How to clean a couch that smells

A couch is often the centerpiece of a living room and a place of relaxation, but over time, it can start to develop unpleasant odors. From pet smells to food spills and body oils, a couch can trap a variety of smells that can linger and become unpleasant. Regular cleaning helps keep a couch fresh and inviting, but sometimes it takes a bit more effort to remove stubborn odors. This guide will cover a variety of cleaning techniques, products, and tips to help you eliminate couch odors and keep your seating area fresh.

Understanding What Causes Couch Odors

Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s helpful to understand the sources of common couch smells. Odors can arise from several factors, including:

1. Food and Drink Spills: Couches are often exposed to spilled food and beverages, which can seep into the fabric and leave lingering odors.
2. Body Oils and Sweat: Over time, natural oils from skin and sweat can build up on the fabric, especially in frequently used areas, contributing to unpleasant smells.
3. Pets: Pets can leave behind fur, dander, and odors that can permeate a couch’s fabric.
4. Environmental Odors: Smoke, cooking aromas, and general household smells can also become embedded in the fabric.
5. Humidity and Mold: In humid environments, mold and mildew can form, which creates a musty odor.

Knowing the source of the smell can help you choose the right cleaning method. Each odor type might require a different approach, so let’s explore a variety of solutions that can address each issue effectively.

Preparing Your Couch for Cleaning

Before you begin any cleaning process, it’s important to check the couch’s material and care label for cleaning instructions. Couch materials vary widely, and using the wrong products or techniques can damage the fabric. Most couches will have a label with one of these codes:

• W: Safe to clean with water-based cleaners.
• S: Use only solvent-based cleaners; avoid water.
• WS: Safe to use both water-based and solvent-based cleaners.
• X: Only vacuuming is safe; avoid any liquid cleaners.

Understanding these codes will help you select the right approach and avoid damaging the material. Once you know your couch’s fabric care requirements, you can proceed with cleaning.

Vacuuming as a First Step

One of the first and simplest steps in eliminating odors is to thoroughly vacuum the couch. Use an upholstery attachment to vacuum the entire couch, paying special attention to crevices, seams, and under cushions where crumbs and pet hair can accumulate. Vacuuming removes loose debris, dust, and pet hair, which are often contributors to unpleasant smells.

Vacuuming alone won’t completely eliminate deep-set odors, but it prepares the couch for deeper cleaning and helps prevent odors from getting worse.

Using Baking Soda to Absorb Odors

Baking soda is a natural and effective odor absorber, making it an ideal solution for couches that need a quick refresh. Here’s how to use baking soda to neutralize couch odors:

1. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire couch, including the cushions and backrest.
2. Let the baking soda sit for at least 15–30 minutes. For more intense odors, you can leave it on for several hours or overnight.
3. After the baking soda has had time to absorb the odors, vacuum it up using the upholstery attachment.

Baking soda can help neutralize minor odors, but if your couch has a stronger smell, you may need additional cleaning methods.

Cleaning with White Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is another natural cleaner that can help eliminate odors from a couch. Its acidic properties make it effective in neutralizing smells. However, vinegar has a strong odor itself, so it’s best to use it sparingly and in a well-ventilated area. Here’s how to clean your couch with a vinegar solution:

1. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly spray the solution over the smelly areas of the couch. Avoid over-wetting the fabric, as too much moisture can lead to mold growth.
3. Allow the vinegar solution to sit for a few minutes, then blot the area with a clean, dry cloth.
4. Leave the couch to air dry completely. As the vinegar dries, its odor will dissipate, along with the unpleasant smell on the couch.

This method is especially effective on pet odors and musty smells. However, avoid using vinegar on water-sensitive fabrics, as it could damage them.

Using an Upholstery Cleaner for Deeper Cleaning

If baking soda and vinegar don’t fully remove the smell, you may need to use an upholstery cleaner. Many upholstery cleaners are designed to remove tough stains and odors without damaging the fabric. Here’s how to use one:

1. Choose an upholstery cleaner that’s appropriate for your couch’s fabric type. Follow the instructions on the label to avoid any damage.
2. Apply the cleaner to a small, inconspicuous area first to test for colorfastness.
3. If the test area looks good, apply the cleaner to the smelly areas following the product’s instructions.
4. After cleaning, let the couch dry completely. Some products may require a second application for persistent odors.

Using an upholstery cleaner can effectively remove deeper odors and give your couch a fresh start.

Steam Cleaning for Tough Odors

Steam cleaning is another effective method for eliminating odors from a couch, especially if the smell is embedded deep in the fabric. The heat from the steam helps kill bacteria and neutralize odors without the need for harsh chemicals. However, make sure to check if your couch’s fabric can tolerate steam cleaning.

1. Rent or use a steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for filling the water tank and setting up the machine.
2. Run the steam cleaner over the couch, focusing on areas with strong odors. Avoid over-saturating the fabric, as excessive moisture can cause mold and mildew.
3. Allow the couch to air dry thoroughly. You may need to use a fan or open windows to speed up the drying process.

Steam cleaning can provide a thorough refresh and is especially useful for removing pet odors and musty smells.

Using Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your couch, you may want to add a fresh scent. Essential oils are a natural option that can leave a pleasant aroma without the use of chemical air fresheners. Here’s how to use essential oils safely:

1. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus) with water in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly mist the couch with the essential oil spray. Avoid oversaturating the fabric.
3. Let the couch air dry, and enjoy the refreshing scent.

Essential oils are not a substitute for cleaning, but they can help add a pleasant fragrance to your freshly cleaned couch.

Preventing Future Odors

Now that your couch is odor-free, consider these tips to prevent future smells:

1. Vacuum Regularly: Regular vacuuming can help remove crumbs, pet hair, and dust that contribute to odors.
2. Use Couch Covers: A washable couch cover can protect the fabric and absorb odors before they reach the couch itself.
3. Rotate and Air Out Cushions: Flip and rotate cushions regularly to distribute wear and keep them fresh. Airing them out outdoors occasionally can help dissipate odors.
4. Spot Clean Spills Promptly: Clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains and odors from setting into the fabric.
5. Use Pet Blankets: If you have pets, place a blanket over the couch where they like to sit. This will make it easier to clean and keep odors at bay.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your couch has a particularly strong odor that doesn’t respond to these methods, it may be time to call in professional upholstery cleaners. They have access to commercial-grade cleaning solutions and equipment that can deeply penetrate and clean couch fibers.

Professional cleaners are especially helpful for couches with odors caused by mold, deep pet odors, or stubborn smoke smells. While it’s an added expense, professional cleaning can often save you from the need to replace your couch altogether.