The sofa is the heart of every living room – a haven for relaxation, family gatherings, catching up with friends, or cozy evenings with a book or TV series. However, all this use means the sofa eventually absorbs various odours, from food and pets to everyday humidity. But there’s no need to rush out and buy a new one! With just a few simple tricks, your sofa will be fresh, fragrant, and born again.
Why Does a Sofa Lose its Freshness?
Before we dive into the methods, let’s take a look at what causes a sofa to stop smelling fresh:
- Food and drink residues: Even tiny crumbs or spilled liquids can gradually decompose and cause odours,
- Pets: Hair, skin oils, or your furry friend's favourite lounging spot are common sources of smells,
- Moisture and mould: Sofas placed in poorly ventilated areas can absorb humidity, leading to mould formation,
- Tobacco smoke: If you smoke or have guests who do, the smell can easily seep into the fabric.
These issues, however, can be tackled without the need for professional cleaning.
Tips for Freshening Up Your Sofa
Neutralising Odours with Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most effective home remedies for eliminating odours. It's affordable, safe, and readily available. Here’s how to use it:
- Vacuum up any debris from the sofa, such as crumbs or pet hair.
- Evenly sprinkle baking soda across the entire surface of the sofa, including the armrests and cushions.
- Leave the baking soda to work for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a few hours.
- Thoroughly vacuum up the baking soda.
This method is perfect for all types of sofas, but make sure the surface is dry – the baking soda could clump together and make cleaning more difficult.
Vinegar and Essential Oils
Vinegar is another household miracle that effectively neutralizes odours. Don’t worry about the smell – it completely disappears once it dries. The process is simple:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and pour it into a spray bottle.
- For an even more pleasant scent, add a few drops of essential oil – lavender, lemon, or mint oil will give a refreshing touch.
- JLightly spray the surface of the sofa.
- Let it dry by an open window.
Home Scents
Home fragrances are a great solution if you want to give your sofa a premium scent. Simply spray a light layer on the surface of the sofa or nearby. Puella home fragrances can be used to scent the entire apartment or even the interior of your car. Depending on your preference, you can choose scents like lavender or other fruity-floral or fruity-spicy aromas.
Special Fabric Cleaners
If you prefer ready-made products, go for cleaning agents or air fresheners specifically designed for fabrics. These products are often enriched with ingredients that not only eliminate odours but also leave a pleasant fragrance. However, when choosing, pay attention to the material of your sofa—some chemical products can be harsh and damage sensitive fabrics.
Regular Maintenance for Long-Lasting Freshness
Freshening up your sofa is only half the battle. To keep it smelling fresh, it's important to ensure regular care:
- At least once a week, vacuum dust and dirt,
- if the covers are removable, wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions,
- place the sofa in a spot where it has access to fresh air, and regularly air out the room,
- immediately dry and remove spilled liquids and stains to prevent them from soaking into the fabric.