Home Cleaning Smelly Furniture? Here’s How to Remove Odors Efficiently

Smelly Furniture? Here’s How to Remove Odors Efficiently

By Albert G. Croley
3.6K views 1 min read

We all love having furniture that looks and feels great, but sometimes it comes with unwanted odors. Whether it’s a musty smell from old furniture, pet odors that have seeped into the fabric, or the lingering scent of food, removing these smells can be a challenge. 

But don’t worry—if you’re wondering how to remove smell from furniture, you’ve come to the right place! With a few easy steps and natural remedies, you can eliminate those unpleasant odors and restore freshness to your furniture, making your home feel clean and inviting.

Why Does Furniture Smell?

Furniture can develop odors for a variety of reasons. Fabric-covered furniture like couches and chairs often absorb odors from pets, food, or even cigarette smoke. Wooden or antique furniture may carry a musty smell, especially if stored in a humid environment. 

The materials used in furniture construction—such as foam, upholstery, and wood—are porous, which means they can trap and hold onto smells over time. Understanding the source of the smell is the first step toward effectively removing it.

Step-by-Step Process to Remove Smell from Furniture

To remove smell from furniture, use baking soda, vinegar, or activated charcoal as natural deodorizers, and clean the fabric or wood thoroughly. Regular maintenance and proper ventilation will help keep your furniture smelling fresh and odor-free.

If your furniture has an unpleasant odor, follow these steps to clean and deodorize it effectively.

Step 1: Air Out the Furniture

The simplest way to start removing odors from your furniture is to air it out. Fresh air and sunlight are natural deodorizers that can help eliminate musty or stale smells.

  • Take the furniture outside: If possible, place the furniture outside in a shaded, open area. This works well for smaller pieces like chairs, cushions, or rugs. Fresh air helps dissipate odors, while sunlight can help kill bacteria that cause musty smells.
  • Open windows and doors: For larger pieces that can’t be moved outside, open the windows and doors in the room where the furniture is located. Use fans to circulate the air and ventilate the space, which helps reduce trapped odors.
  • Air out for several hours: Allow the furniture to air out for several hours, or even overnight, to maximize the effect.

Airing out your furniture is a simple, effective first step in eliminating odors, especially those caused by dampness or lack of ventilation.

Step 2: Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors

Baking soda is a natural, non-toxic deodorizer that works wonders for removing odors from furniture. It’s safe to use on most fabrics and can absorb smells without damaging the material.

  • Sprinkle baking soda on fabric surfaces: If you’re dealing with upholstered furniture, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the fabric, covering the entire surface.
  • Let it sit for a few hours: Allow the baking soda to sit on the furniture for several hours, or overnight if the odor is strong. This gives the baking soda time to absorb the smell.
  • Vacuum the baking soda: After letting it sit, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove the baking soda from the fabric. The vacuuming will also help lift dust and debris from the surface.

Baking soda is a versatile solution for freshening up fabric-covered furniture and eliminating stubborn odors.

Step 3: Wipe Down Wooden Surfaces with Vinegar

If the smell is coming from wooden furniture, such as tables, chairs, or antique pieces, vinegar is an effective and natural solution. It helps neutralize odors without damaging the wood.

  • Create a vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and antibacterial agent that works well on wood.
  • Wipe down the surfaces: Lightly spray the vinegar solution onto a clean cloth and wipe down the wooden surfaces. Avoid soaking the wood; a light application is enough to neutralize the odor.
  • Let the wood air dry: After wiping down the furniture, allow it to air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the unwanted odor with it.

Vinegar is safe for most types of wood, but it’s always a good idea to test it on a small, hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the finish.

Step 4: Use Activated Charcoal for Long-Term Odor Control

Activated charcoal is an excellent natural deodorizer that works to absorb odors over time. It’s especially useful for furniture that’s stored in enclosed spaces like basements or storage units.

  • Place activated charcoal nearby: If you can’t move the furniture outside, place small bowls of activated charcoal near or underneath the furniture. Activated charcoal is highly absorbent and will pull odors out of the air and fabric.
  • Leave it for several days: Allow the activated charcoal to sit for a few days to a week for best results. It works slowly but effectively to neutralize persistent smells.
  • Replace the charcoal as needed: If the smell persists, replace the charcoal with fresh ones and continue to use them until the odor is gone.

Activated charcoal is a great option for ongoing odor control, especially in areas where ventilation is limited.

Step 5: Clean Upholstery with Fabric Fresheners

If your furniture has fabric upholstery that has absorbed odors, using a fabric freshener or upholstery cleaner can help lift smells and freshen up the material.

  • Choose a fabric-safe cleaner: Opt for a fabric freshener or upholstery cleaner designed to eliminate odors rather than mask them. Check the label to ensure it’s safe for your specific type of fabric.
  • Apply according to instructions: Spray the fabric cleaner evenly over the surface of the furniture, paying attention to areas where the odor is strongest. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
  • Blot and air dry: After applying the cleaner, blot the fabric with a clean cloth to remove any excess product. Allow the furniture to air dry completely before using it again.

Using an upholstery cleaner is an effective way to deep clean fabric furniture and remove any lingering odors.

Step 6: Use Essential Oils for a Pleasant Scent

If you want to add a pleasant scent to your furniture after removing the odor, essential oils are a great, natural option. They provide a light fragrance that can freshen up your space without overpowering the senses.

  • Create an essential oil spray: In a spray bottle, mix water with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon. Essential oils not only smell great but also have natural antibacterial properties.
  • Lightly spray the furniture: Lightly mist the essential oil spray over the fabric or wooden surfaces. Be sure not to oversaturate the material—just a light mist will do.
  • Air out the furniture afterward: Allow the furniture to air out for a few minutes so that the scent can settle. This will leave your furniture smelling fresh and inviting.

Essential oils are a quick and easy way to refresh your furniture and add a pleasant scent after deodorizing.

Step 7: Maintain Proper Ventilation and Regular Cleaning

Keeping your furniture fresh involves regular maintenance and proper ventilation. Here are a few tips to prevent odors from developing:

  • Avoid Placing Furniture in Humid Areas: Damp and humid environments can cause odors, especially for fabric and wood furniture. Use a dehumidifier in areas where moisture is an issue.
  • Vacuum and Dust Regularly: For fabric furniture, vacuuming regularly helps remove dust and dirt that can trap odors. For wooden pieces, dust with a clean cloth and furniture polish to keep surfaces clean.
  • Rotate and Air Out Cushions: If your furniture has removable cushions, rotate them and air them out periodically to prevent odors from settling into the fabric.
  • Keep Pets Off Furniture When Possible: Pet odors can quickly absorb into fabric furniture. Use covers or keep pets off furniture when possible to minimize smells.

Final Words

Removing smells from furniture is easier than you think, and with the right approach, you can restore freshness to your living space. By using natural deodorizers like baking soda, vinegar, and activated charcoal, you can effectively neutralize odors and prevent them from returning. 

Regular maintenance, such as vacuuming, dusting, and airing out furniture, is key to keeping your pieces smelling clean and fresh. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a home filled with fresh, inviting furniture every time!

You may also like