There’s nothing worse than sitting down to relax on your lounge and catching a whiff of that damp, musty smell. It makes your whole living room feel less inviting, and sometimes it’s hard to know where it’s coming from. The truth is, lounges can easily absorb odours from moisture, pets, spills, or even just everyday use. The good news? A musty smell doesn’t mean you need a new sofa—it usually just needs a bit of care.
Start With a Deep Clean
Before anything else, give your lounge a thorough clean. Remove all the cushions and vacuum every surface, including under the seats and along the seams. Dust, pet hair, and crumbs can all trap odours over time.
If the cushions have removable covers, check the label to see if they can go in the wash. A gentle cold cycle and air drying can make a huge difference.
Bring in Some Fresh Air
Sometimes a musty smell is simply trapped air. Move your lounge closer to a window or, if possible, take the cushions outside for a few hours on a sunny, breezy day. Fresh air and sunlight naturally neutralise odours and kill bacteria.
Try Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the easiest and most effective ways to tackle musty smells. Sprinkle it generously over the lounge, leave it for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for stubborn odours), and then vacuum it up. It’s safe for most fabrics and works wonders at absorbing unwanted smells.
Spot Clean With Care
If you suspect the smell is from an old spill, spot clean the area. Use warm water mixed with a small amount of mild soap or a fabric-safe cleaner. Always test in a hidden spot first to make sure it won’t stain or damage the fabric.
For leather lounges, stick to a damp cloth followed by a leather conditioner—water and soap can cause drying or cracking if used too often.
Check for Hidden Moisture
A common cause of musty smells is trapped moisture. Maybe someone spilled water and it never dried fully, or humidity has crept into the cushions. If the smell keeps coming back, consider using a dehumidifier in the room. It’ll help pull moisture out of the air and keep your lounge (and the rest of the room) fresher.
Use Fabric Fresheners Wisely
It’s tempting to spray fabric freshener to mask the smell, but this only hides the problem temporarily. If you want to add a pleasant scent after cleaning, try a light mist of upholstery-safe spray or even a DIY mix of water and essential oil. Just don’t overdo it—less is more.
When to Call in the Pros
If you’ve tried everything and the musty smell just won’t go away, it might be time to bring in professional upholstery cleaners. They use specialised equipment to deep clean fabrics and padding, reaching areas you can’t get to with home methods.
Turning Musty Into Fresh
A lounge that smells musty doesn’t have to stay that way. With a little cleaning, some fresh air, and the right tricks, you can restore it to a fresh, inviting centerpiece of your living room. The best part? Once you know how to deal with odours, keeping your lounge smelling good becomes much easier in the future.