There’s nothing worse than sitting down on your couch and being greeted by an unpleasant smell. Whether it’s from food spills, pet accidents, or just regular wear and tear, unwanted odours can make your couch feel uncomfortable and uninviting. Thankfully, there are several ways to tackle this issue, and professional services like Couch Cleaning Werribee can help if you need a deeper clean. In this guide, we’ll explore some simple and effective methods to get rid of unwanted smells from your couch.
Why Does Your Couch Smell?
Before diving into how to get rid of smells, it’s important to understand why they occur. There are several common reasons your couch might have an unpleasant odour:
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Food and Drink Spills: Spills of food or beverages can seep into the fabric or cushions, leading to lingering smells.
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Pet Accidents: Pets, especially cats and dogs, can sometimes have accidents on the couch, leaving behind strong, unpleasant smells.
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Body Odour: Regular use of the couch by you and your family can result in body odours being absorbed by the fabric.
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Mould and Mildew: If your couch gets wet or is exposed to humidity for too long, it can develop mould or mildew, which leads to a musty smell.
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Old Fabric: Over time, upholstery can accumulate dust, oils, and grime, contributing to unpleasant odours.
No matter the cause, it’s possible to freshen up your couch and eliminate these smells with a little effort and the right approach.
1. Vacuuming: The First Step in Eliminating Smells
Why Vacuuming Helps?
The first step in tackling unwanted smells is to clean the couch thoroughly. Vacuuming not only removes dirt, dust, and pet hair, but it can also help get rid of any odour-causing particles that are trapped in the fabric or cushions. The more dirt and debris you remove, the less there is to contribute to any lingering smells.
How to Vacuum Your Couch?
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Use the upholstery attachment: Most vacuums come with a special attachment for upholstery. This is designed to reach the crevices and corners of your couch where dirt and dust accumulate.
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Vacuum under the cushions: Make sure to lift and vacuum under the cushions, as this area can often hold debris and crumbs.
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Vacuum the backrest and arms: Don’t forget to vacuum the backrest, arms, and other parts of the couch to ensure a thorough clean.
After vacuuming, you’ll have removed a lot of the particles that could be contributing to the bad smell. But if the odour persists, it’s time to move on to deeper cleaning methods.
2. Using Baking Soda to Eliminate Smells
Why Baking Soda Works?
Baking soda is a natural odour neutraliser that works wonders on fabrics. It absorbs unpleasant smells and leaves your couch smelling fresh. Whether it’s body odour, pet smells, or food-related odours, baking soda can help get rid of them.
How to Use Baking Soda?
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Sprinkle baking soda on the couch: Lightly sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the couch, paying special attention to areas that smell the most.
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Let it sit: Allow the baking soda to sit on the couch for at least 15-20 minutes. If the smell is more persistent, you can leave it for a few hours or overnight.
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Vacuum up the baking soda: After it has had time to absorb the odour, vacuum the couch to remove the baking soda. You should notice a fresher, cleaner smell.
For stubborn smells, repeat the process until the odour is completely gone.
3. Use Fabric Fresheners
Why Fabric Fresheners Help?
Fabric fresheners are designed to neutralise and eliminate bad smells from upholstered furniture. These products typically come in sprays or aerosols and work by breaking down the odour particles on the fabric.
How to Use Fabric Fresheners?
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Spray lightly: Hold the fabric freshener at least 15-20 cm from the surface and spray it lightly over the couch. Be sure to cover the entire fabric, but don’t oversaturate it.
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Allow it to dry: After spraying the fabric freshener, let your couch dry completely before using it. This ensures that the freshener doesn’t leave behind any dampness that could lead to other smells.
If you prefer a more natural option, you can use a homemade fabric freshener made from a mixture of water, vinegar, and essential oils.
4. Spot Cleaning with Vinegar and Water
Why Vinegar and Water Work?
Vinegar is another natural solution that works well for neutralising smells. It has powerful antibacterial properties and can help to get rid of food, pet, or body odours. It also helps break down the acids in odour-causing substances, leaving your couch smelling fresh.
How to Use Vinegar and Water?
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Mix a solution: Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
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Lightly spray the couch: Mist the solution onto the fabric, focusing on the areas with the most smell.
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Let it sit: Allow the mixture to sit on the fabric for a few minutes. You might notice the vinegar smell initially, but it will fade as it dries.
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Wipe with a clean cloth: After it has dried, use a clean cloth to wipe down the surface.
Be careful when using vinegar on delicate fabrics. Always test it in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.
5. Mould and Mildew Removal
Why Do Mould and Mildew Cause Smells?
Mould and mildew thrive in damp environments, and if your couch has been exposed to moisture, it’s possible that mould has started to grow. This causes a musty smell that can be difficult to get rid of without the right approach.
How to Remove Mould and Mildew?
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Use a mixture of vinegar and water: As mentioned earlier, vinegar can help kill mould and mildew. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water and spray the solution onto the affected area.
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Scrub the area gently: Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the area, being careful not to damage the fabric.
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Let it dry: Allow the couch to dry completely, preferably in a well-ventilated area, to prevent further mould growth.
If the problem persists, it may be time to consider professional help, such as Couch Cleaning Southbank, to remove mould and mildew thoroughly.
6. Professional Couch Cleaning Services
Why You Should Consider Professional Cleaning?
If the smells are particularly stubborn, or if you’re dealing with deep-set stains or odour-causing bacteria, professional couch cleaning might be your best option. Services like Couch Cleaning Werribee can provide a deep clean using specialised equipment and cleaning solutions designed to eliminate odours, stains, and grime.
A professional clean can refresh your couch and leave it smelling great, all while preserving the fabric and extending the life of your furniture.
Conclusion
Unwanted smells on your couch can be frustrating, but with the right techniques, they can be easily removed. From vacuuming and using baking soda to trying vinegar and water solutions, these simple methods can help freshen up your furniture and restore its comfort. For persistent or severe odour issues, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. Professional services like Couch Cleaning Werribee and Couch Cleaning Southbank can ensure that your couch stays fresh, clean, and odour-free, making it a more inviting place to relax.