Whether you're buying rugs, dressers, sideboards, or couches, a lot of this furniture smells funky when you bring it home. That musty smell can come from how it was stored, years of disuse, or dust and grime buildup.
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the couch with the solution, being careful not to saturate the fabric. Vinegar is effective at neutralizing odors. Allow the couch to air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate, taking the musty smell with it.
Vinegar: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the furniture with this solution and let it air dry. Vinegar helps neutralize odors naturally and can be especially effective against musty smells.
Though a couch might seem like a challenge to clean and deodorize, there are two easy and effective methods that utilize household items you might already have on hand. Harnessing the deodorizing power of baking soda and dryer sheets, you can rejuvenate your couch and bid farewell to the stink without breaking a sweat.
Distilled white vinegar, a natural deodorizer and an effective solution for removing bacteria, stains, and dirt, can successfully neutralize and eliminate stubborn smells. White vinegar is a non-toxic household staple that should be readily available at your nearest grocery store.
Moisture in upholstered furniture can lead to mold or mildew growth, which are common causes for musty odors. Dry out the damp furniture pieces in the sun. Using a spray bottle, apply a solution of vinegar and water. The solution eliminates the smell.
Similar to leaving a bowl of bicarbonate or charcoal in or near the furniture, a bowl of distilled white vinegar has also been known to help deodorize reclaimed wood furniture, vintage furniture, and new wooden furniture. Failing this method, you can use vinegar on the wooden surface itself.
1.3 How Long Does the New Furniture Smell Last? The duration of the new furniture smell can vary significantly based on several factors. On average, it can last from a few days to several months.
Start by ventilating the room and placing the furniture in a well-ventilated area. Use baking soda, activated charcoal, or vinegar to absorb odors, or place coffee grounds or citrus peels nearby to neutralize smells. Allow time for the furniture to air out and the odors to dissipate naturally.
Create a diluted solution of one part vinegar to one part water and apply it lightly to the wood using a soft cloth. Avoid over-saturating the wood to prevent damage. After application, allow the wood to air dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate, taking the unpleasant odors with it.
Cleaning couches and upholstery with vinegar
But if you're looking for a quick refresh, vinegar can tackle that mild, stale sofa smell. As always, check the label on your couch first – some upholstery is not compatible with water-based cleaning solutions (steer clear if the label has a S or X on it).
A weird smell in a house can come from numerous sources, including appliances, furniture, carpets, fabrics or issues like mold or mildew. Occasionally, odors may be caused by sewer gas, natural gas leaks or animals that have died between walls, in attics or under decks.
Mix up a solution that's half water and half white vinegar, pour it into a spray bottle, and then lightly spritz your couch with it. Remember, you just want to dampen the surface, not wet it completely. After spraying, let the couch air out to dry. This may be quicker if you open the windows or use a fan.
Baking Soda and Charcoal
Because activated charcoal is very porous, it can very effectively trap formaldehyde molecules. Baking soda, on the other hand, helps neutralize the smell of formaldehyde and absorb gases. You can simply spread it over the area where the smell or emissions are strongest.
Wet the surface of the upholstery with water and baking soda, then let it set on it for about 10 minutes. Next, wipe off the mixture with a damp cloth. This will remove most of the odors, but you may need to repeat this process if there are stubborn smells on your upholstery.
Since baking soda has alkaline properties, it's best at killing acidic odors, but the powder can eliminate many other types of odor as well. In fact, there are few odors baking soda can't combat. "Baking soda also absorbs oils and a lot of grease, thus killing their odors," says Cohoon.
Several common household items (most notably baking soda and white vinegar) contain powerful properties that eliminate smells without the use of chemicals. But less-commonly known products like coffee and vodka can do wonders when it comes to eliminating, not simply covering, bad smells.
Hydrogen Peroxide Based Products
Products containing hydrogen peroxide can be effective on urine odors and stains.