Updated in November 2024
Regardless of the cleaning care we take, the truth is that sometimes there are odors that remain embedded in surfaces. A musty smell is a common problem that can occur in any home, and several reasons can contribute to the appearance of this unpleasant odor.

Understanding these causes is the first step in addressing the issue: excessive humidity and lack of ventilation are the main causes of a musty smell, but it can also arise from the accumulation of dust and dirt or even from environmental conditions.

In this article, we will give you some tips on how to remove the musty smell and restore a pleasant atmosphere to your home. Keep reading.

First Steps to Eliminate Musty Odors

The first step to having a home or vehicle free of odors is to maintain regular cleaning and periodically perform deep cleanings. However, carpets or rugs, for example, are prone to moisture buildup, which quickly leads to the emergence of unpleasant smells.

Therefore, before proceeding with cleaning, it is essential to identify the source of the odor by checking for visible moisture or stains on the fabric. After that, it’s also important to vacuum the item to remove dirt, dust, and other particles that may be contributing to the bad odor. Try to ventilate the area and allow fresh air circulation to eliminate the musty smell.

Home Remedies

If you’re trying to get rid of musty smells and other unpleasant odors, it’s time to try our solutions, tricks, and tips.

✔ Water & Vinegar
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar and spray it on the surface of the sofa or carpet. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that helps neutralize various odors.

✔ Baking Soda
Generously sprinkle baking soda over the sofa. Let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. Baking soda is a good odor absorber.

✔ Essential Oil
Add a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender) to a solution of water and vinegar for a fresher scent. This not only helps neutralize the smell but also leaves a pleasant fragrance in the air.

✔ Lemon and Water
Mix lemon juice with water and apply it to the sofa. Lemon has antibacterial properties and a refreshing scent that can help eliminate musty odors.

✔ Coffee
Place bowls of coffee beans or coffee grounds around the area. Coffee is an effective odor absorber that can help eliminate musty smells.

What to Do When the Musty Smell Persists?

From home remedies like vinegar and water mixtures to using coffee or lemon, suggestions for eliminating musty odors are plentiful. Even recommendations from friends or family members, who claim to know the magic formula, are common. While it may be tempting to go this route, which often promises to be very simple or economical, the wisdom of popular saying holds true: “Those who take shortcuts often end up in trouble.”

On one hand, you may feel like you’ve found good advice and that the trick works; however, you will quickly realize that these are temporary solutions. The musty smell often penetrates the fabric, and these home remedies cannot completely eliminate the problem. In many cases, cleaning does not fully remove odors, as is also the case with the smell of tobacco, smoke after a fire, or animal urine.

When there is a problem with mold and bad odors, specific techniques may be necessary to remove the unpleasant smells, a process that involves altering the odor-causing molecules, making them odorless. Thus, the solution to eliminate musty odors and other unpleasant smells is to hire a specialized team for odor removal services and treatment.

This way, you will have a sanitized, pleasant, and healthy environment for yourself and everyone around you.

Professional Odor Removal from Sofas, Upholstery, and Leather

At Biomex, we offer an Odor Removal Service applicable to sofas, carpets, rugs, upholstery, mattresses, and automobiles. The quality of our products and equipment, as well as the experience of our team, ensures an excellent service with effective results.
Some advantages of our odor removal service include:

  • Elimination of odors caused by urine, feces, tobacco, humidity, organic substances, trash, and more.
  • Odorless; does not contain fragrance oils that leave residues.
  • Hypoallergenic once dry.
  • Safe for use.
  • Non-toxic and biodegradable.

At Biomex, we provide a variety of highly effective services, utilizing professional techniques tailored to each type of material and need, for both residential and commercial clients.
Schedule your odor removal treatment! And if you want a complete cleaning, check out our deep cleaning services.

Need more information or advice? Contact us! By email (info@biomex.pt), phone (+351 219 616 534), or by filling out the contact form (here).