet fur settle deep into fibres.

  • Poor airflow: Furniture shoved against walls traps stale air.

  • Old furniture: Years of absorbing moisture and odours can leave a lasting stink.

2. Prep First

Before tackling the smell, prep the fabric properly.

  • Vacuum thoroughly: Use attachments to get into seams and corners.

  • Wash covers if possible: Check care labels and dry completely.

  • Inspect for mould: Spotting problem areas early makes cleaning easier.

3. Deodorise, Don’t Mask

Forget drowning your sofa in fabric spray—it won’t work.

  • Bicarbonate of soda: Sprinkle generously, leave for at least 15 minutes (overnight is best), then vacuum.

  • Vinegar mist: Lightly spray equal parts vinegar and water to neutralise odours.

  • Air it out: Sunlight and fresh air are natural deodorisers.

4. Deep Clean for Stubborn Smells

If the odour’s still clinging on, it’s time to go deeper.

  • Steam cleaning: Kills bacteria and mould while lifting dirt.

  • Upholstery shampoo: Use a mild detergent solution and gently scrub.

  • Mould treatment: Dab affected areas with a mix of rubbing alcohol and water.

5. Keep It Fresh

Once clean, don’t let the musty smell return.

  • Ventilate well: Move furniture away from walls and keep air flowing.

  • Regular vacuuming: Stops smells before they build up.

  • Deal with spills quickly: Damp patches are odour magnets.

  • Rotate cushions: Prevents hidden moisture pockets.

Final Thoughts

Removing musty smells from upholstery isn’t complicated—it just takes the right mix of deodorising, cleaning, and prevention. With a bit of effort, your sofa will smell as fresh as it looks. Time to say goodbye to that “old attic” vibe once and for all.