Can You Use Baking Soda to Remove Musty Odors?

Baking soda is a mild alkali that can neutralize acidic odor molecules, absorbing them from the air. This makes it a useful deodorizer for refrigerators or carpets with faint smells. For musty odors from water damage, however, the effect is superficial. The powder sits on the surface and cannot penetrate deep into wet drywall, insulation, or subflooring where the odor originates. Its effectiveness is limited to the immediate air and surface it contacts, not the saturated material below.

For minor odors in a small, dry area, you can try sprinkling baking soda directly on the surface, like a carpet. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. You can also place open boxes in enclosed spaces like a musty closet. This may reduce the smell in the air, but remember it does not address the cause.

• Sprinkle a generous layer on dry, accessible surfaces.
• Allow it to sit for at least 12 hours for better absorption.
• Vacuum all powder completely from carpets and upholstery.
• Place open containers in cabinets or closets to absorb ambient odors.
• Dispose of the used baking soda, as it holds the captured smells.
• Repeat the process if the odor returns, which signals a deeper issue.

If the odor remains after cleaning or you find visible water damage, contact local water damage pros. They have moisture meters and thermal imaging to locate hidden dampness you cannot see. They will remove wet materials, properly dry the area, and treat it to prevent mold. This is the only way to ensure the odor and the damage are gone for good.