Removing Perfume Stains From Your Suede Sofa

how to get perfume out of a suede leather sofa

Leather is a natural and porous material, which makes it prone to absorbing and holding onto strong odours such as smoke, food smells, sweat, perfume, and mildew. Removing smells from a suede leather sofa can be tricky, as suede is highly absorbent and sensitive to moisture. However, there are several effective methods for removing odours from suede leather sofas, including the use of baking soda, specialised leather cleaners, and natural scent-absorbing substances.

Characteristics and Values Table for Getting Perfume Out of a Suede Leather Sofa

Characteristics Values
Identify the Type of Leather Suede leather sofa
Use of Premade Leather Cleaners Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Cleaner
Natural Odor Absorbers Baking soda, sunlight, fresh air
Liquid-Based Odor Removers Diluted white vinegar, rubbing alcohol
Prevent Odor Build-Up Avoid masking with perfumes, use blankets for pets

shunscent

Use baking soda to remove perfume odours from suede

Baking soda is an effective way to remove perfume odours from suede. It is an alkaline substance, and when it comes into contact with acidic odours, it reacts to neutralise them. This chemical reaction between the baking soda and the acid neutralises and produces a less odorous compound. The change in pH helps eliminate the smell.

To use baking soda to remove perfume odours from suede, sprinkle a generous amount of it over the surface of the sofa. Use a dry brush to gently rub it in. Leave the baking soda on the sofa overnight. In the morning, vacuum the sofa with an upholstery attachment to remove all traces of the baking soda.

For very stubborn smells, baking soda may need to be left on the suede for several days to fully absorb the odour. If you don't want to apply the baking soda directly to the suede, you can place it in a box or bin and fill socks or a double-layered nylon stocking with baking soda. Knot the stocking and place it beneath and behind the cushions to continue to absorb smells.

In addition to using baking soda, it is recommended to place your suede sofa in a warm, sunny room for a few hours to help eliminate bad smells. Sunlight is a powerful force and can help kick bad smells to the curb, especially if the sofa is musty or mildewy.

shunscent

Try a specialised suede cleaning kit

If you've accidentally spilled perfume on your suede leather sofa, don't panic! While it's true that leather is a natural material that absorbs smells, there are ways to get rid of the fragrance. One effective method is to use a specialised suede cleaning kit, such as the Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Care Kit. This kit is designed specifically for genuine suede leather and can help eliminate tough smells.

Before using any cleaning product, it's important to identify the type of leather you're dealing with and perform a spot test in a discreet area to ensure the product is suitable and won't cause any damage. Once you've confirmed that it's safe to proceed, follow these steps:

  • Apply the suede cleaner to a lint-free cloth, moistening it completely.
  • Gently wipe down the sofa, focusing on the fragrant areas. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing harshly, as this may damage the delicate suede surface.
  • Allow the sofa to air-dry completely before assessing the situation.
  • If necessary, repeat the process until the odour is completely eliminated.

In addition to specialised suede cleaning kits, there are other products designed specifically for leather that can help eliminate odours. For example, the Matoen Fabric Protector Cleaner not only prevents stains and repels liquids but can also be used on suede furniture to eliminate unwanted smells.

Remember, when dealing with suede leather, it's crucial to be gentle and follow the manufacturer's care instructions to avoid causing any damage. With the right products and care, you can effectively eliminate perfume smells from your suede leather sofa.

shunscent

Air the sofa out in a protected outdoor environment

Airing out your suede leather sofa in a protected outdoor environment is an effective way to remove unwanted odours. This method is especially useful if the sofa smells musty or has been kept in a humid environment, as the fresh air will help to eliminate trapped cigar or cigarette smoke, musty odours, and strong smells from chemically treated materials used during manufacturing.

Before you begin, check the manufacturer's care instructions for your sofa, as some types of leather should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If possible, place the sofa outdoors in a covered area, such as a screened-in porch or balcony, during dry, non-humid weather conditions. Leave the sofa outdoors for a few days to allow the fresh air to neutralise the perfume scent.

If the sofa has removable cushions, take them off and air them out separately. You can also open up zippered cushions and stuff them with balls of newspaper to help absorb the perfume odour. Leave the newspaper inside the cushions for a day or two, then remove it once the scent has dissipated.

In addition to airing out the sofa, you can further combat the perfume scent by sprinkling baking soda over the sofa and cushions. Baking soda is a natural odour absorber that will help eliminate any remaining perfume smell. Leave the baking soda on the sofa for about an hour, then vacuum it up using an upholstery brush attachment.

By following these steps and allowing your suede leather sofa to air out in a protected outdoor environment, you can effectively remove unwanted perfume odours and restore your sofa's natural scent.

shunscent

Vacuum the sofa with an upholstery brush attachment

Vacuuming your suede leather sofa with an upholstery brush attachment is an effective way to remove unwanted odours. Before you begin, ensure that your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter. This is important because it will help to trap the particles that cause bad smells, preventing them from being recirculated back into the air or redeposited onto the sofa.

If your sofa has removable cushions, take them off and sprinkle baking soda onto one side, then vacuum that side using the upholstery brush attachment. Repeat this process for the other side. Baking soda is a natural odour absorber, so it will help to eliminate any deep-seated smells. Leave the baking soda on the sofa for at least an hour before vacuuming.

When vacuuming, pay particular attention to the areas where the removable cushions rest, as these areas are more likely to harbour strong scents and benefit from a thorough clean. Vacuuming will also help to remove pet hair and dander, which can contribute to sofa odours.

If your suede sofa has a musty smell, it could be due to mould or mildew. In this case, after vacuuming, you should dab a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water onto the affected areas using a soft, damp cloth.

shunscent

Mix equal parts vinegar and water to freshen the sofa

To get perfume out of a suede leather sofa, it is important to first identify the type of leather you are dealing with. Suede is a soft, supple type of leather made from the underside of an animal. It is important to exercise caution when using water to clean suede as it can potentially damage the material by causing it to become stiff, discoloured, or develop water spots. Therefore, it is recommended to use water sparingly and only in combination with appropriate suede cleaning products.

One way to freshen the sofa is to mix equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar is known to effectively eliminate odours. However, it is important to note that vinegar can dry out leather and potentially ruin it over time. To avoid this, it is recommended to dilute the vinegar with water before applying it to the suede surface.

Begin by mixing equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly moisten a soft, light-coloured cloth with the solution and wring it out very well. This allows you to see if any discolouration or colour bleeding occurs. Dab the mixture onto any stains or dirty areas on the sofa, scrubbing very gently. For stubborn stains, repeat the process, working from the outer edges inward.

After treating the stains, brush the sofa gently with a suede brush or cloth to restore its texture. Allow the sofa to air-dry completely away from heat or sunlight to prevent further spotting or discolouration. It is important to test any cleaning solution on a small, discreet area of the sofa first to ensure that it does not harm the suede. Additionally, ensure that the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and turning on fans to help dissipate any remaining odours.

Frequently asked questions

There are several methods to remove perfume from a suede leather sofa. Firstly, identify the type of leather you have and check the manufacturer's instructions. You can then try a specialised leather cleaner, such as Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Care Kit, or a natural scent-absorbing substance like baking soda. If the sofa has absorbed a musty odour, check for mould or mildew and treat with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Finally, ensure the sofa is completely dry and well-ventilated to prevent further absorption of smells.

Baking soda is a great natural scent-absorbing substance to remove perfume from suede. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the sofa, leave it for an hour or so, and then vacuum it up using an upholstery brush attachment.

Yes, a small amount of liquid-based odour remover can help to freshen suede upholstery. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then dip a nylon-bristled scrub brush or a brush designed for suede into the solution and apply. However, be cautious as vinegar can dry out and ruin leather over time. Always test liquid-based methods on an inconspicuous area first.

To prevent your suede sofa from absorbing more perfume smells, ensure it is thoroughly dried and well-ventilated. Place it in a warm room with indirect sunlight for a few hours or outdoors in a protected environment if possible.

Your suede sofa may still smell of perfume due to deep-seated odours. To address this, sprinkle baking soda on both sides of removable cushions and vacuum each side after an hour. You can also double-layer a piece of nylon stocking with baking soda, knot it, and place it behind the cushions to absorb smells.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment