Your couch is the hub of your living room—a place to chill, unwind and hang out with friends and family. But over time it can get stinky from pets, spills and everyday use. If your couch is smelling less than fresh don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to get rid of the stink and keep your couch smelling clean. Let’s get started on how to get that smell out of your couch using natural and commercial methods.
Assess the Odor: Where is it Coming From?
Before you start cleaning, you need to assess the source of the smell. Pet odors, food spills or even mildew can cause a stinky couch. Begin by checking for stains, crumbs and any visible dirt. Remove all cushions and pillows and check the crevices. This will help you target the source of the smell so you can clean more effectively.
Natural Methods to Remove Odors
- Baking Soda: A Natural Deodorizer Baking soda is one of the most powerful and cheapest way to get smells out of a couch. It works by absorbing the odors trapped in the fabric fibers. Here’s how to use it:
- Sprinkle a lot of baking soda all over your couch, especially on the stinky areas.
- Let it sit for at least a few hours or overnight to let the baking soda do its work.
- Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly using an upholstery attachment.
Pro Tip: For an extra boost of freshness add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda before applying it to the couch. Lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus oil works well to give your sofa a nice scent.
- White Vinegar Solution: Neutralizing Bad Smells White vinegar is another natural deodorizer with antibacterial properties so it’s great for removing stubborn smells.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution lightly onto the couch being careful not to over saturate the fabric.
- Let the couch air dry completely in a well ventilated room.
Pro Tip: Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch before applying it to the whole surface to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
- Activated Charcoal: Odor-Absorbing Power Activated charcoal is a great way to absorb lingering odors especially in fabrics like upholstery. You can use sealed charcoal bags to prevent direct contact with the fabric:
- Place activated charcoal bags under the couch cushions or around the problem areas.
- Leave them there for a few days to absorb the persistent odors.
Charcoal is best at removing musty or mildew odors that have built up over time.
Commercial Products to Refresh Your Couch
Sometimes natural remedies aren’t enough to remove stubborn odors. In those cases, commercial products are your best bet.
- Enzymatic Cleaners for Pet Odors – Enzymatic cleaners are designed to break down proteins found in pet urine and other organic stains so they’re great for pet related smells.
- Follow the product’s instructions, apply the cleaner to the affected area.
- Let it sit for the recommended time to break down the odor causing substances then blot with a clean cloth.
These cleaners are great because they remove the source of the odor not just mask it.
- Odor Neutralizing Sprays – Odor-neutralizing sprays are great when you need to freshen up your couch fast. Look for sprays labeled as “odor eliminators” or “neutralizers” not just air fresheners.
- Spray the solution lightly onto your couch making sure it’s safe for your fabric type.
- Let it air dry and your couch should smell better.
Deep Clean for Stubborn Odors
If natural methods and commercial products don’t remove the odor completely, it’s time to deep clean.
- Steam Cleaning – Steam cleaning gets deep into the fabric and loosens dirt and odor causing particles trapped inside the couch. You can rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional cleaning service. Steam cleaning is best for persistent smells that regular cleaning can’t remove.
Pro Tip: Always check your couch’s care label to make sure steam cleaning is safe for the fabric.
- Wet Cleaning Methods – For some types of upholstery a deep clean using water-based cleaners is an option. Using a handheld upholstery cleaner or a damp cloth with a mild cleaner can remove both stains and smells. Be careful not to over saturate the couch as excess moisture can cause mold growth.
Prevention Tips: Keep Your Couch Odor-Free
Now your couch smells fresh again, it’s time to maintain it to prevent odors from coming back.
- Vacuum Weekly: Vacuum your couch once a week to remove dust, pet hair and crumbs that can cause bad smells.
- Clean Spills Immediately: Clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent them from seeping into the fabric and causing long term odor issues.
- Sunlight and Fresh Air: If possible move your couch into direct sunlight or near an open window for a few hours. Sunlight kills bacteria and freshens fabric naturally.
- Removable Cushion Covers: If your couch has removable cushion covers, wash them regularly to prevent odor buildup.
When to Call a Pro
If you’ve tried all of these and the smell still lingers it’s time to call in the pros. Some odors especially from smoke or deep set mildew may require specialized treatments only pros can provide. They have the expertise and equipment to deep clean and deodorize even the toughest couches.
Conclusion
Keeping your couch fresh smelling is key to having an inviting and comfortable living space. Whether you use natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar or commercial products there are many ways to get rid of those pesky odors. Regular maintenance and quick action when spills happen will keep your couch fresh longer.
Get in Touch
If your couch needs more than a quick clean, call us. Family First deep cleans upholstery, we can remove even the toughest smells. Contact us today to book an appointment and get your couch refreshed for a cleaner home!
