Heidi Norton
Strong perfume odours can linger on upholstery, but there are several methods to remove them. Before attempting to remove any odours, it is important to check the care label on the upholstery to ensure that the fabric can withstand the treatment. A simple method is to air out the upholstery by opening windows and turning on fans. Baking soda is another common household item that can be used to remove odours – simply sprinkle it generously on the upholstery and vacuum it up after an hour or so. White vinegar is also an effective odour eliminator and can be sprayed onto the upholstery. For more stubborn odours, activated charcoal can be used, although it must not come into direct contact with the upholstery to avoid staining.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Baking soda, charcoal, vinegar, laundry or fabric spray, water, essential oil, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, slipcover |
| Steps | 1. Identify the source of the odor. 2. Expose the upholstery to fresh air by opening windows and turning on fans. 3. Sprinkle baking soda on the upholstery and vacuum after an hour. 4. Spray the upholstery with vinegar or a mixture of water, baking soda, essential oil, lemon juice, and/or rubbing alcohol. 5. Place charcoal bags in the corners of the furniture. 6. Steam clean the upholstery. 7. Repeat the above steps after 24 hours if the odor persists. |
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What You'll Learn
Use white vinegar
White vinegar is a powerful deodorizer that can help break down and remove perfume molecules from upholstery. It is a natural and budget-friendly way to eliminate strong odours without causing stains.
To use white vinegar to remove perfume odours from upholstery, start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to the mixture to enhance its deodorizing properties and leave a pleasant scent.
Before applying the vinegar solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the upholstery to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or damage to the fabric. If the fabric appears unaffected, lightly mist the affected areas with the vinegar solution and let it air dry naturally. The vinegar will take a few hours to effectively remove the odours, so it is best to let it dry completely. During this time, you can also place a bowl of vinegar near the upholstered item to help absorb any lingering odours in the air.
If the smell of perfume persists, you can repeat the process or try mixing one cup of white vinegar with your regular laundry detergent and using it to clean any removable cushion covers in your washing machine. Wash in cool water to avoid shrinking or discolouration, and lay the covers flat to dry.
While white vinegar is a safe and effective odour remover, it is always a good idea to test it on a small area first, especially if your upholstery fabric is delicate or light-coloured. Additionally, vinegar has a strong odour that will dissipate as it dries, so it is recommended to open windows and turn on fans to promote airflow during and after the cleaning process.
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Baking soda
Firstly, identify the source of the odour. Check for any stains or evidence of spills, as these could be the source of the smell. If you can identify a recent stain, use a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining liquid. Push down with force to transfer the liquid from the upholstery to the cloth. If the stain is old, you may need to use an upholstery stain remover.
Once the stain is dealt with, it's time to neutralize the odour with baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected areas, focusing on crevices and corners. If you want to enhance the odour-fighting power of the baking soda, you can mix it with a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, or with white vinegar. Be sure to test a small amount of the mixture on a hidden area of the upholstery first to ensure it won't cause any discolouration or damage.
Let the baking soda sit for at least an hour, or even overnight for tough odours. The longer you leave it, the more time it has to absorb the odour. After the baking soda has had time to work, vacuum it up using a vacuum bristle attachment. If the odour persists, repeat the process of vacuuming and sprinkling baking soda until the smell is gone.
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Charcoal
Activated charcoal is the best type of charcoal to use when trying to remove odours. This type of charcoal has been treated with heat or chemicals to make it extremely porous, which enables it to better absorb odour-causing molecules in the air. It is available in a variety of forms, including powder, pellets, and whole pieces of charcoal.
To use activated charcoal to remove perfume odours from upholstery, place a bowl of the charcoal inside the furniture piece. Leave it for a few days and replace it if needed. You can also place the charcoal in a sachet or small fabric bag and place the sachets in discreet locations throughout your home.
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Steam cleaning
Before steam cleaning, check the care label on your upholstery and ensure the fabric can handle the steam. If your upholstery is made of suede, for example, it will need a more delicate approach. You should also give your upholstery a thorough vacuum before steam cleaning.
When steam cleaning, start from the top and slowly trace the steam cleaner across your upholstery, moving downwards. The steam cleaner will heat water to about 200°F to create steam, which will penetrate the fabric, loosening and lifting scent molecules.
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Fresh air
To further enhance the power of fresh air, you can use natural deodorizers such as baking soda, activated charcoal, or coffee grounds. Place these deodorizers in bowls around the room, or sprinkle them directly onto the affected upholstery. Let them sit for 15-30 minutes to absorb the odour, and then vacuum the upholstery thoroughly.
For a deeper clean, you can use a steam cleaner on upholstery to remove embedded fragrances. You can also use a high-quality air purifier to eliminate odour particles. Leaving windows open overnight will also help to remove any remaining fragrances.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh air is your best friend when it comes to removing odours from upholstery. Open the windows and turn on any fans to get the fresh air flowing through the fibres of your furniture. You can also try misting your furniture with a solution of white vinegar and water, or sprinkling baking soda on the affected areas and then vacuuming it up.
Fill an empty spray bottle with distilled water or boiled tap water. Add one tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of your favourite essential oil or fresh lemon juice. You can also add some rubbing alcohol for an antibacterial boost.
Before you start cleaning your upholstery, check the care label. Some materials, like suede, will need a more delicate approach. If the cushions have removable covers, start by airing them out. You can also try steam cleaning, but be sure to check that the fabric can handle steam.
Activated charcoal is a great alternative to baking soda. It is incredibly effective at removing excess water from the air, making it a good solution for fighting mildew odours. Place charcoal bags in the corners of your furniture to absorb any lingering odours.
If the smell is caused by an animal, consider a laundry or fabric spray. If it's a really stubborn smell, like animal urine, try sprinkling baking soda on the affected area and vacuuming it up. Repeat this process until the smell is gone.
