Sofas, especially fabric and upholstered sofas are like dirt, scent, and stain magnets. They attract everything–dust, dirt, pet hair, food bits, etc. Various everyday smells can also permeate and get absorbed easily, and the mildew and musty scent on the fabric can be really unpleasant. So, how do you get a smell out of a couch? What’s the best stink-fighting weapon out there?
DIY Kitchen Solutions
Water and vinegar mix
Before you head to your favorite home solutions store, you might want to check your kitchen. You can’t go wrong with the age-old DIY solution of water and white vinegar. To make the mixture, pour one tablespoon of white vinegar and a cup of water into a spray bottle.
Before you use the mixture for your sofa, test it with the upholstery to make sure it will not cause any discoloration. Spray a small amount in an inconspicuous area such as under the dust ruffle or in the lower back corner.
If it doesn’t cause any discolorations, then you’re good to go. Spray your water-vinegar solution on your sofa. Then, use a clean cloth to rub the mixture in areas you want to clean thoroughly.
Water and lemon juice mix
For stubborn body or pet odors on your vinyl or leather couch, you can use a water and lemon solution. Mix one part lemon juice with one part water in your steam cleaner. Lemon is a natural deodorizer. It works by neutralizing odor, leaving your sofa smelling clean and fresh. However, it also comes with bleaching properties, which means it can cause discolorations on fabric.
To clean your vinyl or leather sofa with this mixture, use it on a damp cloth or apply it through a steam-cleaner.
Baking soda
For stronger smells on fabric or suede sofas, sprinkle baking soda on the spot and leave it for a couple of hours (or even overnight for severe odors). Apply enough baking soda to leave a visible residue on the surface. The baking soda will absorb the scent from the fabric and cushions. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the powder off your sofa.
If that didn’t work, check out more tips for banishing that odor forever:
