Furniture fabric can easily absorb odors from pets, food, spills, and everyday use, leaving your home less fresh than you’d like.
Removing these odors doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the right tools and techniques, you can restore your furniture’s freshness without damaging the fabric.
This guide will show you step-by-step how to effectively eliminate unpleasant smells from furniture fabric.
Why Does Furniture Fabric Absorb Odors?
Fabric upholstery is porous and can trap odors from:
- Spills and stains: Leftover food or drinks can create unpleasant smells if not cleaned promptly.
- Pets: Hair, dander, and accidents can leave lingering odors.
- Smoke: Cigarette or fireplace smoke can penetrate deep into the fabric.
- Humidity: Moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth, causing a musty smell.
How to Remove Odor from Furniture Fabric
1. Vacuum Thoroughly
Start by vacuuming the entire piece of furniture using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
Focus on seams, crevices, and cushions to remove dirt, hair, and debris that may contribute to odors.
2. Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes odors:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the fabric, ensuring even coverage.
- Let it sit for 15-30 minutes (or longer for stronger odors).
- Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.
3. Use White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is an excellent natural odor eliminator:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the furniture fabric with the solution. Avoid soaking the fabric to prevent damage.
- Allow the vinegar to air-dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the odors with it.
4. Try an Enzymatic Cleaner
For odors caused by organic matter (like pet accidents or food spills), enzymatic cleaners can break down the odor-causing particles:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply the cleaner to the affected area.
- Let it sit for the recommended time, then blot with a clean, damp cloth.
5. Use Activated Charcoal or Odor Absorbers
Place bowls of activated charcoal or commercial odor absorbers near the furniture for a few days.
These will help remove lingering smells from the air and fabric.
Dealing with Persistent Odors
Pet Odors
- Sprinkle baking soda on the fabric and leave it overnight.
- For deep-set smells, use a pet-specific odor neutralizer.
Smoke Smells
- Steam cleaning can help remove smoke particles trapped in the fabric.
- Use air purifiers to eliminate smoke odor from the room.
Musty or Moldy Smells
- Use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water (1:1 ratio) to kill mold spores and neutralize the smell.
- Ensure the furniture is completely dry to prevent mold regrowth.
Preventing Odors in Furniture Fabric
- Clean Spills Promptly: Address spills immediately to prevent odors from setting in.
- Vacuum Regularly: Routine vacuuming removes dirt, pet hair, and crumbs that can cause smells.
- Use Fabric Protectors: Apply a fabric protector to shield against stains and odors.
- Air Out the Room: Keep your space ventilated to reduce the buildup of smells.
Why Choose Schoon Cleaning for Upholstery Odor Removal?
At Schoon Cleaning, we specialize in professional odor removal for all types of furniture fabrics. Here’s why you should trust us:
- Eco-Friendly Products: We use non-toxic and safe cleaning solutions to eliminate odors without harming your furniture.
- Expert Technicians: Our trained professionals handle even the most stubborn odors with precision.
- Deep Cleaning: We target odors at their source, ensuring long-lasting freshness.
Conclusion
Unpleasant odors in furniture fabric don’t have to be a permanent problem.
By using simple solutions like baking soda, vinegar, and enzymatic cleaners, you can effectively remove odors and restore your furniture’s freshness.
For deeper cleaning and guaranteed results, let Schoon Cleaning handle the job.
Contact Schoon Cleaning today to schedule an upholstery cleaning service and enjoy odor-free furniture that looks and smells like new!