Even the cleanest home can develop lingering furniture odors over time. Sofas and chairs absorb smells from pets, spills, sweat, cooking, and even the air itself.
If your favorite couch or recliner has started to smell — don’t panic!
This guide breaks down how to remove odors from sofas and chairs safely using household products, when to call professionals, and how to keep your furniture smelling fresh long-term.
1. Identify the Source of the Odor
Before treating the smell, figure out what’s causing it:
- Pet odors: Urine or dander trapped in the fabric or padding.
- Food & drink spills: Bacteria growth and sour smells.
- Smoke: Tobacco or fireplace smoke absorbed by upholstery.
- Moisture: Musty or mildew smells from damp cushions.
Understanding the cause helps you choose the right cleaning method — and avoid making the smell worse.
If the smell seems deep or mildew-related, it might be time for a professional upholstery cleaning.
2. Vacuum the Surface Thoroughly
Start by removing all loose dirt, dust, pet hair, and crumbs. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to clean every crevice — under cushions, seams, and edges.
This step removes odor-causing particles that might interfere with deeper deodorizing later.
Regular vacuuming also helps reduce odors across your carpet and area rugs.
3. Use Baking Soda for Natural Deodorizing
Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer and safe for most upholstery fabrics.
How to Use It:
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer across the entire surface.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for strong odors).
- Vacuum it up thoroughly.
This simple method works wonders for general odors from pets, cooking, or body oils.
4. Try a DIY Upholstery Deodorizer Spray
For a quick refresh, mix your own gentle deodorizer:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon)
Instructions:
- Mix in a spray bottle (test on a hidden area first).
- Lightly mist the fabric — don’t soak it.
- Allow it to air dry completely.
Vinegar helps neutralize smells instead of masking them. Once dry, the vinegar scent disappears, leaving your furniture fresh.
5. Address Pet or Smoke Odors Specifically
Pet Odors
- Blot fresh accidents immediately.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply lightly, and blot dry.
- Once dry, sprinkle baking soda, let sit a few hours, and vacuum.
For older pet odors that won’t budge, use an enzyme cleaner — or book professional cleaning services to extract deep-set smells from padding.
Smoke Odors
- Place bowls of activated charcoal or baking soda near furniture overnight.
- Steam cleaning or air duct cleaning helps remove airborne smoke particles that reintroduce odors into fabric.
6. Deep Clean Fabric or Cushions (If Safe)
Check care labels — if the fabric allows for water cleaning:
- Use mild dish soap and warm water.
- Lightly scrub with a soft cloth, then blot with clean water to rinse.
- Allow to dry fully before use (fans can speed drying).
Over-wetting can cause mildew, so if cushions smell musty after cleaning, schedule a professional furniture and upholstery cleaning service for deeper treatment.
7. Keep Sofas & Chairs Smelling Fresh Long-Term
Once odors are gone, prevent them from coming back with these habits:
Vacuum upholstery weekly
Open windows or run fans regularly for airflow
Use washable slipcovers where possible
Keep pets’ favorite spots covered with blankets
Schedule regular carpet and furniture cleaning
Clean your air ducts to prevent recirculating stale air
