Your sofa and cloth furniture attract odors from pets, spills, smells, and daily scents in your home. The odors can be severe or may manifest as a slightly unpleasant musty smell, then progress as time passes. Fabric sofa upholstery is more prone to odor absorption since it is more permeable than leather and vinyl.
The upholstery doesn't usually require deep cleaning if it is otherwise unsoiled. Deodorizing is a simple process that entails first soaking up the odor, then disposing of it before the fabric can reabsorb it. Depending on the cause and severity, it may take more than one cleaning to completely remove the odor. A task that many people do not plan for or enjoy doing.
Upholstered Sofas & Chairs
First step. Vacuum the sofa with an upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Remove all dust, hair, and debris from your piece of furniture. This is of utmost importance. Remove cushions, if possible, and vacuum both sides.
Sprinkle baking soda on the upholstered areas of the sofa. Like vinegar, this is a miracle of nature that will do wonders for your sofa or chair. Remove seat and backing cushions and set them aside. Sprinkle the fabric beneath the cushions and the cushions with the soda. Apply enough baking soda to leave a lightly visible residue on the entire sofa.
Leave the baking soda on the sofa for at least 15 minutes, or overnight for severe odors. The baking soda absorbs the smells from the fabric and cushions. It’s like magic!
Vacuum the sofa a second time to remove the baking soda residue. Use a clean bag or empty the vacuum canister first, since the baking soda will quickly fill it up.
Blue fabric sofa.
Leather Sofas
Wipe up any spill that can result in a bad odor immediately with a damp rag. Wipe it dry so you don’t see a residual stain.
Combine a teaspoon of liquid neutral soap, such as Castille or saddle soap, with 1 cup of warm water. Wipe down the sofa with soapy water. Wipe only the smelly area or clean the entire sofa if necessary, wiping only a small area at a time.
Use a rag moistened with clear water to wipe away any soap residue. Immediately wipe dry with a soft, dry rag.
Apply an enzyme leather cleaner if an odor remains. Follow the package instructions for the correct use of the particular brand. Generally, these products are sprayed on the leather and allowed to dry.
The enzymes break down odor-causing bacteria.
Pro-Tip
Clean up spills on the upholstery immediately. Food items can leave behind rotten odors, while even water can create a musty odor. Use a clean towel to soak as much liquid from the sofa as possible.
Some sofa cushions are machine washable, which can help eliminate odors deep within. Always refer to the care tag on the cushions or underside of the sofa for washing instructions specific to your sofa.
When home remedies aren’t enough
It could be time to call the experts if your pet’s accidents remain a problem. A stain- and odor-free floor is an important part of home maintenance. Not only does it help with the value of your home, but pet feces and urine can pose a health hazard to those who are living in the house.
After you’ve dealt with the stains, make sure that your pets are happy and healthy. Consider speaking with your vet on ways to deal with accidents in the house.