How To Remove Musty Smell From Kitchen Cabinets: Easy Guide

What causes that musty odor in kitchen cabinets, and how can you eliminate it? The musty smell in your kitchen cabinets is typically caused by mold or mildew growth due to moisture. Getting rid of it involves cleaning, drying, and deodorizing. This guide will walk you through each step to refresh your kitchen.

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Locating the Source of the Musty Odor Kitchen Cabinets

Before you can tackle the problem, you must find where the smell is coming from. Here’s how:

• Empty the Cabinets: Remove everything from your cabinets – dishes, food, cookware, and any other items. This allows you to inspect the interior thoroughly.
• Sniff Test: Systematically sniff around each cabinet, paying close attention to corners, edges, and the back panels.
• Visual Inspection: Look for visible signs of mold or mildew, which often appear as dark spots or a fuzzy growth. Check for water stains, which indicate a moisture problem.
• Check Under the Sink: This area is prone to leaks and spills, making it a common source of musty smells.
• Inspect Surrounding Areas: Check the walls, floors, and backsplash around your cabinets for any signs of moisture damage.

Preparing to Eliminate Moldy Cabinet Smell

Once you’ve found the source, preparation is key:

• Gather Supplies:
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Dish soap
  • Clean cloths or sponges
  • Spray bottle
  • Gloves
  • Face mask (especially if you suspect mold)
  • Dehumidifier (optional)
  • Small bowls
• Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to improve airflow. Use a fan to circulate air and help dry the cabinets.
• Protect Yourself: Wear gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact with mold spores and cleaning solutions.

Best Way to Clean Musty Cabinets

Cleaning is the first step to getting rid of the smell. Here’s how to do it effectively:

First Cleaning Pass: Soap and Water

1. Mix Solution: Combine a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bucket or bowl.
2. Wipe Down Surfaces: Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring out excess moisture. Gently wipe down all interior surfaces of the cabinets, paying attention to areas with visible mold or mildew.
3. Rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away any soap residue.
4. Dry Thoroughly: Use a dry cloth to wipe down all surfaces. Ensure no moisture remains.

Second Cleaning Pass: Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. It helps to kill mold and neutralize odors.

1. Prepare Vinegar Solution: Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.
2. Spray Affected Areas: Spray the vinegar solution on the areas where you found mold or mildew.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the vinegar to sit for at least 1 hour. This gives it time to kill the mold and neutralize odors.
4. Wipe Clean: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the vinegar.
5. Dry Thoroughly: Use a dry cloth to ensure all surfaces are completely dry.

Third Cleaning Pass: Baking Soda Paste (For Stubborn Areas)

For tough mold or mildew stains, use a baking soda paste.

1. Make a Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply to Stains: Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
3. Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the paste into the stains.
4. Rinse: Rinse away the paste with a damp cloth.
5. Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the area is completely dry.

Kitchen Cabinet Deodorizing Tips: Eliminating Remaining Odors

Even after cleaning, a musty smell might linger. Here’s how to deodorize your cabinets effectively:

Baking Soda for Cabinet Odor

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber.

• Open Box Method: Place an open box of baking soda in each cabinet. Replace the boxes every month.
• Baking Soda Bowls: Fill small bowls with baking soda and place them in the cabinets. Replace the baking soda every few weeks.
• Baking Soda Sprinkle: Sprinkle baking soda on the cabinet floor and let it sit overnight. Vacuum it up the next day.

Vinegar to Remove Musty Smells Cabinets

Vinegar can also be used for deodorizing.

• Vinegar Bowls: Place small bowls filled with white vinegar in the cabinets overnight. The vinegar will absorb the odors. Remove the bowls in the morning.
• Vinegar Spray: Lightly spray a vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water) into the cabinets. Leave the cabinets open to air dry.

Other Natural Remedies for Musty Cabinets

• Coffee Grounds: Place bowls of dry, unused coffee grounds in the cabinets to absorb odors. Replace every few days.
• Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is a powerful odor absorber. Place charcoal briquettes or activated charcoal bags in the cabinets.
• Essential Oils: Add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus to cotton balls and place them in the cabinets. These oils have antifungal properties and can help freshen the air. Note: Be cautious using essential oils if you have pets, as some can be toxic to animals.
• Lemon Juice: Place lemon halves or cotton balls soaked in lemon juice in the cabinets. The citrus scent helps to freshen the air.

DIY Cabinet Odor Removal: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s put it all together in a step-by-step guide:

1. Empty the Cabinets: Remove everything.
2. Inspect for Mold: Look for signs of mold or mildew.
3. Clean with Soap and Water: Wash all surfaces.
4. Disinfect with Vinegar: Spray vinegar solution and let it sit.
5. Treat Stubborn Stains: Apply baking soda paste.
6. Dry Thoroughly: Ensure everything is completely dry.
7. Deodorize with Baking Soda or Vinegar: Place bowls or open boxes in the cabinets.
8. Air Out: Leave the cabinets open for several days to air out.
9. Monitor: Check regularly for any return of the musty smell.

Remove Damp Smell Kitchen Cabinets: Addressing Moisture Issues

The most important step in preventing future musty smells is addressing the source of moisture. Here are some tips:

• Fix Leaks: Repair any plumbing leaks under the sink or around the dishwasher.
• Improve Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in your kitchen. Use exhaust fans when cooking or washing dishes.
• Use a Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help reduce moisture levels in your kitchen.
• Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Clean up spills promptly to prevent moisture from seeping into the cabinets.
• Proper Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers to prevent leaks and spills.
• Check for Condensation: Monitor cabinets for condensation, especially during temperature changes.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Musty Odors

Regular maintenance can prevent musty odors from returning:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your cabinets regularly with a mild soap and water solution.
• Air Out Regularly: Open your cabinets periodically to allow fresh air to circulate.
• Monitor for Leaks: Check for leaks and moisture regularly.
• Use Shelf Liners: Use shelf liners to protect the cabinet surfaces from spills and moisture.
• Deodorize Periodically: Place baking soda or other deodorizers in your cabinets regularly to absorb odors.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all the steps above and the musty smell persists, or if you find extensive mold growth, it’s time to call a professional. A mold remediation specialist can safely and effectively remove mold and address any underlying moisture problems.

Fathoming Different Cabinet Materials

The type of material your cabinets are made of can affect how you clean them and what products you should use.

Material	Cleaning Recommendations
Wood	Use mild soap and water, avoid harsh chemicals. Always dry thoroughly.
Laminate	Can withstand slightly stronger cleaners, but avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface.
Metal	Use cleaners designed for metal surfaces to prevent rust. Dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Painted Cabinets	Use gentle cleaners to avoid damaging the paint. Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.
Glass-front Cabinets	Use glass cleaner to keep the glass sparkling. Be careful not to get cleaner on the wood or other surrounding material.

Tools & Materials Checklist

To recap, here is a list of everything you might need:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Clean cloths or sponges
• Spray bottle
• Gloves
• Face mask
• Dehumidifier (optional)
• Small bowls
• Dry, unused coffee grounds (optional)
• Activated charcoal (optional)
• Essential oils (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Soft brush

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use bleach to clean musty cabinets? While bleach can kill mold, it’s not always the best option. Bleach can damage some cabinet finishes and may not penetrate porous surfaces effectively. Vinegar is often a safer and more effective alternative.
• What is that weird smell in my kitchen cabinets? The smell is likely due to mold or mildew growth, caused by moisture. Addressing the moisture source and cleaning the cabinets thoroughly are key to eliminating the smell.
• How long does it take to get rid of a musty smell in cabinets? It depends on the severity of the problem. Light odors may disappear after a single cleaning and deodorizing session. More stubborn odors may require repeated treatments and several days of airing out.
• Is mold in kitchen cabinets dangerous? Yes, mold can be harmful to your health. It can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues. It’s important to address mold growth promptly and take precautions to protect yourself during cleaning.
• Why do my cabinets smell musty after I clean them? The smell might be lingering if the cabinets weren’t dried thoroughly after cleaning, or if the underlying moisture problem wasn’t addressed. Ensure the cabinets are completely dry and take steps to reduce moisture in your kitchen.
• Can I paint over musty cabinets? Painting over musty cabinets without addressing the underlying mold or mildew problem is not recommended. The mold will likely continue to grow under the paint. Clean and treat the cabinets thoroughly before painting.
• What is the best way to prevent musty smells in cabinets? The best way to prevent musty smells is to address moisture issues, ensure adequate ventilation, and clean and deodorize your cabinets regularly.
• Who do I call for serious mold issues? If you have widespread or persistent mold issues, contact a professional mold remediation specialist.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove musty odors from your kitchen cabinets and create a cleaner, healthier kitchen environment. Remember to address the root cause of the moisture problem to prevent the smell from returning. Happy cleaning!