Getting rid of a musty smell in kitchen cabinets is a common problem, but it is fixable. It often happens when moisture gets trapped inside the cabinet space. To clean smelly kitchen cabinets, you usually need to empty them, clean the inside surfaces well, dry them out completely, and then use a cabinet odor remover to get rid of any lingering smell. If you see any black or greenish spots, you might also need to remove mold from cabinets before dealing with the odor. This guide will walk you through each step to make your cabinets smell fresh again.
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Why Kitchen Cabinets Smell Bad
A musty smell in cabinets is a sign that mildew or mold might be growing, or that something wet has been left inside. Knowing the causes of musty cabinet smell helps you fix the problem and stop it from coming back.
Moisture Sources
Water is the biggest reason for musty smells. Kitchen cabinets are near water sources like sinks, dishwashers, and pipes.
* Leaking Pipes: A small leak under the sink is a common hidden problem. Water drips or pools and makes wood or particleboard wet. This wetness is a perfect home for mold and mildew.
* Sink Overflows: Water spilling from a full sink can run down the cabinet fronts or drip inside the base cabinet.
* Splashing: Water splashing from washing dishes or using the sink can get onto cabinet doors or under the sink.
* Wet Items Stored: Putting away dishes, cups, or pots that are still wet can trap moisture inside.
* Humidity: High levels of moisture in the air, especially in warm places, can get into cabinets when doors are opened. This damp air can settle and make things inside feel sticky or damp over time.
* Condensation: Cold pipes under the sink can cause water to form on their surface (like a cold drink on a warm day). This water can drip onto the cabinet bottom.
Poor Air Flow
Cabinets are closed boxes. They don’t get much fresh air.
* Trapped Smells: Smells from food spills, old cleaning products, or even just the materials the cabinet is made from can get trapped inside.
* No Drying: If moisture gets in, there’s no air movement to help it dry out quickly. This leads to mold and mildew growth, causing a musty odor in wood cabinets.
Spills and Food Bits
Small spills or crumbs left inside cabinets can become a food source for mold and bacteria.
* Liquid Spills: Oils, syrups, or other liquids can soak into the cabinet material, creating a long-lasting odor and a place for things to grow.
* Food Crumbs: Small pieces of food, flour, or sugar can attract pests and can mold if they get damp.
Cabinet Materials
Some materials used to make cabinets can hold onto smells.
* Wood: Wood is natural and can soak up smells and moisture. If wood stays damp, it can start to break down and smell earthy or musty. A musty odor in wood cabinets is very common if they get wet.
* Particleboard/MDF: These materials are made from wood bits and glue. They soak up water like a sponge and are harder to dry out completely. Once they get wet and grow mold, they can be very hard to fix.
Knowing the source helps you not only get rid of the smell now but also prevent it from coming back. Often, the first step is to check for leaks or wet spots.
Getting Ready to Clean
Before you start cleaning, you need to prepare the area and gather your supplies. This makes the job easier and safer.
Empty Everything Out
Take everything out of the smelly cabinets. Every single item.
* Check Contents: Look at the items you take out. Are any of them causing the smell? Maybe an old bag of onions, a leaky bottle of oil, or a damp dish towel stored inside?
* Clean Items: If any items smell or look dirty, clean them before putting them back later. Wash containers, wipe down jars, and clean any dishes or cookware.
* Find the Smell: With the cabinet empty, try to find where the smell is strongest. Is it the back wall, the bottom shelf, a corner? This helps you know where to focus your cleaning efforts.
Protect Your Space
Cleaning can be messy. Protect your kitchen.
* Cover Counters: Put old towels or newspaper on your countertops and floors near the cabinets you are cleaning.
* Open Windows: Let fresh air into the kitchen. This helps with smells and helps dry things later. If you can’t open windows, turn on a fan.
* Use Gloves: Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from cleaning solutions and from touching mold if it’s present.
* Think About a Mask: If the smell is very strong, or if you see a lot of mold, wear a simple dust mask to avoid breathing in spores.
Gather Your Cleaning Tools
You’ll need a few basic things to clean smelly kitchen cabinets.
* Buckets or bowls
* Cleaning rags or sponges
* Scrub brushes (old toothbrush for corners)
* Spray bottles
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Plain water
* White vinegar
* Baking soda
* Possibly a mild soap or cleaner
* Towels for drying
Having everything ready means you won’t have to stop in the middle of cleaning.
Cleaning the Cabinets: Step-by-Step
Once everything is out and you’re ready, you can start cleaning the inside of the cabinets. The goal is to clean away anything causing the smell and get rid of mold or mildew.
Step 1: Find and Fix the Source
Before you clean, make sure you fix whatever caused the smell.
* Check for Leaks: Look carefully under the sink. Feel pipes for wetness. Check the floor under pipes for drips. Look at the walls and floor of the cabinet for water stains or soft spots. If you find a leak, fix it or call someone to fix it before you clean.
* Remove Wet Material: If particleboard or wood is soaking wet and soft, it might be ruined. You might need to remove and replace that piece if the smell won’t go away after drying.
* Dry Spills: Wipe up any visible spills right away.
Step 2: Clean with a Basic Cleaner
Start with a simple cleaning to remove dust, grime, and surface smells.
* Use Mild Soap: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Don’t use too much soap, as it can leave residue.
* Wipe Down: Dip a rag into the soapy water. Squeeze out most of the water so the rag is just damp, not wet. Wipe down all inside surfaces: the bottom, sides, back, top (if you can reach), and the inside of the doors.
* Rinse Rag: Rinse your rag often in the bucket and refresh the water if it gets dirty.
* Clean Corners: Use an old toothbrush or a small brush to clean dirt out of corners and edges.
* Rinse with Water: After cleaning with soap, use a clean rag dampened only with plain water. Wipe down all surfaces again to remove any soap residue.
Step 3: Treat with Vinegar or Baking Soda Solution
These common household items are great for killing mold and mildew and are good cabinet odor removers.
Using Vinegar Solution for Cabinets
Vinegar kills about 82% of mold types and also helps get rid of odors.
* Mix Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
* Spray Surfaces: Lightly spray the inside surfaces of the cabinet with the vinegar solution. Don’t soak the wood, especially if it’s particleboard. Just get it damp enough to work.
* Let it Sit: Let the vinegar solution sit on the surfaces for about 10-15 minutes. This gives it time to kill germs and break down odor molecules.
* Wipe Clean: Use a clean, damp rag to wipe down the surfaces again. This removes the vinegar residue and anything it lifted.
* Vinegar Smell: The vinegar smell will be strong at first, but it goes away as it dries.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is known for soaking up bad smells. It can be used during cleaning or after.
* Make a Paste: For stubborn spots or visible mildew, you can make a paste of baking soda and water.
* Apply Paste: Apply the paste to the smelly or stained areas.
* Let it Sit: Let the paste sit for several hours, or even overnight.
* Scrub and Wipe: Use a brush or damp rag to scrub the area gently. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
You can choose to use either vinegar or a baking soda paste during this step, or even both for different parts of the cabinet if needed.
Step 4: Remove Mold from Cabinets (If Present)
If you see mold (fuzzy, discolored patches), you need to handle it carefully. Small amounts can often be cleaned with vinegar or a mold cleaner. Larger amounts might need more serious steps.
- Identify Mold: Mold can be black, green, white, or even orange. It often looks fuzzy or slimy. It smells strongly musty.
- Safety First: Wear gloves and a mask. Open windows wide for fresh air.
- Use Vinegar: Vinegar is effective on many types of mold on non-porous surfaces. Use the 50/50 vinegar/water solution from Step 3. Spray the moldy area and let it sit for an hour.
- Scrub Mold: Use a dedicated scrub brush (one you won’t use for dishes again) to scrub the moldy area.
- Wipe Away: Wipe the scrubbed area clean with a damp cloth.
- Repeat if Needed: If mold remains, repeat the spraying and scrubbing.
- Consider Mold Cleaner: If vinegar doesn’t work, you can use a cleaner made for mold. Follow the product directions carefully. Bleach can kill mold on non-porous surfaces, but it creates strong fumes and can damage some materials. A vinegar solution for cabinets is often preferred for its lower fumes and safety around food areas.
- Dry Very Well: After cleaning mold, drying is the most important step. Mold needs moisture to grow.
- Check Penetration: If the mold has gone deep into the wood, especially particleboard, cleaning the surface might not be enough. You might need to sand the area or even replace the affected piece of the cabinet.
Getting rid of mildew smell involves killing the mildew spores and completely drying the area. The vinegar treatment is very helpful for getting rid of mildew smell.
Step 5: Dry the Cabinets Completely
This is a very important step to stop the musty smell from coming back. Any left-over moisture can let mold or mildew start growing again.
* Wipe Down: Use clean, dry towels to wipe down all the inside surfaces you just cleaned. Get as much water off as you can.
* Air Dry: Leave the cabinet doors open. Use a fan to blow air into and around the cabinets. Aim the fan directly into the empty cabinet space.
* Use a Dehumidifier: If you have a dehumidifier, place it near the cabinets with the doors open. This pulls moisture from the air and the cabinet materials.
* Use a Hair Dryer (Carefully): For small areas or corners that seem slow to dry, you can carefully use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting. Do not use hot air, especially on particleboard, as it can cause damage. Keep the dryer moving.
* Allow Enough Time: Let the cabinets air dry for at least 24-48 hours. They must feel completely dry to the touch before you move on or put items back. If you live in a humid area, this might take longer.
Drying is key to preventing the musty odor in wood cabinets from returning.
Deodorizing the Cabinets
Once the cabinets are clean and completely dry, the musty smell might still be there, but less strong. Now you need to deodorize kitchen cupboards to soak up any remaining odor molecules. This is where a cabinet odor remover is used.
Natural Odor Absorbers
These are safe and effective ways to absorb bad smells.
Baking Soda for Cabinet Smell
Baking soda is one of the best natural odor absorbers.
* Place Open Box: Put an open box or bowl of dry baking soda inside the empty cabinet.
* Spread on Trays: For better effect, spread a thin layer of baking soda on shallow trays or plates. Place these on the shelves inside the cabinet. This exposes more surface area of the baking soda to the air.
* How Long? Leave the baking soda inside for several days, or even a week. It slowly pulls odors out of the air and the cabinet surfaces.
* Replace: Replace the baking soda every few months or if you notice the smell coming back.
Charcoal
Activated charcoal (the kind used in fish tank filters or for poisoning treatment, not barbecue briquettes) is also a powerful odor absorber.
* Use Charcoal Bags: You can buy small bags of activated charcoal specifically for deodorizing.
* Place Bags: Put these bags inside the empty cabinets.
* Recharge (Optional): Some charcoal products can be “recharged” by placing them in direct sunlight for a few hours, which releases the absorbed odors. Check the product instructions.
Coffee Grounds
Dry, unused coffee grounds can also help absorb smells, though they will leave a coffee smell behind.
* Spread Dry Grounds: Place a thin layer of dry coffee grounds on a plate or tray in the cabinet.
* Use Caution: This method will make your cabinet smell like coffee. Make sure you like that smell! Also, ensure the grounds are completely dry, or you add moisture back.
Other Options
- Vanilla Extract: Soak a cotton ball in vanilla extract and leave it in a small dish inside the cabinet for a day or two. This replaces the bad smell with a pleasant one.
- Fresh Coffee Beans: Similar to grounds, a bowl of fresh coffee beans can absorb odors and leave a coffee scent.
Using Store-Bought Odor Removers
There are products sold as cabinet odor removers.
* Check Ingredients: Look for products that absorb odors rather than just covering them up with perfume. Products with activated charcoal or baking soda are good choices.
* Follow Instructions: Use any commercial product exactly as directed by the maker. Make sure it is safe for use in areas where food is stored.
Leave your chosen odor absorber in the cabinet with the doors closed for a few days to a week. Check the smell after that time. If the musty smell is gone, you can remove the absorber (unless it’s a long-term product like a charcoal bag) and start putting your items back.
Dealing with Specific Cabinet Materials
Different materials might need slightly different care, especially wood cabinets.
Musty Odor in Wood Cabinets
Wood is porous, meaning it has tiny holes that can soak up moisture and smells. This makes a musty odor in wood cabinets a bit trickier sometimes.
* Avoid Too Much Water: When cleaning wood cabinets, always use damp cloths, not wet ones. Too much water can damage the wood finish or cause swelling and warping, especially along edges.
* Ensure Thorough Drying: Wood holds onto moisture longer than laminate or metal. Air drying is very important. Use fans and give it plenty of time.
* Sealing (Optional): If the wood is unfinished or the finish is old and cracked, moisture can get in easily. Once the cabinet is completely dry and smell-free, you might consider sanding and applying a new waterproof sealant or paint made for cabinets. This helps prevent future moisture problems and makes cleaning easier.
* Odors in the Wood Itself: Sometimes the smell is deep in the wood. Baking soda left for a long time can help. Sanding away the top layer of wood might be necessary in severe cases, but this is a bigger project.
Laminate and Particleboard Cabinets
These are common in many kitchens.
* Vulnerable to Water: The edges and seams of laminate over particleboard are very sensitive to water. If water gets under the laminate, it can ruin the particleboard, causing it to swell and crumble, and become a breeding ground for mold.
* Hard to Dry: Once wet, particleboard is very hard to dry out completely.
* Damage: If the material is visibly damaged (swollen, soft, crumbling) due to water, cleaning might not be enough. The damaged section or the whole cabinet might need replacing.
* Cleaning: You can use vinegar or soap solutions on laminate, but be very careful not to let liquid pool, especially near edges. Wipe spills immediately.
Metal Cabinets
Less common in homes, but sometimes found.
* Less Porous: Metal itself does not soak up smells or water like wood.
* Rust: The main issue might be rust if they get wet often.
* Cleaning: Metal cabinets are usually easy to clean with soap and water or vinegar solution. Ensure they are dried well to prevent rust. The smell usually comes from things stored inside or spills on the surface, not the metal itself.
Prevention is Key
Once you have successfully cleaned and deodorized your cabinets, the best thing you can do is prevent the musty smell from coming back. Preventing musty smell in cabinets is much easier than getting rid of it.
Control Moisture
Since moisture is the main cause, controlling it is crucial.
* Fix Leaks Quickly: Check under your sink regularly for any signs of leaks. Even small drips can cause big problems over time. Fix them right away.
* Wipe Spills: Clean up any water spills on counters, floors, or cabinet surfaces immediately.
* Dry Items Before Storing: Make sure dishes, pots, pans, and containers are completely dry before you put them away in the cabinets.
* Use a Dehumidifier: In very humid climates or seasons, using a dehumidifier in your kitchen can help keep the air dry enough to prevent mold and mildew growth in cabinets.
* Improve Ventilation: Open windows after cooking or using the dishwasher to let steam and humidity out. Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking.
Improve Air Flow
Letting air move through cabinets helps prevent smells and keeps moisture levels down.
* Open Doors: Once in a while, open your cabinet doors for an hour or two to let fresh air circulate inside, especially in areas that seem damp or smell a bit stale.
* Don’t Overpack: Try not to pack cabinets too full. Leaving a little space between items allows air to move around.
* Use Shelf Liners: Some shelf liners can trap moisture. If you use them, check under them regularly. Consider liners that allow air to flow, or just keep shelves clean without liners.
Regular Cleaning
Simple, regular cleaning keeps crumbs, spills, and dust from building up.
* Wipe Down Shelves: Every few months, take everything out of a cabinet and wipe down the shelves and walls with a damp cloth and perhaps a mild cleaner.
* Clean Up Spills Right Away: Don’t let spills sit inside the cabinet.
Use Odor Absorbers Long-Term
Keep a small, open box of baking soda or a charcoal bag in cabinets that are prone to smelling or are in humid areas. This acts as a continuous cabinet odor remover, soaking up smells and helping to control moisture slightly.
Inspect Cabinets
Make it a habit to quickly look inside cabinets, especially those under sinks, every month or two. Look for any signs of moisture, stains, or early signs of mold or mildew growth. Catching problems early makes them much easier to fix. A musty odor in wood cabinets, when caught early, is often easier to treat before the smell goes deep into the wood.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy fresh-smelling kitchen cupboards and keep them free from unpleasant odors in the long run. Cleaning smelly kitchen cabinets takes effort, but keeping them clean and dry prevents future problems.
Summary of Steps and Solutions
Here is a quick look at the main steps and the best solutions for getting rid of that musty smell.
| Step | Action | Key Solutions Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Find & Fix the Source | Check for leaks, wet spots, or spoiled items. Fix any water issues. | Plumbing repair, drying wet areas | Must fix source first! |
| 2. Empty & Prepare | Take everything out. Clean items. Protect area. Gather supplies. | Gloves, rags, buckets, cleaner | Don’t put smelly items back. |
| 3. Clean Inside | Wipe down surfaces with mild soap water. Rinse. | Mild soap, water, rags | Use damp cloth, not wet. |
| 4. Treat Odor/Mildew | Apply solution to kill germs and remove smells. | Vinegar solution for cabinets (50/50), Baking soda paste | Effective for getting rid of mildew smell. |
| 5. Remove Mold (If needed) | Carefully clean any moldy spots. | Vinegar solution, Mold cleaner | Wear mask, gloves. Ensure good air flow. Scrub carefully. |
| 6. Dry Completely | Dry all surfaces fully. | Towels, Fans, Dehumidifier | Crucial step! Must be bone dry. |
| 7. Deodorize | Use an absorber to remove remaining smells. | Baking soda for cabinet smell, Activated charcoal bags | Leave for several days. |
| 8. Prevent Return | Take steps to control moisture and improve air flow. | Fix leaks, dry dishes, use fans, open doors, regular check | Long-term strategy. Preventing musty smell in cabinets saves work. |
Using these steps and natural products like baking soda for cabinet smell and vinegar solution for cabinets makes it possible to refresh your kitchen space effectively and safely. Deodorize kitchen cupboards regularly if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does it take to get a musty smell out of cabinets?
A: It depends on the cause and how bad the smell is. Cleaning and drying thoroughly might take a day or two. Leaving an odor absorber like baking soda can take several days to a week to fully work. If the problem was caused by a leak that made the wood wet and moldy, it could take longer, and you might need to repeat steps or consider more serious fixes like replacing parts of the cabinet.
Q: Can I use bleach to remove mold from cabinets?
A: Bleach can kill mold on hard, non-porous surfaces. However, on porous materials like wood or particleboard, bleach often doesn’t get to the mold roots and can even damage the material. It also creates strong fumes. A vinegar solution for cabinets is often safer and more effective on porous surfaces for removing mold from cabinets. If you use bleach, make sure the area is very well-aired and never mix bleach with other cleaners like ammonia or vinegar, as this makes dangerous fumes.
Q: Is the musty smell harmful?
A: A musty smell often means mold or mildew is present. For most healthy people, a small amount of mold isn’t a big health risk. However, some people are sensitive to mold and can have allergy symptoms or breathing problems. Certain types of mold can be more harmful. It’s always best to remove mold from cabinets and get rid of the musty smell to be safe and keep your home air healthy.
Q: My cabinets smell musty, but I don’t see any mold. What should I do?
A: The smell might be from mildew, which is an early stage of mold and might not be visible yet, or from trapped moisture and stale air. Follow the cleaning and drying steps anyway. The vinegar solution for cabinets kills mildew spores you can’t see. Drying thoroughly and using baking soda for cabinet smell or charcoal as a cabinet odor remover should help even if you don’t see mold. Check carefully for hidden leaks or signs of past wetness.
Q: How often should I clean my kitchen cabinets to prevent smells?
A: It’s a good idea to wipe down the inside of your kitchen cabinets every few months as part of your regular cleaning routine. Keep an eye on cabinets under sinks or next to dishwashers more often. Preventing musty smell in cabinets is easier with regular checks and cleaning.
Q: Can painting the inside of the cabinets help with the smell?
A: If the smell is deep in the wood, painting might cover it up for a while. However, if mold or mildew is still present, painting over it won’t kill it, and the problem will likely come back. Make sure the cabinets are completely clean, dry, and mold-free before painting. Use a primer made to block stains and odors before applying paint. This can help seal in any remaining faint odor and make surfaces easier to clean in the future.
Cleaning smelly kitchen cabinets might take some time and effort, but by following these steps – finding the cause, cleaning well, drying completely, and deodorizing – you can successfully get rid of the musty odor and enjoy fresh, clean kitchen cupboards again.