WITH THE NEW year in full swing, it’s a good time to have a root through your wardrobes and storage spaces and clear out items you no longer need.

Beware though, as you cast open cupboards, drawers or wardrobes that you haven’t used in a while, you might be met with a telltale mustiness. This is common in enclosed spaces that don’t get aired out frequently – for example that drawer full of spare bedsheets, or the chest of drawers left behind in a house you’ve recently moved into.

At worst, the smell can be an alarm bell for problems like damp or mildew. At best, it can simply linger on, unwanted, and even transfer to your clothes or kitchenware. 

So, how do you get rid of the smell when a lavender sachet just won’t cut it? 

1. First, find the source of the problem

First things first, empty everything out of the storage space to look for a source of the odour. If you spot any mould or mildew, then this will be the culprit, and should be carefully treated with a suitable mould cleaner. If there’s no apparent mould, then the smell is most likely due to a lack of air circulation and a build-up of dust. Discard old paper liners if you have been using them, wash any plastic or cloth linings, and vacuum clean the whole space. Lastly, give all the surfaces a good wipe down with a cloth that’s lightly dampened with warm soapy water. 

2. Air out drawers, cupboards and wardrobes

Once freshly cleaned, leave cupboards or drawers open to air out and dry for two to three days. If you’re dealing with a free-standing piece of furniture, consider moving it outdoors for a few hours in dry weather for maximum airflow.

Musty smell still strong? Place a lunchbox-sized container of baking soda, fresh coffee grounds, or cat litter inside for a couple of days with the doors/drawers closed, then remove the container and air the space again. This will help to absorb and neutralise the smell. You could also sprinkle the whole area with baking soda and let it sit on the surfaces while you’re airing, then hoover or wipe it up with a damp cloth. 

Shutterstock / v74 Shutterstock / v74 / v74

3. Next, try a deep clean

If the mustiness still persists, there are some deep cleaning methods you can try to shift the problem. The old reliable distilled white vinegar (diluted 50/50 with warm water) may help; simply wipe down all the surfaces with your vinegar/water solution and leave to dry.

For another natural alternative, wipe the insides down with a clear spirit like vodka before letting it thoroughly dry. Murphy Oil Soap can be effective for cleaning and deodorising wood and other porous materials, but you should always check that the cleaner you intend to use is suitable for the surface you’re cleaning.

4. If all else fails then sand, prime and paint

If none of these efforts have made any difference, then drastic action is called for. Sometimes surfaces can absorb stale mustiness (you’ll often notice this with antique or vintage furniture) and the only way to clear it completely is to replace the finish. If the surfaces inside the storage unit are natural wood, varnish, or paint, then gently sand it all back, prime the surface, and finish with a fresh coat of paint or varnish. If the surface is laminate, then your local hardware store or paint supplier will be able to recommend a suitable primer so that you can repaint it. It’s a lot of work, but is the most effective method to eliminate mustiness once and for all.

5. Stop mustiness from coming back

You can keep your cupboards and drawers smelling fresh by sprinkling a little essential oil in them every few months – if you fancy trying something other than lavender, then experiment with sandalwood (woody and sweet), ylang ylang (floral), and bergamot (citrus).

You could also place a small bowl of coffee beans, vanilla pods, or cinnamon sticks in a corner for a fresh burst of scent every time you open cupboard or drawer, or hang a small cotton sachet of dried sprigs of lavender or herbs inside the space. If neutral is more your thing, then a small container of baking soda should do the trick. 

Follow Gráinne @parsekus on Instagram for more home hacks and décor inspiration. 

More: What’s the right way to clean really dusty rugs and carpets?