All-natural solutions can remove odors from your furniture—here’s how to clean furniture!
How to Clean Furniture: The Baking Soda and Vacuum Trick
Baking soda is a natural adsorbent, which means it has the ability to absorb odors when used correctly and will help you learn how to clean a used couch.
If you have fabric-covered furniture, then put some baking soda in a salt shaker or similar dispenser and sprinkle it liberally on the furniture you want to freshen up.
Baking soda doesn’t do its work all at once, so give it time to neutralize as many odor-causing particles as possible. An hour or so is ideal, and for bad situations, you may just want to leave the baking soda on overnight (as long as it won’t get tracked everywhere by pets). When the time has elapsed, get out the vacuum cleaner and thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda. This should freshen up most fabrics.
Note: Baking soda may have varying effects based on what is causing the odor or general “staleness” of your furniture. It neutralizes acidic compounds very easily, but may not be effective for all problems.
How to Clean Furniture: Advanced Baking Soda Spray
If you don’t have time to apply baking soda to your furniture’s upholstery and clean it up, you may want to try a spray solution instead. Grab a small spray bottle and mix in:
- 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda
- A couple drops of scented oil, like lavender
- Warm water
Shake it up thoroughly and then spray the mix on your fabrics for a quick, safe freshener. The addition of the scented oil helps mask odors while the light film of baking soda gets to work. The trick is to mix the right amount in so that the oil isn’t overpowering and the baking soda doesn’t leave any noticeable residue, so you may need to experiment.
How to Clean Furniture: Vinegar Spray for a Deeper Clean
If your furniture is starting to smell because of serious stain or dirt problems, a little baking soda won’t be enough. To learn how to deodorize a couch you will need to deep-clean the fabric and get rid of the source. Mix together:
- ½ tablespoon of liquid soap (dish soap is fine)
- ¼ cup of white vinegar
- ¾ cup of water
Here’s how to clean furniture fabric with this mix: Spray the solution on your fabric and rub it in thoroughly with a scrubbing brush. Switch to a pail of clean water and scrub until the soap suds are gone. Leave the area to dry or move that section of the furniture outside for faster drying.
Note that vinegar is acidic and can damage delicate fabrics. Use this method on durable fabrics and always test a small, inconspicuous spot to make sure the fabric will hold up.
How to Clean Furniture: Citrus Enzyme Cleaners
Enzymes are protein compounds that are used to break down other molecules – which makes them a useful tool in all-natural cleaning and freshening. Enzymes can help clean furniture and destroy odor-causing particles and are especially popular when dealing with problems like urine stains that have soaked into the wood. However, you will need living enzymes to make it work.
How to Clean Furniture: Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is an even better adsorbent and odor-killer than baking soda, and can deal with a wider variety of particles. However, this highly purified charcoal dust isn’t the best thing to put on your furniture, where it can stain. Instead, consider getting freshener bags of activated charcoal, and hide them in the corners of your furniture to help reduce odors.
Lemon and Salt to Clean Wooden Cutting Boards & Surfaces
Whether you need to clean a butcher block or a cutting board – this is a great, lemony-fresh tactic. Simply sprinkle the wooden surface with coarse salt and then scour the surface using a lemon that has been cut in half. Squeeze it slightly as you scrub to release the lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, scrape it off and then give it a final rinse with a clean wet sponge.
Use Essential Oils to Fight Harsh Smells
Essential oils are really effective in getting rid of odors. One of my favorite ways to put a couple of drops of essential oils (such as lemongrass, citronella, or a blend such as Thieves) in the bottom of the trash can. It really helps to deodorize smells.
You can also use essential oils in a diffuser to replace candles and plug-in air fresheners.
DITCH THE DRYER SHEETS
Dryer sheets are one of the most toxic things you can bring into your home. Instead, opt for wool balls or DIY reusable dryer sheets! Some people add a few drops of essential oils to their wool dryer balls for an extra scent boost.
CITRIC ACID TO CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE
To give your washing machine a refresher, add some citric acid to an empty cycle and the acidity will dissolve soap scum, mineral deposits, and any other grime in your washer! I always have some around because I love making bath bombs, so it’s basically like a two-in-one deal.
SWITCH TO ECO-FRIENDLY SPONGES, SCRUB BRUSHES, OR WASHRAGS
They cost the same anyway, and they’re better for the environment. This isn’t exactly cutting out chemicals in your home (or a hack), but it’s an important step to going green in your cleaning habits.
COMBINE THE NATURAL INGREDIENTS
USE CASTILE SOAP, BAKING SODA, AND SEA SALT TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN
Mix the ingredients to make a paste and scrub your oven with it! You’d be surprised just how clean it can leave your oven. Make sure you line the bottom of your oven with some foil for easier cleanup in the future.
NATURALLY CLEAN CRAYON OFF OF THE WALLS
Add a bit of baking soda to a wet sponge and scrub the area to remove crayon off of the wall! Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of lemon essential oil and water and spray with a squirt bottle before scrubbing.
MAKE A SIMMER POT TO FRESHEN THE AIR
One thing I miss the most about my old toxic go-to products was the “fresh” scent. As much as I love natural DIY’s and alternative cleaning methods, let’s face it – it’s not the same. The fragrance is much less intense.
Thankfully, there are natural ways to freshen up your home! What’s fresher than opening a window or getting a simmer pot going? They’re messier, but worth it. Besides, you can separate the ingredients ahead of time so it’s not too much work each day.
