How to Get Smells Out of Your Couch

Your couch is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home. Not only does it provide a place to sit, but it can also be a great place to relax and unwind after a long day. However, if your couch has been smelling bad lately, then you may not be able to enjoy it as much as you used to. For this reason, cleaning your couch is a necessary evil. No one wants to live in a dirty home, but who wants to spend their weekend cleaning? Luckily, there are some easy ways to make the process less painful. Here are five steps you can take to get rid of the bad smells from your couch.

5 Steps to Removing Odors from Your Couch

1. Identify the smell

Figuring out what the odor is can go a long way to getting rid of it. If you know what caused the smell, you’ll have a better idea of how to treat it, and this knowledge can allow you to take more targeted measures.

2. Vacuum the couch to remove any debris or dust

Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt, dust or debris from the couch. This will help prevent the smell from becoming embedded in the fabric.

3. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire couch surface

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle it generously over the couch and allow it to sit for several hours before vacuuming it. This will help absorb any lingering odors.

4. Use a carpet cleaner or upholstery cleaner to remove any remaining smells

If the baking soda didn’t eliminate all of the smells, you could use a carpet cleaner or upholstery cleaner to remove any remaining smells. Follow the instructions carefully and test an inconspicuous area of the couch first to ensure the cleaner won’t damage the fabric.

5. Enjoy your clean and fresh-smelling couch

These steps should help you get rid of any smells that might be lingering in your couch, allowing you to enjoy it once again.

Common Couch Smells

Couch smells can be an unpleasant and embarrassing problem. They can be caused by various things, including pets, smoke and food. If your couch has a bad odor, don’t worry — there are steps you can take to eliminate the smell.

Pet smells

Smells from your pet can often linger on your couch. If your pet has an accident or regularly lies on the couch, their scent can become embedded in the fabric. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help to remove these smells. These smells may be something you don’t notice, but visitors to your home will certainly be able to smell them.

Smoke smells

If you or anyone in your home smokes, the smell will likely stay on your couch. The smell can still come through open doors and windows even if you don’t smoke inside your home. Smoke quickly clings to fabric and can be difficult to remove. Airing out your home and using a dehumidifier can help to remove some of the smoke smell. You may also need to use a stronger cleaning solution to remove all traces of the smoke scent.

Food smells

If you eat on your couch, there’s a chance that food smells could be lingering in the fabric. These smells can come from spills or crumbs embedded in the couch. Thorough vacuuming and cleaning can help to remove these smells.

Sweat smells

If you tend to sweat or live in a hot and humid climate, the couch can start to smell like sweat. This is especially true if you don’t have air conditioning. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help remove these smells.

Mildew or musty smells

If your couch is in a damp or humid area, it could develop mildew or a musty smell. This is often caused by mold or mildew growing on the couch. If you notice this smell, you’ll need to clean and disinfect the couch to remove the mold and mildew. You may also need to use a dehumidifier to help reduce the amount of moisture in the air.

Chemical smells

If you’ve recently had your couch cleaned or treated with a chemical solution, there may be a lingering chemical smell. These smells are often strong, and they can be very unpleasant. If you notice this smell, ventilate the area well and allow the couch to air for several days. If the smell persists, you may need to have the couch professionally cleaned.

How Can Acima Leasing Help?

If your couch is beyond repair, Acima Leasing can help you get the couch you need without having to use credit*. Our lease-to-own solutions* are a great way to get the furniture you want with manageable payment options* and flexible terms. Acima Leasing is here to help give you options so your shopping experience is favorable to you. We offer you the ability to work toward ownership. You can either choose to purchase your items early at a discount, or make all scheduled lease renewal payments as defined by your lease. Also, if your new piece of furniture it’s working for you, as long as it is in good condition, you can return it to Acima without further obligation. We have thousands of furniture options to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style and needs. With Acima Leasing, there’s no need to worry about using credit* when you’re trying to quickly solve the problem of an embarrassing couch.

Common Questions About Couches

Does steam cleaning remove odors from a couch?

Yes, steam cleaning can remove odors from a couch. The steam will help break up any embedded smells and disinfect the couch.

Can I leave baking soda on my couch overnight?

Yes, you can leave baking soda on your couch overnight. This will give it time to absorb any odors lingering in the fabric. However, you will need to vacuum it up in the morning before using the couch.

How long does a couch take to dry after steam cleaning?

It can take several hours for a couch to dry after steam cleaning. You may need to leave it in a well-ventilated area to help speed up the drying process.

How long does it take to clean a couch?

It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to clean a couch, depending on the size of the couch and the level of dirt and grime.