A sofa is where a household spends much of its free time, and it quietly soaks up everything that happens around it: snacks, damp coats, pets, visitors and the general air of the room. Because the smell builds up slowly, most people only notice it when a guest sits down and wrinkles their nose. The good news is that a sofa can usually be freshened without any special equipment.
Start with a thorough vacuum, using the upholstery attachment if you have one. Lift every cushion and go along the seams, into the gaps and under the seat, because crumbs and dust collect there and hold odours. If the cushions can be removed, take them outside on a dry day and give them a good shake, then leave them somewhere shady and breezy so the air can pass right through.
Check the labels on the cushion covers and any throws. Where the label allows machine washing, wash them and let them dry completely before putting them back, ideally in the fresh air. Covers that go back damp will smell worse than before. For a fabric that cannot be washed, a soft brush and a slightly damp cloth on the surface can lift some of the dirt, but always test on a hidden corner first.
Keeping it fresh
A light dusting of bicarbonate of soda over dry upholstery, left for a while and then vacuumed away, can take some of the smell out of the fabric. Use it on its own, never together with cleaning products. Then open the windows wide so the room fills with clean air while the sofa dries out.
Turn and swap the cushions from time to time, so that one seat does not take all the wear. Wash throws and blankets often, and keep them folded on the arm of the sofa. If pets sit there, give them their own blanket that you can wash easily.
If the smell keeps coming back, look for a cause. A small spill that soaked into the padding or a damp spot near a window can be the source. Dealing with it directly is more effective than trying to cover the smell.
