How To Get Smells Out of A Leather Couch
A leather couch is a practical, stylish fit for any home however it’s also one of the most common surfaces to develop unpleasant odors that can ruin the experience and comfort of the couch.
There could be several reasons for this varying from everyday use to pets or food spills and these unwanted odors can be more bothersome over time.
The good news is that there are a few innovative and easy ways to get the smell out of a leather couch that can leave your couch smelling clean and fresh.
So, without taking up too much of your time, here are the best solutions you can try right now:
Table of Contents
Steps For Removing Odors From A Leather Couch
Find The Culprit
The best thing you can do is pinpoint where the odor originates.
This will ensure you know how to go about cleaning the source and that the smell is completely eradicated.
Check whether the smell is from the leather itself, inside the cushions, or any potential source such as sweat, food spills, stains, or pet odors.
Perhaps the source could be coming from in between the cushions. Doing this can help you put all your focus on cleaning the right area which will save you time and energy.
Cleaning
Once you’ve identified the source, this could be any of the options listed above, it’s time to get cleaning.
Now, with cleaning any sofa or expensive furniture piece, it’s always recommended to test a small area to see if your solution or cleaning agent takes to your couch.
This will prevent any potential damage to the actual couch. Begin by vacuuming the leather couch for a deeper clean.
This will remove any debris, dust, and dirt that could be in between the seats and this can also lead to a buildup that contributes to the unpleasant odor.
You can also make use of a popular natural cleaning agent (baking soda) that is a pro at deodorizing and neutralizing unpleasant odors.
Sprinkle a small amount on the couch and allow it to sit for a few minutes or hours depending on the intensity of the odor.
As mentioned earlier, always test a small patch first. Then you can use a vacuum to clean it up or a clean cloth.
Once this is completed, proceed to wipe the couch down with a slightly damp cloth or a gentle cleaning agent designed for your leather couch.
You’ll want to be really careful with what you use on a leather couch as the material is generally quite delicate and you wouldn’t want to ruin the material.
If you’re using any attachments with the vacuum, ensure that it does not scratch or tear the leather.
Use a Leather Cleaner
You can never go wrong with a high-quality leather cleaner designed for your couch.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions when using a specific product but a leather cleaner can help remove intense odors and give your couch a refreshing new shine.
Simply use a soft cloth to apply the cleaner or conditioner and work it through your leather couch without rubbing it too hard or vigorously.
You’ll want to be gentle when working on the surface of your couch as leather is quite a delicate surface.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies are always a great option if you’re looking for a cheap, affordable, and easy solution. As long as it takes to your leather couch, this should be okay to try.
There are several available like the baking soda method, vinegar and water solution, or simply essential oils.
Vinegar, in particular, is a strong natural agent that is acidic and will easily kill bacteria that causes these odors.
To clean the leather couch, you can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to wipe at the area that smells bad.
These are the 3 most commonly used natural remedies for eliminating odors that do work in most cases.
However, take extra precautions when working with these natural remedies so as to not cause further damage to the leather. Test a small spot in an inconspicuous area first.
Follow Up With Regular Maintenance
Keeping a couch clean and smelling good may require regular care and maintenance.
Cleaning up immediately after spills or potential odor sources can help maintain a clean couch for longer.
You can also try using a high-quality leather conditioner that will maintain its quality.
Seek Professional Cleaning
For those stubborn stains and smells where nothing seems to work, it’s probably time to get some outside help.
Those who are experts at restoring leather can be of great help to revitalize the couch and remove any tough odors and stains.
This can also give your couch a new life and feel since they have specialized equipment and experience to deal with such matters.
It might be a slight extra expense but it could do a world of wonders in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The trick to removing and getting rid of odors and smells from a leather couch is to have patience and a good nose. Identifying the area where the smell is the strongest can save you a great amount of effort and it will ensure you tackle the right areas.
With these tips, I’m certain you’ll find it much easier now to get rid of the smell from the leather couch and finally enjoy your couch again without taking that nasty whiff when you’re trying to relax.
However, I do want to emphasize that it’s important to test out a specific solution or remedy on a tiny, inconspicuous area.
This is the best way to prevent any further disasters or damage to your couch in case something goes wrong.
There are always the services of professional cleaners available if you are having trouble getting rid of a particularly stubborn area.
With that said, taking care of your leather couch and dealing with potential odors as they happen or straight after will make sure this doesn’t happen again.
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