Fix for musty furniture??

[cowkeeper]

I just brought a couch home, well-built and a neat shape that will match two antique chairs that I have. But, it's been in storage and has a really musty smell. Anyone know whether I will have any luck getting rid of the smell, and what I should try? ..ck

[Lilandra]

frebreeze and sunlight should work, unless its a dark fabric that might fade in the sun... but fresh air should help out a bit
take the cushions off and frebreeze both sides then wash the underside with a mild soap.
if you don't want to use frebreeze, try baking powder. pour it generously over all the fabric, let it sit for a few hours and vacuum it off.
hope it helps

[Danaus29]

White vinegar and water mixed half and half, put in a spray bottle and lightly spray all over, let dry in the sun.

[freegal]

A light sprinkling of borax, let it sit, then vacuum would work too. If you try the sunlight method be sure to let the underside get sun also, just put a sheet down underneath to protect the upholstery.

I think Lilandra meant baking soda in her post.

[meanwhile]

If you do not want to get the fabric wet, try setting a pan of vinegar and water in front of the couch, then turn a fan on low. We did this to an old couch once. My Grandmother did not want it wet (velvet) and we ran the fan for a week. She also set a pan with baking soda and water in front of it too.....not at the same time. We set the couch, fans, pans on the front porch and did it all there. She wanted fresh air on the couch but not the sun.

Good luck.

[mamita]

I've used Woolite Oxy Deep Carpet Cleaner spray for upholstery with great results, even on the seats of a car my son bought that belonged to a heavy smoker. the seats cleaned up like new...the smell was gone. I also used it to clean a chair I bought at a flea market. (usually don't buy upholstered items, but loved this little chair!) you spray it on..let sit 5 mins....rub a bit with a damp sponge...towel off. it isn't wet when you're done, and you won't believe the dirt on those towels! LOVE the stuff. also amazing for area rugs (I have muddy dog paws no matter how I wipe off first, so it is my most treasured cleaning product) leaves a great, fresh scent.

[Lilandra]

Originally Posted by freegal

A light sprinkling of borax, let it sit, then vacuum would work too. If you try the sunlight method be sure to let the underside get sun also, just put a sheet down underneath to protect the upholstery.

I think Lilandra meant baking soda in her post.

yup - I meant the stuff in the yellow box not the red can, oops.
thanks for clarifying that for me

[RonM]

And I think the post before meant Fabreeze

[Lilandra]

Originally Posted by RonM

And I think the post before meant Fabreeze

oh ok, so i am having a brain dead moment in the spelling catagory too... but it is kinda like what I spelled it like febreze
just had too many e's