Baking soda for old books and cupboards: This unusual household trick can help tackle musty smells

Old books and closed cupboards can develop a stubborn musty smell, especially when they spend long periods in poorly ventilated spaces. One inexpensive household ingredient that can help with odour is baking soda. The Library of Congress specifically mentions baking soda as an option for reducing musty or smoky smells from books, provided it does not touch the book directly. Here is how to use the trick safely and how often to replace the baking soda.

How to use baking soda with old books

If an old book smells musty but does not have active, wet or furry mould, baking soda can be used as an odour absorber.The Library of Congress recommends placing the book in a closed container with baking soda for several days, while ensuring the baking soda does not come into contact with the book.

Try this method

- Place the musty book inside a clean, sealable plastic container or box.


- Put a small bowl, shallow dish or open sachet of baking soda beside the book.

- Do not sprinkle baking soda directly onto the pages or cover.

- Close the container and leave it undisturbed for a few days.

- Check the book regularly for any signs of mould.

- After several days, remove the book and allow it to air out.

For particularly delicate, valuable or antique books, it is better to consult a conservator rather than experiment with home treatments. For a household cupboard, however, you can use a small open container or breathable sachet of fresh baking soda as a simple odour absorber. Replace it about once a month, or sooner if it becomes damp, clumpy or starts losing its effectiveness.

The important distinction is that baking soda is being used here primarily to help with odour, not as a treatment for mould or a substitute for fixing excess humidity.

How to use baking soda in a cupboard

Cupboards that remain closed for weeks can develop a stale smell. This is particularly common in kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, shoe cupboards and storage spaces. Instead of scattering baking soda directly across the shelves, put it in a small uncovered bowl or breathable pouch and place it inside the cupboard.

Leave it there for around a month, checking it periodically. If the powder becomes damp or clumpy, replace it immediately. For a stronger cupboard-cleaning routine, first remove everything, wipe the shelves with an appropriate cleaner and allow the cupboard to dry completely. Then place the baking soda container inside before returning the contents.