Deodorizing Soft Surfaces in your Home
I know what you’re thinking - this doesn’t seem like a decor tip, and it definitely isn’t something crafty, so why am I writing about it? Well, think about it for a moment; what are the first few things you notice when you walk into someone’s home for the first time? How it looks, right? And also how it smells. Don’t lie, you know you do. And I know you also know that soft surfaces hold onto odors even after you’ve gotten rid of whatever stinky thing caused them in the first place.
Deodorizing soft surfaces in your home like sofas, rugs, and curtains can freshen up your living space and create a more inviting atmosphere. And I’ll be honest, a while ago, the only way I knew how to clean that up was with a little blue bottle of fabric spray that always smelled so very fake that it drove me insane. So I’ve been researching and trying new methods, which means I’m going to share my research with you. Here’s five effective ways to eliminate odors and keep your home smelling fresh.
1) Baking Soda
This pantry staple is a natural deodorizer and is gentle enough for most fabrics. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over whichever soft surface you want to clean up like your carpet or couch. Let it sit for an hour or so, maybe overnight for stronger smells, and then vacuum it up completely. Baking soda absorbs odors, so it will leave the material smelling fresh. Also, you can pop open a box and let it sit for up to a month in your pantry or fridge to keep food odors at bay as well!
2) Vinegar Spray
White vinegar is another powerful and natural deodorizer that can tackle a variety of smells without leaving behind it’s own scent after it dries. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist that solution over your soft surface, but be careful not to saturate it. Let it air dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate and it will take the bad odors with it.
3) Essential Oils
If you’re looking to add a pleasant smell to your home while deodorizing, essential oils are a great option. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly spritz over your soft surfaces. Be sure to test the fabric in an inconspicuous area first to make sure the oil doesn’t damage or stain the fabric. Also, it’s important to note that some essential oils are not safe for pets. A good amount of them are actually toxic to animals. Be sure to do your research thoroughly before introducing essential oils to your home if you have pets.
4) Sunlight and Fresh Air
Never underestimate the power of opening up a window. If possible, you can also take smaller soft surfaces like rugs and cushions outside on a sunny day to air out for a few hours. UV rays from the sun can help kill bacteria and remove odors naturally. The fresh air will help ventilate and refresh the fabrics as well.
5) Steam Cleaning
For a deeper clean, especially on larger items like upholstered furniture or heavy drapes or rugs, consider steam cleaning. You can hire a professional service or rent a steam cleaner to do it yourself. The high temperature of the steam kills bacteria and mold spores, which are both often causes of persistent odors. The steam also can help lift stains that may be contributing to the smells.
Each of these methods will work on their own, though some are better suited for certain areas than others. You may find that a combination of techniques works best for your home. Always make sure to test small and inconspicuous areas of fabric first to make sure you aren’t going to do damage to any fabrics or cause any discoloration. And let us know if you’ve got any good ideas that work for you, because I’m always down to try something new and effective!
