Upholstery has a knack for holding onto filthy scents, especially sour ones. The cushions and thick material covering sofas and couches make it easy for odor-causing liquids to soak through quickly, and also a fundamental surface cleaning does little to eliminate the scent left behind. Cloth-upholstered sofas are relatively straightforward to clean, whilst leather asks a bit more maintenance. For your best results, treat scents once you notice them, and clean up spills and accidents quickly to prevent them from penetrating too far beneath the sofa surface.
Eliminate the Supply
Sour odors develop as the source dries, while it’s spilled milk or pet pee. Drenching the region in water reactivates the source, allowing you to suck it away together with the excess moisture. Saturate the area where the offensive odor is most powerful with cold, clean water; don’t use warm water, as this can set the stain. Wait for about five minutes, and then thoroughly vacuum the region using a wet-dry vacuum. Allow the area dry and then smell the sofa. If needed, repeat this procedure until the place is chiefly smell free when dry. As an alternative, use an upholstery shampooer having an enzyme-based or odor-eliminating shampoo.
Neutralize the Odor
When outlines of sourness remain behind even after cleaning, use a neutralizing merchandise to freshen the upholstery. Baking soda or a charcoal-activated carpet powder break down offensive scents and freshen the fabric, instead of simply coat it in deep fragrances. Scatter either on the sofa, and let it sit for about one hour. Then vacuum it up thoroughly using a bristle attachment. Strengthen the product by misting it with water straight after you sprinkle it about. This allows it to better penetrate the fabric. Once dry, vacuum it away.
Deodorize Leather Sofas
Leather sofas need special care, since they cannot be drenched in water. Rather, mix Castile soap in a bucket of warm water, just enough so that suds form. Dip a very soft rag in the way, wring it out, and rub down a little section of the sofa. Wipe away the soap using a clean, wet rag and then a dry rag. Then move on to Another Part. With leather, it’s vital that you never oversaturate the material. When you are done, sprinkle the sofa with baking soda and let it sit for four to six hours; don’t wet the baking soda. Vacuum it up to remove sour odors. Baking soda may be abrasive, especially on untreated leather, so check these methods in a hidden place before cleaning the whole sofa.
Calling a Skilled and Other Tips
Some scents are just too powerful for household goods to manage, and certain fabrics and leathers cannot be cleaned with household methods. If cleansing and baking soda don’t or won’t function, contact a professional cleaner. Read your furniture maintenance manual or contact the sofa maker before cleaning, and analyze any options on the lower back corner of the sofa or another hidden area before treating the whole area. A light spritzing of fabric refresher after cleaning can remove any traces on fabric upholstery, while a leather conditioner rehydrates and freshens newly cleaned leather.