How to Clean & Deodorize Upholstery

Deodorize and clean upholstery with baking soda.

Upholstery gets dirty and soiled just like any other fabric, and smells often develop at times through regular use of a piece of furniture or similar upholstered item. To properly clean and deodorize the upholstery, use as little liquid as possible. Too much fluid can seep into upholstery padding and furniture stuffing, causing mildew growth as well as a musty smell that is very difficult to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Nylon brush
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

1. Sprinkle a thin coating of baking soda over the entire piece of furniture. Baking soda is a natural cleaning element and odor absorber that pulls out the smell, as well as any moisture that may be cause of the smell.

2. Scrub the baking soda into the furniture with a nylon brush. Do not use a wire or metal brush as this can snag and deteriorate the quality of your upholstery.

3. Let the baking soda sit on top of the upholstery for about 30 minutes for a full deodorizing.

4. Run a vacuum cleaner over the furniture to collect any buildup and excess baking soda. Remember to vacuum your upholstery every week or so to collect food crumbs that could lead to odor development in the future.

References

• University of Michigan: Vacating Your Unit