Getting rid of smells in upholstery and furniture takes some detective work
Start by determining what the source of the smell is. If it’s food smells in the air, then that can be easily solved by just putting it in an airtight container for a few days until the smell dissipates in your house. If you’re not sure, then you may want to investigate any leaks or spills on the carpet or floor.
If it’s an obvious spill or worse, your pet has been naughty ;) clean the area thoroughly before the area becomes permanently stained. We have a great article about how to clean pet stains.
If there’s no clear source of the odor, then there are some other steps you can take to minimize smells.
A vacuum cleaner will remove hair and dirt from your upholstery and furniture. You may also choose to use baking soda, which will help absorb odors and oils that are leftover from cooking or pet accidents.
Another easy way of getting rid of smells is using Febreeze fabric refresher spray although it is only a temporary solution.
Depending upon the time of year, open all of the windows and get a good cross-breeze going through the house. By the end of the day you should have a fresh smelling house and if you still smell the odor, try having a professional company like Angelo’s give a good clean of your carpets.
6 Proven Methods for Removing Odors from Furniture
There are a variety of odors that can be a problem for furniture, and this article will cover five ways to remove them.
- Spray an odor remover into the upholstery.
The upholstery can be treated with a pet-friendly odor remover spray to kill the odor. This will prevent guests from smelling any unwanted odors as they walk by. - Wet the surface of the upholstery with water and baking soda.
This step is the first step to remove odors from upholstery. Wet the surface of the upholstery with water and baking soda, then let it set on it for about 10 minutes. Next, wipe off the mixture with a damp cloth. This will remove most of the odors, but you may need to repeat this process if there are stubborn smells on your upholstery. This can be tricky because upholstery has many crevices and curves so make sure you clean the entire piece. - Place a tray filled with activated charcoal on top of the surface for several hours.
Activated carbon is a type of charcoal that has small, porous spaces within the surface of the material. It’s these small, porous spaces that allow the activated carbon to absorb chemicals and odors. To use it as a natural air purifier, place an activated charcoal tray on top of your surface for several hours to remove any unwanted smells or chemicals in the air. - Place vinegar-soaked cotton balls around the source of the odor or on top of it.
Did you know that vinegar has been used for centuries to neutralize odors? Your grandma probably knew that trick. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and a great household cleaner. Your home may smell a bit like a salad afterward (pro tip!). It also works in the garden to kill weeds and prevent disease. - Apply an essential oil or other natural extract to your furniture’s fabric.
Essential oils for odors should be used sparingly and cautiously. Always test a small area that is underneath the piece or in the back in case it leaves stains. Once the oils are applied, leave it overnight, then vacuum the next day. - Call Angelo’s if you live in the greater Philadelphia area suburbs. We have 4 different locations to serve you and online ordering is a snap!
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610-935-7557 (Phoenixville)
610-436-6666 (West Chester)
610-265-5116 (Conshohocken)
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How Do You Remove a Musty Smell from a Couch?
One way to remove a musty smell from a sofa is by using a dryer sheet. It is a simple and inexpensive method that has been proven to work.
The dryer sheet will absorb moisture from the sofa and will neutralize the musty odor which might have been lingering for weeks. To use this method, simply place the dryer sheet on top of the wet area of your sofa. You can also use more dryer sheets as you need them to clean off any other areas that are wet or have an unpleasant odor.
Natural Solutions for Odor Removal in a Couch:
A natural approach to removing odors is to use an enzyme-based cleaner that will break down the source of the odor. Baking soda is one such solution that will help absorb odors and can be sprinkled on the upholstery. Other natural solutions include vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
Chemical Solutions for Odor Removal in a Couch:
Chemical solutions for odor removal come in the form of gels, sprays, and powders. They are designed to effectively eliminate odors without leaving behind any strong fragrance.
Chemical solutions are the most commonly used product for eliminating odors on upholstery or fabrics. These products are available in gel, spray, or powder forms.
The smell of mildew can be removed with a biocide cleaner such as chlorine bleach for clothing but this is not suggested for furniture or upholstery as it can easily ruin the piece or result in stains and bleached areas.
Be very cautious using any chemical solution on your couch! Angelo’s uses kid and pet-friendly cleaning agents. Our staff includes 6 IICRC Certified Master Textile Cleaners.
How Do You Remove a Smoke Smell from a Couch?
Smoke smells from fireplaces or cigarettes can be difficult to get rid of. One way to get rid of the smoke smell is to use a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum all the surfaces and fabrics. If you have a pet or have pets in the house, be sure to vacuum the pet bed too, since pet hair can absorb smells. Then, place some bowls of baking soda on your sofa and couch. Let them sit for about 3-4 hours before vacuuming again.
How do I get rid of musty smells in my drapes or curtains
Drapes and curtains can often get musty because of their proximity to the ground. The most effective way to remove that musty smell is by using a mixture of water and soap.
Fill a spray bottle with water and add in some dishwashing soap (or laundry detergent). Mix thoroughly and then spray the mixture on your drapes or curtains. Wash them thoroughly with cold water followed by a rinse in hot water.
Most curtains don’t do well in the washing machine because of their size and can come out of the dryer wrinkled and misshapen.
Angelo’s Cleaning has a drapery cleaning service that is convenient because we clean your curtains while they hang so you don’t have to deal with ladders or re-hanging the curtains.
How To Remove Pet Odors From Your Couch and Furniture
How Humidity and Temperature Affect Dog Smells in Your Home
Because dog smells are caused by bacteria, the smell of dog poop will be stronger when warmer temperatures are present. For example, in hotter climates, the smell of dog poop will be stronger because the bacteria are more active in warmer climates.
Similarly, when it’s colder outside, there is less activity from bacteria which means the smell becomes weaker.
Here’s some info about pet odors and urine odors that Angelo (owner of Angelo’s Cleaning) shares
How Humidity and Temperature Affect Cat Smells in Your Home
We all know that cats can produce some pretty pungent smells around the house. One of the main reasons for this is because they don’t sweat as humans do and they lick themselves which may lead to bacteria buildup. To avoid these smells, one needs to keep the cat’s litter box in a well-ventilated area and clean it on a regular basis. There are also products on the market that can help with cat smells, such as pet odor candles and sprays.
Humidity and temperature in your home play a significant role in how much cats smell in your home. The higher temperature inside your home means that more bacteria is produced by your pets when they’re licking themselves which leads to stronger odors. This also means that when it’s hotter outside, there will be more moisture in the air which produces smells.
3 All Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Pet Odors In Your House!
Pet odors are not only embarrassing but can also be hard to eliminate. And this is especially true when you’ve tried everything but the stench persists. Here are some simple solutions that you can try to get rid of pet odors in your house when company is coming and time is of the essence!
- Citrus Peels.
- Baking Soda.
- Vinegar and water solution.
