Depending on how old the furniture is and the type of wood, removing musty smells can be a challenge.  The source of how the furniture received the smell will also dictate what process will work or not.  You may have to try more than one method to ensure your remedy works.  Here are 5 tips to help you remove the musty smells from your wood furniture.  Be patient when working with your wood furniture, it has a history that you want to preserve and enjoy for years to come.

1.) Dehumidify: Wood is porous and therefore will take in moisture, air, and smells of its surroundings. If your piece of furniture has been housed in an old house, attic, basement or garage most likely it has taken in a musty order from one of these. Try moving the piece of furniture into a conditioned room in your home with relatively low moisture in the area.  Use a dehumidifier and close the door and leave the piece of furniture for a few hours daily.  After a few days, see if this process has helped.

2.) Sand & Refinish: Another way to remove musty smell odors is to sand down the original finish and allow the wood to breathe for a few days.  Once again, leave the furniture in a conditioned space so it doesn’t absorb new odors and moisture.  Choose a stain and refinish the surface with 2-3 coats, allowing the stain to fully dry in between coats.  Apply a clear coat finish over the stained furniture to seal in color, and seal out moisture and air.

3.) Wood Soap: Often times the culprit of musty smelling wood is germs and bacteria inside the wood.  This is especially true if wood was left in a moisture rich environment for an extended amount of time.   Use a wood soap product that is meant for cleaning and killing bacteria inside wood. Read the manufacturer’s directions on use and care for the wood before using. Use soap on all edges, corners, under handles and underside of furniture to ensure all wood has been well covered. Let furniture dry and see how successful this method was for you.

4.) Sit outside in the sun: The premise behind this is the same as the dehumidifying step. The sun rays will help dry out the wood and will remove the musty smells. If you live in a dry climate with very little relative humidity you can try keeping the wood outside.  Under a covered or screened porch would be ideal, and preferably not for days on end.  If the musty smell of your furniture isn’t severe this tip may work well.

5.) Odor fighting substances: If you have a large armoire or dresser with drawers, it may be hard to reach all surfaces with some of the other tips.  Try placing coffee grounds or charcoal in an open container inside of the drawers and close.  Check back after a few days and replenish with new coffee or charcoal as needed. Similarly to charcoal filters, charcoal is a natural substance that may bring the musty smell out of your furniture. Once the smell has been removed you can paint furniture like new and no one will have a clue as to the history of your beautiful furniture!

Having to look for an apartment can be time consuming and stressful.  Between searching out new neighborhoods, researching amenity information, and then going to look at the apartments, apartment hunting is not enjoyable. There are some ways that you can save time and energy looking for a new place to live.  Consider these tips when looking for your next apartment, and see if they save your sanity too!

apartment bar e1281051169670 Saving Time and Money Looking for an ApartmentAPARTMENT HUNTER: Professional apartment hunters are paid by apartment communities to show their apartments.  This works in your favor because there is no money out of your pocket.  They will help you find apartments that may not be published in a newspaper/online classifieds, etc… Apartment hunters will also save you time, similar to a Realtor they can weed out your list of ‘wants’ and provide you with listings in your price range, and neighborhood that you are interested in. They also have information for move-in specials and deals that you may not find looking for an apartment on your own.

apartment stairs e1281051864553 Saving Time and Money Looking for an ApartmentSEARCH ONLINE: Just like searching for a house, searching for an apartment requires you to make some decisions before you get started.  Figure out which area of town you want to live.  Even if you don’t know the neighborhood, do your own research on how far you want to be from work, amenities, and resources.

Determine how much your budget is for monthly payments.  In some apartments utilities are covered, and in others they are not. Set your budget based on you having to pay for utilities separately from your rent. Determine what amenities you need and which are wants.  Often times you will pass over great online apartments because they lack a few amenities. You may be able to save money by having fewer amenities, but being closer to resources that are just as important. Searching online with these factors chosen will help you narrow down the competition.

apartment living3 Saving Time and Money Looking for an Apartment BRING YOUR ROOMMATE: If you are going to live with a roommate(s), bring them along when looking at apartments.  Landlords don’t like showing units to the same tenants over and over, especially if you don’t seem interested in renting it.  You and your roommates will save time by looking at the apartment together, and then you can discuss the pros and cons of the apartment once you leave. This also helps recall specifics about the apartment without having to return for multiple visits.

apartment living e1281051313104 Saving Time and Money Looking for an ApartmentTAKE PICTURES: If you can’t visit apartments with your roommates(s), the next best thing is to take pictures.  Taking pictures will also help you choose which apartment you liked, and which you didn’t.  After looking through many apartments, they may start to look the same!  Remember, online apartment websites usually have pictures as well, although they most likely won’t represent the unit you would be living in.

apartment loft e1281052046368 Saving Time and Money Looking for an Apartment ASK ABOUT FEES: Most apartment buildings will have additional fees. Make sure and get all the information when you view the apartment. Here’s a list of fees to inquire about:

1.) Rental Deposit – This is typically first and last month’s rent. A penalty fee may be assessed if you break your lease.

2.) Security deposit – money put down if your apartment has any damage.  Check to see how much will be returned at the end of the lease if you keep it in good shape.