Having a smelly couch is never pleasant. Whether it’s due to your pet, food stains, or an overall musty smell, it can be difficult to eliminate unpleasant odors from fabric couches. Fortunately, there are many methods you can put into the trial to eliminate odor from your fabric couch.
Be with me throughout this comprehensive cleaning guide to learn how to remove odor from fabric couch and make it smell fresh again. I will discuss some of the most effective ways, along with all the essential tips, tricks, and precautions to do everything effectively.
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- When cleaning the fabric couch, make the necessary preparations; identify the source of the odor, gather cleaning supplies, and remove loose debris.
- Check the upholstery tag code (W, S, SW, or X) to decide the appropriate cleaning procedure based on the couch’s material.
- Methods for removing odor from a fabric couch include using white vinegar, baking soda, activated charcoal, or odor-removing sprays.
- Additional ways to tackle bad odor include exposing the couch to natural sunlight and using scented sachets filled with dried flowers or herbs.[/su_note]
First Of All, Do Some Necessary Preparations
Before you begin cleaning your fabric couch to remove odor, a few necessary things are waiting for you in the way. You have to prepare the area, identify the source of the odor, gather the necessary cleaning supplies, and remove any loose debris or dust.
Identify The Source Of The Odor.
It could be due to pets, spills, or simply everyday use. Once you’ve located the source, make sure to address it accordingly before proceeding with cleaning. This could mean removing any pet hair or cleaning up spills.
Must Look At The Upholstery Tag Code.
Don’t forget to glimpse the care tag on your couch to determine what type of material it is made of. Doing this is important because different materials need distinct cleaning methods. The care tag will have one of four letters: W, S, S-W, or X.
- “W” – Only clean the couch with water or a water-based cleaning solution. You can also use vinegar as a cleaning agent in this case.
- “S” – Only use a dry solvent for cleaning. Baking soda and/or activated charcoal can be a good option for dry cleaning, or you can hire professionals to dry clean your couch.
- “S-W” – Use either a dry solvent or a water-based cleaning solution. Vinegar or water can be effective in this case.
- “X” – Only clean by hiring professionals or vacuum it. The couch is not suitable for water or solvent cleaning methods.
Gather The Necessary Cleaning Supplies.
You’ll need a vacuum with an upholstery attachment, a clean cloth, a bowl of warm water, mild dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, and an enzyme cleaner if the odor is particularly strong.
Remove Any Loose Debris And Dust.
Remove any loose debris or dust by gently vacuuming the entire surface of the couch with the upholstery attachment. Make sure to pay extra attention to the areas where the odor is strongest.
How To Remove Odor From Fabric Couch?
No doubt, due to spills, pet odors, or regular use, fabric couches may acquire unpleasant odors over time. Get rid of these odors to keep your home smelling clean and attractive. The following are the methods to do so.
Method 1: White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of my favorite techniques to remove odor from a fabric couch. White vinegar is an effective cleaning agent that can simultaneously eliminate the bad smell and sanitize your couch or chair.
Supplies Needed
- White vinegar or (without vinegar method)
- Spray bottle
- Clean cloth
- A water source for rinsing
- Dry towel
Instructions
- Combine white vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle.
- Spritz the solution on the fabric couch, focusing on areas with a strong odor.
- Gently rub the fabric with a clean cloth to get rid of the stains and dirt.
- Wait a minimum of 15 minutes after putting the solution on the couch.
- Rinse the fabric properly with water to eliminate vinegar residue.
- Blot the fabric with a dry towel to remove excess water.
- Allow the couch to air dry simply, or use a fan to speed up the drying before reusing the couch.
Method 2: Baking Soda.
Baking soda is another effective way to remove odor from your fabric couch. Not only is it cheap and readily available, but it is also non-toxic and safe for use around pets and kids.
Supplies Needed
- Baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner
Instructions
- Vacuum the couch to remove loose debris and crumbs.
- Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil in a bowl.
- Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Apply the baking soda mixture on the affected area or on the whole couch if necessary.
- Lightly rub it into the fabric using a soft-bristled brush or your hands. Ensure the mixture reaches all crevices and corners of the couch.
- Leave the solution on the couch for at least an hour. Wait until it’s dried completely.
- Vacuum the baking soda residue from the couch using the upholstery attachment.
Method 3: Activated Charcoal.
Activated charcoal is a natural and efficient way to eliminate odors from your fabric couch; it is a safe, chemical-free option. You can buy activated charcoal in either granule or powder form. It is available in most pet supply stores in both forms.
Supplies Needed
- Activated charcoal
- Vacuum cleaner
Instructions
- Test activated charcoal on a small, invisible spot prior to using it on the whole couch
- Spread a layer over the affected area of your couch if it passes the test without showing any sign of damage or discoloration.
- Let it sit for 2-4 hours so the activated charcoal can get enough time to absorb and neutralize odor-causing molecules.
- Vacuum the charcoal away with upholstery attached after the recommended time.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]TIP: You can also place small sachets of activated charcoal in the cushions or near the couch to continually absorb odors. Replace the sachets every few months for optimal odor control.[/su_note]
Method 4: Odor-Removing Spray.
If the odor remains or you simply don’t want to implement the previous cleaning methods I have discussed, you can go for an odor-removing spray. These sprays are specifically designed to address the issue you’re facing now.
As far as my couch matters to me, I have the Fresh Wave Odor-Removing Spray in my home. It is an effective, natural solution for removing odor from fabric couches. I typically use it the following way: you should do the same.
- Locate the source of the odor and address any visible stains.
- Spray the affected area or the entire couch with Fresh Wave Odor-Removing Spray.
- Give the spray enough time to sit; at least 1 hour.
- Blot the area with a clean cloth.
- Repeat the procedure as necessary until the odor is completely gone.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Fresh Wave’s plant-based formula ensures safe usage around your family and pets. There are no harmful chemicals, so they won’t harm you, your family, or the pet.[/su_note]
Other Ways To Tackle Bad Odor In A Fabric Couch
You might not be aware of it, but there are other simple ways to tackle bad odor in a fabric couch besides using homemade fabric cleaning remedies and commercial cleaning solutions.
Natural Sunshine
One effective method is to harness the power of natural elements, such as sunlight. Allowing your couch to bask in natural sunlight can do wonders in removing bad smells.
Simply move your couch near a window and let the sun do its magic on a sunny afternoon. The UV rays will kill odor-causing bacteria, making your sofa clean, smelling fresh.
Scented Sachets
Creating scented sachets is another way to maintain a pleasant scent on your couch. Doing this is beneficial as the scent may fade over time, and odors might return.
You can make small sachets filled with dried flowers or herbs to prolong the pleasant smell and place them under the sofa cushions. For example, you can sprinkle a handful of dried lavender onto a handkerchief, gather the corners, and tie them together.
These scented sachets will provide a longer-lasting freshness for your couch. It’s an easy and effective solution to keep your couch smelling delightful.
FAQs
How Can I Naturally Clean My Couch?
Vacuum away any loose material before rubbing baking soda and aromatic oils into crevices and corners to naturally clean a couch. Prior to vacuuming, let sit for an hour. Alternatively, activated charcoal can absorb odors.
What Are Some Effective Ways To Remove Odor From Fabric Couches?
You can use various methods, including steam cleaning, baking soda deodorizing, vinegar, water solutions, or commercial odor removers, to eliminate bad odors from your fabric couch.
How Often Should I Clean My Fabric Couch To Prevent Odors?
To prevent odors from growing, a common rule of thumb is to clean your couch at least once every few months or as necessary, depending on the frequency of use and probable odor sources.
What Causes Odor In A Fabric Couch?
Pet odors, food spills, body oils, sweat, mold, mildew, and general unhygienic are just some of the many things that may make a fabric couch smell bad.
Conclusion
To start, set up the location, locate the smell’s source, and acquire the necessary materials, including baking soda, activated charcoal, white vinegar, and Fresh Wave Odor-Removing Spray.
Apply baking soda and hoover it off, distribute activated charcoal and hoover it away, or use Fresh Wave Odor-Removing Spray in the stained places to remove the bad odor from your couch.
You may also use white vinegar by spraying and rubbing it on the fabric. These methods successfully eliminate odors, leaving your fabric couch smelling clean and new.
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