There’s nothing more frustrating than walking into your home and being met with a smell that just won’t go away. Whether it's pet odors, lingering food smells, smoke, or a musty scent that seems to be absorbed into your upholstery, bad odors can turn even the most beautifully decorated space into an uncomfortable environment. Fortunately, there are practical, effective ways to deal with these issues starting with your furniture.
1. Locate the Source First
Before you try to eliminate odors, it's important to figure out where they’re coming from. A smell might be coming from deep within a sofa cushion, behind a TV stand, or even from underneath a rug. Pets, spilled drinks, cooking fumes, or cigarette smoke are common culprits. Once you pinpoint the source, you can treat it properly rather than just covering it up.
2. Ventilation: The Most Natural Solution
Fresh air is your best friend. Open up windows and doors regularly, especially in rooms where you have upholstered furniture. Letting air circulate helps reduce trapped odors in fabrics, carpets, and cushions. If possible, take removable cushions outdoors and let them breathe in the sun—the UV rays can also help kill odor-causing bacteria.
3. Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is a gentle yet powerful odor neutralizer. Simply sprinkle a generous amount over your sofa, armchair, or even mattress, and let it sit for a few hours. Then vacuum it off thoroughly. It’s safe for most fabrics and works wonders on smells caused by moisture or food spills.
4. Try a Vinegar-Based Fabric Spray
White vinegar is another natural deodorizer that helps break down odor molecules instead of just masking them. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and lightly mist your furniture. Let it air dry. The initial vinegar scent will fade quickly—taking bad odors with it.
5. Steam Clean or Deep Clean
For tougher, embedded odors—especially in older furniture—consider using a steam cleaner or hiring a professional upholstery cleaner. Steam cleaning penetrates fabric layers and can remove years of trapped bacteria, moisture, and smells.
6. Choose Enzyme-Based Cleaners for Pet Odors
If you're a pet owner, enzyme-based cleaners are your go-to. They break down the proteins in pet urine and dander that traditional cleaners can't fully eliminate. Use them on any furniture your pets frequently lounge on.
7. Opt for Washable or Odor-Resistant Furniture
If persistent odors are a concern, consider choosing furniture with removable, washable covers. Many modern furniture pieces, like those offered by Bellona, are designed with easy-care fabrics that resist absorbing odors and are simple to maintain. Options with built-in storage can also help reduce clutter and mustiness in small spaces.
8. Prevent Future Odors with Regular Maintenance
Don't wait for smells to build up. Vacuum your furniture regularly, flip and air out cushions, and use fabric-safe fresheners weekly. You can also place charcoal bags or baking soda sachets inside furniture drawers or storage ottomans to keep them fresh over time.
9. Add Subtle Scent Enhancers
Once odors are gone, maintain a fresh-smelling home with essential oil diffusers or gentle room sprays. Lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus oils are great for creating a clean, inviting atmosphere. Just be cautious not to use overpowering scents—they should enhance, not mask.
A Fresh-Smelling Home Starts with Smart Furniture Choices
Your home should feel like a cozy, fresh sanctuary. And that starts with furniture that supports both your style and lifestyle. Bellona offers a variety of functional, fabric-conscious pieces that are made to withstand real-life moments—whether it's family movie night, dinner parties, or accidental spills.
By choosing the right furniture and using simple, effective cleaning habits, you can say goodbye to stubborn odors and hello to a home that smells as lovely as it looks.
Additional Resources
Bellona Top Sellers: Transform Your Home with the Piero Living Room Set
Bellona Living Room Sets: A Comprehensive Guide
Designed for Living: The Beauty and Benefits of Bellona Sectionals
