How to Remove Musty Smells from Your Couch: Expert Tips

Date:

06/10/2024

You’re exhausted from a long day and want to relax on your favorite couch. As soon as you sink into it, though, you feel a musty odor.

There are plenty of reasons why your couch may smell musty. It could be the smell of age, the lingering odor of a spilled drink, and so on. The only thing that’s for sure is that you won’t be able to relax until the smell is gone!

Not sure what to do if your couch smells musty? These tips will help you get rid of this odor without spending an entire evening on it!

Sprinkle Some Baking Soda

Baking soda is a deodorizing staple, and with good reason. To use it to remove odors, simply sprinkle it over the cushions, crevices, and stained areas. Don’t try to rub or scrub, as that can do more harm than good.

Let the baking soda sit overnight, then vacuum up the remains. Doing so will also help you get rid of any loose dirt stuck in the seams.

Use a Pet Deodorizer

Another way to remove couch odors is to use a pet deodorizer. Even if pets aren’t the cause of the musty smell, a pet deodorizer can help break down organic residue. This is a great way to eliminate odors at the source.

For best results, you should use an enzyme cleaner. This is particularly important if the smells (and stains) are a byproduct of pet urine.

Try a Linen Spray

If you’re only looking for a quick way to mask the smell, a linen spray can be a good option. For instance, if your couch is simply old, using a linen spray will freshen it up. For clearing spills and stains, look elsewhere.

Linen sprays come in many types, so be sure to test them first. Do it on a small and inconspicuous area of the couch to ensure it leaves no stains.

Make a DIY Deodorizer

Home odor solutions can also be a solid option for cleaning musty fabric. The key here is to use white vinegar. Distilled white vinegar contains 5% acetic acid, which is very effective at fighting dirt and grime.

Make a DIY spray by combining white vinegar with water and a few drops of essential oils like lavender. Spray it lightly over the couch, then let it dry.

Hire a Professional

If none of the above tips have helped you eliminate couch smells, it may be best to consult experts. They’ll likely use steam cleaning methods to refresh your couch, which is best done with professional equipment.

Before hiring an expert for this task, ensure they can tailor the treatment to your needs. Otherwise, they could make the issue worse!

Couch Smells Musty: What to Do?

When a couch sees a lot of use, it’s only natural that some odors remain trapped in its fibers. That said, this doesn’t mean you need to live with those odors. If your couch smells musty, read the above tips to rectify the issue!

Need professional help with refreshing furniture? At Steam Wave, we use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your couch will look (and smell) as good as new! Schedule an appointment with us right now!