How To Deodorize Different Types of Couch: Best Remedies
Is your couch smelling a bit funny lately? Maybe you’ve just sat down, put your feet up, and getting ready to unwind but you suddenly get a whiff of something foul and it’s definitely coming from the couch.
This is definitely expected if most of the time is spent on the couch watching TV or chilling but also if you have kids or pets at home.
The more often a couch is used and exposed to elements, it is bound to accumulate and develop unpleasant smells and odors.
This is why deodorizing and cleaning the couch will ensure it smells clean and fresh at all times.
The good news is that I have a few simple, easy, and effective methods on how to deodorize different types of couches using natural ingredients.
If you want to deodorize these different types of couches:
- Fabric
- Leather
- Microfiber
We’ll go through at least 3 best methods for each couch you can pick from to experiment with.
So, let’s hop right to it and get started.
A quick yet essential side note: Never do any treatment or remedy blindly. Always spot-test before you commit to any method or consult a professional cleaning service!
Table of Contents
Ways To Deodorize Different Types of Couches
There are many ways to deodorize and make a couch smell clean again and most methods can be used despite the different types of couches.
If you’ve been searching for natural ways to clean the couch, I have a few methods that will be of great help!
Here are your best options:
1. Fabric Couch
Fabric couches are relatively simple and easy to deodorize compared to more complicated materials and textures.
However, they do tend to absorb odors more easily compared to most couches.
Here are a few simple techniques you can use to deodorize a fabric couch:
Baking Soda
This is a popular and age-old remedy that does provide satisfactory results. Start by sprinkling the baking soda on your couch and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes.
Follow up with a vacuum or a brush to remove the baking soda.
If you want a deeper clean, you can scrub the baking soda into the couch and then wipe with a clean damp cloth.
This remedy is great for its effectiveness and affordability but it easily absorbs stains and smells while allowing your couch to smell fresh and clean for longer.
You can also create a mixture of baking soda, essential oils, and water and use a spray bottle to apply it to the couch for a stronger solution.
Vinegar
For a couch that requires a bit more strength, you could try using a vinegar mix.
However, I have to make you aware to never use vinegar on delicate fabrics as this can lead to damage!
Grab a spray bottle and mix equal parts vinegar and water. Spray the solution on the couch and leave it for a few minutes or a couple of hours to do its work.
Then go ahead and wipe the couch as best as you can.
Vinegar is a strong ingredient that kills bacteria and removes odors. If you have pets, this method can definitely help your fabric couch smell better.
However, since it’s so pungent, it might leave a strong vinegar smell that will fade away over time.
With that said, I do recommend trying a small test area before committing to spraying the entire couch in case you can’t stand the vinegar smell.
Essential Oils
Here’s another great alternative for deodorizing a fabric couch you can try immediately.
All you need to do is grab your favorite essential oil and pour a few drops of water into a spray bottle.
Shake the mixture well and then spray the couch. It’s best to leave the couch with the essential oil mix as it will make your couch smell beautiful and fresh.
If you have any leftover solution, you can always store it until the next time your need to spray the couch.
2. Leather Couch
A leather couch is also quite easy to clean but it can develop a nasty smell over time. Here’s what you can try:
Conditioner: Invest in a good quality leather conditioner that will deodorize and clean the couch. This can also improve the overall look of the leather couch.
Be sure to carefully read the instructions before applying the conditioner to your couch.
Vinegar
As mentioned above, vinegar works great at killing germs and neutralizing odors. You can use the same solution and spray your couch with the solution. Always do a spot test when using a vinegar solution!
Baking Soda
Use baking soda to remove the smell. Sprinkle onto your couch on the affected areas and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then wipe the couch clean or vacuum the baking soda.
3. Microfiber Couch
Microfiber couches may be durable and versatile however it does repel water which means washing the couch is out of the question.
All hope is not lost as there are a few ways you can try to deodorize and clean a microfibre couch. They are as follows:
Rubbing Alcohol:
Rubbing alcohol is a popular disinfectant that can be used for a variety of purposes.
For deodorizing a couch, take a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water and apply it to your couch using a spray bottle. Give it a few minutes and this should neutralize the odors.
Baking Soda:
You can also use the baking soda idea to deodorize a microfiber couch as described above.
Steam Cleaner:
Another option you can try is using a steam cleaner. This will penetrate deep into the fibers of the couch for a clean, and fresh finish.
A good steamer can remove the bacteria and allergens which could be the main culprit for the bad odor.
The Best Ways To Clean A Couch
Maintaining a clean couch is the key to making sure a couch always smells fresh and clean. This means you’ll have to keep updated with a cleaning regimen that works for your specific couch.
However, having the basic knowledge of the best way to clean a couch will make your job way easier.
Here are a few tips you can use:
Vacuuming
This method works great for most types of couches like fabric and microfiber couches.
You can really get into the grooves, between the cushions, clean every crevice, and deep into the fabric to remove dirt and debris from the couch which could be greatly contributing to the odors.
Vacuuming also saves time and effort since it sucks up the dirt in seconds.
Spot Cleaning
Tackle stains and spills immediately by doing a quick spot clean.
This will ensure these stains or dirt don’t cause further problems over time that makes your couch start to smell nasty.
You can use a fabric cleaner or a solution with mild detergent to clean the spot. Be careful not to use harsh abrasives or too much water that can damage the fabric.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a great option for fabric or microfiber couches to really get rid of dirt and bacteria. A good steam every 2 or 4 weeks will ensure your couch remains clean.
Professional Cleaning
This might seem costly at first but this option could do a world of wonders for your couch by maintaining its quality and extending its lifespan.
Having professional cleaning done every year or so will get rid of tough stains and dirt since they use specialized equipment and solutions.
A couch can be a big and expensive purchase so spending a bit more extra effort in keeping it in a good condition can be worth it.
Other Ways To Keep A Couch Clean
I’d like to share a few additional tips I’ve learned that helped me maintain the quality and appearance of my couch:
- Add protection – If your couch is relatively new, you could opt for using a good quality slipcover that won’t impact its design or style and this should protect against spills, stains, and pets. This could also add a couple more years to the lifespan of the couch.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like the plague – Chemicals like bleach can easily damage the material of the couch that makes it hard to repair. Stick with light cleaners or a cleaner that is specifically designed for the type of couch you have.
- Get a lint roller – You’ll thank me for this once you’ve tried it. If you struggle with pet hair all over your clothes or sofa, a lint roller will get rid of this in seconds.
- Avoid direct sunlight – Try not to position your couch near direct sunlight as the UV rays can cause some damage to the fabric of your couch. In some cases, it’s very possible for leather couches to fade or crack when exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.
Conclusion
It’s quite normal and expected for any couch to develop some odors, stains, spills, or dirt to accumulate especially if you haven’t cleaned the couch or maintained a consistent cleaning routine.
But even if you had, it’s bound to happen since a couch is one of the most used essentials in a home.
Just about everyone has had to deal with unpleasant or weird smells but deodorizing and cleaning the couch regularly will definitely help in the long run.
Whether you use home ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, vinegar, or simply steam-clean the couch, all of these methods work really well.
Just be sure that you’re using the right method for your specific type of couch and always do a small test patch just in case the specific method you’re using does not take to your couch.
And I mean it, always test before you commit!
If your couch is in a really bad state, you’ll probably have to bring in a professional cleaner.
I hope you found these tips easy and useful. If you’d like to explore more tips like this, check out the following:
