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Your sofa is where you relax, binge-watch shows, or snuggle up with your pets. But over time, it can start smelling a little… well, lived-in. Before you reach for chemical sprays, let’s talk about natural remedies for sofa smell that actually work. In this blog, you’ll find easy, budget-friendly, and eco-friendly couch cleaning tips using ingredients you already have at home.

Person cleaning & refreshing the blue sofa with green gloves Remove Bad Odours Naturally.

1. Start with a Good Vacuum

First things first. Get rid of the surface dirt. Vacuuming helps pull out dust, crumbs, pet hair, and other stuff that causes unpleasant smells.

  • Remove all cushions and vacuum the base and crevices.
  • Use the upholstery attachment for a deeper clean.
  • Don’t forget the sides and back of the sofa.

Vacuuming regularly is key if you want to clean and freshen a fabric sofa naturally.

2. Use Baking Soda as a Natural Deodoriser

If there’s one secret weapon to remove sofa odours naturally, it’s baking soda.

  • Sprinkle a generous amount on the fabric.
  • Leave it on for at least 15 minutes (overnight is even better).
  • Vacuum thoroughly to remove both the baking soda and trapped smells.

Baking soda is great for natural sofa deodorising and works wonders without masking smells like synthetic air fresheners do.

3. Make a DIY Vinegar Spray

White vinegar is one of the best natural remedies for sofa smell. It helps kill bacteria and neutralises odours.

To make it:

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Lightly mist the sofa; don’t soak it!
  • Let it air dry. The vinegar smell fades quickly.

This method is perfect if you’re looking for how to refresh your sofa at home without using any chemicals.

4. Homemade Couch Deodoriser Spray with Essential Oils

Want your sofa to smell like a fresh breeze? Try making a homemade couch deodoriser.

  • Fill a spray bottle with water and add 10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus work great).
  • Shake well and lightly spray over the fabric.
  • Do a patch test first to ensure it doesn’t stain.

This spray not only helps eliminate bad odours from the couch but also leaves your room smelling amazing.

5. Surprise Fix: Use Vodka!

This might sound strange, but plain vodka is fantastic for removing odours. It evaporates quickly and kills bacteria without leaving a scent.

  • Pour plain vodka into a spray bottle.
  • Lightly spritz it over your sofa and let it air dry.
  • Works best for smoke, pet, or food smells.

It’s a clever trick if you want to remove sofa odours naturally with what you already have at home.

6. Let Sunlight and Fresh Air Do Their Thing

Whenever possible, take your cushions or covers outside.

  • Place them in sunlight for a few hours (but not too long, to avoid fading).
  • Air them out in a shaded spot if the fabric is delicate.
  • Flip them halfway through the day.

Fresh air and sunlight are simple yet powerful ways to clean and freshen a fabric sofa naturally.

7. Weekly & Monthly Maintenance Tips

To keep your couch smelling great all year round:

Weekly

  • Vacuum your sofa to get rid of crumbs and dust.
  • Spot clean any stains quickly.

Monthly

  • Apply your homemade couch deodoriser or vinegar spray.
  • Flip cushions to prevent uneven wear and odour buildup.

Extra Tip

  • If your sofa has removable covers, wash them every couple of months with an eco-friendly couch cleaning solution.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your couch fresh doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals. With these simple techniques, you can remove sofa odours naturally and enjoy a cleaner, healthier living space. From baking soda to essential oils, these natural solutions are not only effective but also safe for your family and pets. If the odours are too stubborn or you’d prefer a professional touch, Peters Cleaning Services is here to help. We specialise in eco-friendly couch cleaning that brings your sofa back to life. Call us today on 0481606913 to book your service and experience the freshness yourself!

FAQs

Ques 1. What are the best natural ingredients to deodorise a fabric sofa in Australia?
Ans. The best natural ingredients include baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Baking soda absorbs bad smells, vinegar neutralises odours, and lemon adds a fresh scent. They’re safe, cheap, and easy to use on most fabrics.

Ques 2. How can I remove pet odours from my couch naturally?
Ans. Sprinkle baking soda on the smelly areas, leave it for an hour, then vacuum it off. You can also spray a mix of vinegar and water to help remove the smell. These natural methods are pet-safe and effective.

Ques 3. Is it safe to use vinegar on all types of upholstery?
Ans. Vinegar is safe for many fabrics, but always test a small hidden spot first. Dilute it with water before use and avoid soaking the fabric to prevent damage.

Ques 4. Can I use essential oils to freshen up my sofa naturally?
Ans. Yes, you can mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the sofa. Lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus are great choices for a fresh scent.

Ques 5. How often should I naturally deodorise my sofa?
Ans. It’s best to deodorise your sofa once a month. If you have pets or notice strong smells, you can do it more often as needed.

Ques 6. Are there natural methods to remove smoke odours from a used sofa?
Ans. Yes, sprinkle baking soda all over the sofa and let it sit overnight before vacuuming. You can also spray a vinegar-water mix and air out the sofa to remove smoke smells.

Author
Adam Taylor
  • 5 min read