11 Tips for Removing Odors From Your Couch

Between food spills, pet accidents, and everyday use, odors creep into your furniture without warning. Odors make your home feel less inviting and linger long after the source has disappeared. However, here’s the good news—your couch is entirely salvageable! Use these eleven smart tips for removing odors from your couch to eliminate those pesky smells and enjoy a fresh, clean living space again.

1. Identify the Source of the Odor

Take a moment to pinpoint where the smell is coming from before jumping to solutions. Crumbs and food stains may be the culprit if you eat most of your meals on the couch. Pet owners may smell their furry friend’s scent embedded in the couch fibers after cuddling with them for long hours.

Even years of everyday lounging cause a lingering smell from the natural oils and dead skin that our bodies shed. Identifying the source helps you tailor your cleaning solutions to the problem. Plus, it ensures you won’t waste time addressing the wrong issue.

2. Vacuum First

A good vacuuming is the easiest way to start tackling couch odors. Crumbs, dirt, and pet hair trap smells, so cleaning your couch matters more than you think. Use a handheld vacuum or an attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Use an attachment with bristles if your vacuum allows it to detach any stubborn hairs or sticky crumbs. You’ll be amazed at how much fresher your couch already feels after this simple step. Vacuuming preps your couch for deeper cleaning later.

3. Spot Check Before Cleaning

Never skip a spot check—it’s your safety net! Test your cleaning product on a hidden area of your sofa to avoid unwanted stains or color changes.

Some fabrics react unpredictably, whether it’s baking soda, vinegar, or a DIY spray. This quick test ensures you clean with confidence and saves you hours of regret from ruining your couch’s luster.

4. Use Baking Soda for Odor Absorption

When in doubt, turn to a pantry classic—baking soda. Sprinkle it generously across your fabric couch, making sure to cover problem areas. Leave it to sit for 15–30 minutes or overnight for a thorough job to absorb odors.

While the baking soda sits, use candles or essential oil diffusers to freshen the air around the space. Vacuum up the baking soda after it has set for the allotted time, then check for any lingering smells. Baking soda is affordable, chemical-free, and truly works like magic.

5. Try White Vinegar for Stubborn Smells

White vinegar is a game-changer for odors that won’t budge on fabric couches. Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the problem areas. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell—it dissipates as it dries and neutralizes stronger odors.

Gently blot the fabric with a clean cloth afterward, and your couch will feel like new. Just remember to avoid over-soaking to protect the cushions.

6. Use Essential Oils in DIY Fabric Freshener

Why buy a fabric freshener when you can make one? Combine water with a splash of vinegar or rubbing alcohol, plus a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Many fragrance options and essential oils are available that create a pleasant ambiance after you finish purifying your couch of odors. Lavender and peppermint provide a calm sensation, while citrus energizes and refreshes you.

Spray lightly over your couch to instantly refresh it without overpowering the room with fragrance. A DIY couch deodorizing spray works great for eliminating mild odors overnight. Keep the fabric freshener nearby to occasionally renew the scent and keep your space smelling great for months or years.

7. Steam Cleaning for a Deep Reset

Steam cleaning is your ultimate solution for a truly deep clean. It works wonders by eliminating bacteria, odors, and grime hiding in your couch’s fibers.

You can rent a steam cleaner for a budget-friendly option or hire professionals for a hands-off experience. Make sure your sofa’s fabric can handle the heat first; too much may damage the fabric and leave you with a new problem.

8. Explore Air Fresheners

Air fresheners work beautifully for lingering odors that need a little extra help. Choose couch-safe options such as fabric sprays or an odor-neutralizing product that won’t simply mask the smell. Look for brands like Blunt Effects that eliminate odors, not just cover them up.

Check out leather-specific fresheners for the best results for leather couches. Combining air fresheners with other cleaning methods, such as steam cleaning, ensures long-term freshness.

9. Dealing With Pet-Specific Odors

We love our pets, but accidents happen. When they do, enzymatic cleaners are your best friend. These powerful solutions break down the proteins in pet messes that cause odors, leaving your couch clean and stink-free.

They’re safe for pets and effective on old and new stains. Try using deterrent sprays that discourage pets from returning to the same spot, such as citrus, peppermint, or other scents that cause your nose to tingle, to prevent repeat accidents.

10. Burn Incense for Lingering Smells

Incense sticks do wonders for stubborn, lingering odors. These subtle additions add a fresh scent and eliminate certain smells by neutralizing particles in the air. Choose a calming scent, such as sandalwood or vanilla, to enhance your space.

Burn the incense air freshener near your couch, but ensure proper ventilation to avoid smoke buildup. This low-effort step leaves your entire room smelling incredible.

11. Use Ventilation as an Easy Fix

Sometimes, all your couch needs is a little bit of fresh air. If possible, move it outdoors on a sunny day for some natural deodorizing. If that’s not an option, open your windows and use fans to circulate fresh air around your living room.

Sunlight and ventilation work together to kill bacteria and dispel unwanted smells. This simple, effective —and completely free—method is a triple threat to odors.

How To Keep Odors Away for Good

Prevention is better than a cure! Stay on top of odors with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning, especially after spills or accidents. Invest in washable couch covers to protect your upholstery from buildup.

Incorporate your DIY fabric freshener spray into your maintenance routine. Use deterrent sprays and washable pet cushions to divert accidents if pets are the odor-causing culprits. Keeping odors at bay requires consistent care, but it’s totally manageable with these tips.

No one wants smelly furniture, but with these tips for removing odors from your couch, a fresh-smelling sofa is within easy reach. There’s a solution for every level of odor, from quick fixes such as using baking soda to deeper cleans with steam cleaning.

Consistent maintenance and a few handy products in your cleaning arsenal can make all the difference. Remember, your living room is the heart of your home—make it a space you love to relax in.