Sinking into a comfy sofa at the end of a long day is bliss, but musty smells can really ruin the experience.
Whether it's age, pet odors, or spills, unpleasant scents indicate it's time to refresh your upholstery beyond just vacuuming.
We consulted cleaning experts for top cleaning strategies to eliminate odors from upholstery and restore that welcoming feel to your home.
Odor Removal Techniques for Upholstery
Always test your cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area of the fabric first to avoid any damage. You don't want a fresh smell to come along with unsightly watermarks.
Once you've verified your method, you can proceed to make your space smell pleasant again.
1. Baking Soda Treatment
No article on deodorizing is complete without baking soda. This kitchen essential doubles as a powerful cleaning agent.
To tackle odors, Erin Zanelli, co-founder of a cleaning service, suggests applying a generous layer of baking soda over the upholstery and allowing it to sit:
'Let it absorb odors for several hours or overnight. Then, use the brush attachment to vacuum thoroughly, focusing on seams and crevices where dirt accumulates,' she advises.
2. Utilize Linen Spray
If your upholstery just needs a quick refresh, a commercial upholstery spray or DIY linen spray can be the fastest solution, according to cleaning expert Jennie Holmes.
'You can find sanitizing sprays at supermarkets that will definitely help freshen things up. Just remember to test it on a hidden area first,' she cautions.
Keep in mind that linen sprays only mask the odor rather than eliminate it entirely, which is suitable for general mustiness but may not solve issues from spills.
3. Create a DIY Deodorizer
Another essential deodorizer is vinegar.
'You can whip up a DIY spray with water and white vinegar or add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus,' Barbara Stern, a cleaning editor, suggests. 'Mist lightly on the fabric and let it air dry.'
Lavender Essential Oil | $9.99 at Amazon
This essential oil is extracted from Lavandula Hybrida Grosso flowers and comes in a handy amber glass bottle.
4. Pet Odor Eliminator
Even if the odors aren't from pets, using a pet deodorizer can help combat organic smells and refresh upholstery, according to cleaning expert Jade Piper. 'For those who prefer not to DIY, try Rocco & Roxie Pet Odor Eliminator available at Walmart,' she recommends.
5. Professional Cleaning Services
If you need to deodorize and clean couch cushions without risk, consider hiring professionals, suggests cleaning expert Jennie Holmes.
'A thorough clean can eliminate a lot of odors,' she adds. This is best left to the pros.
FAQs
How long does vinegar take to eliminate odors?
Vinegar typically requires a few hours to work effectively. Spray it on the area and let it dry naturally, or place a container of vinegar in the room to absorb odors over time.
Why does my new sofa have a bad smell?
New sofas may emit unpleasant odors upon delivery due to treatments for safety during manufacturing. Natural materials like down may be treated with anti-bacterial solutions or flame retardants. Vinegar sprays can help reduce these odors, as can airing them out in a well-ventilated space.
Regular steaming can prevent odors, as upholstery can be one of many items you can clean with a steam cleaner. Using the upholstery attachment on the best steam cleaners reaches deep into the stuffing, breaking down dirt and odors. Just ensure the furniture dries completely to avoid musty smells later.
