Removing odors from couches can be a challenging task. Couches are large pieces of furniture that are covered in fabric, which tends to absorb and hold onto smells over time. From pet odors to food spills, it’s common for couches to develop unpleasant scents. This is frustrating when you have guests over or just want to relax on a nice-smelling couch. Many people turn to baking soda as an inexpensive, natural solution to freshen up smelly couches. But does baking soda really work to remove odors from couches effectively? There are some pros and cons to consider when using this kitchen staple as a DIY cleaner and deodorizer.
Page Contents
- 1 How Does Baking Soda Work to Remove Odors?
- 2 How to Use Baking Soda to Remove Couch Odors
- 3 Pros of Using Baking Soda on Couches
- 4 Cons of Using Baking Soda on Couches
- 5 How Does Baking Soda Compare to Other Couch Deodorizers?
- 6 Tips for Using Baking Soda to Remove Odors from Couches
- 7 Homemade Baking Soda Couch Deodorizer Recipes
- 8 Conclusion
How Does Baking Soda Work to Remove Odors?
Baking soda, also known by its chemical name sodium bicarbonate, is mildly alkaline and reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas. This reaction neutralizes odors caused by acids. Many household odors stem from acids, including:
- Pet urine and feces
- Sour milk
- Some food odors
- Perspiration and body oils
When baking soda comes into contact with these types of acidic smells, the sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the acids and removes the odors. Baking soda can also absorb odors like a sponge rather than neutralizing them. The powder has a porous texture that enables it to physically soak up smelly molecules.
Additionally, baking soda has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Bacteria feed on organic matter like sweat, dirt, food spills, etc. and produce foul-smelling byproducts. The alkaline nature of baking soda creates an inhospitable environment for many bacteria species.
So in summary, baking soda eliminates odors in two main ways:
- Chemical neutralization of acids
- Physical absorption of molecules
Its antibacterial action also prevents future odors by inhibiting bacterial growth. This makes it a versatile natural deodorizer for couches and other smelly household items.
How to Use Baking Soda to Remove Couch Odors
Here are some simple techniques for using baking soda to remove odors from couches:
Baking Soda Carpet Powder
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda directly onto the couch cushions and fabric. Let it sit for several hours up to overnight so it has time to fully absorb odors. Then vacuum up the baking soda – this will remove the powder along with odor molecules. Repeat as needed for stubborn smells.
Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Using a soft cloth or scrub brush, rub this mixture into stained or heavily soiled areas of the couch. The paste will break down residue in fabric fibers and lift odors. Let it dry fully then vacuum.
Baking Soda Air Freshener
Place shallow dishes filled with baking soda around the couch. The open containers allow odorous gases to come into contact with the baking soda. Replace when the powder is fully saturated. Can also add drops of essential oils for extra fresh scent.
Baking Soda Freshening Spray
Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 2 cups hot water. Transfer to a spray bottle and mist over fabric. Shake bottle before each use. The heat activates the baking soda to penetrate and eliminate odors more effectively.
Baking Soda Upholstery Cleaner
Add 1⁄4 cup baking soda to your usual upholstery/carpet cleaning machine solution. The baking soda boosts odor removal and brightens fabric as you deep clean.
Pros of Using Baking Soda on Couches
There are several advantages that make baking soda a good choice for freshening up smelly couches:
- Natural and non-toxic – Baking soda is safe for homes with kids and pets compared to harsh chemical cleaners
- Mild and gentle – Won’t damage or discolor delicate upholstery fabrics
- Removes a variety of odors – Effective on acidic smells like urine, sweat, vomit, etc.
- Absorbs and neutralizes – Tackles odors in two different ways for thorough odor removal
- Prevents future odors – Antibacterial properties inhibit growth of odor-causing bacteria
- Affordable – Baking soda is an inexpensive product found in most homes
- Versatile – Can be used dry or made into sprays, pastes, air fresheners, cleaners, etc.
- Non-irritating scent – Baking soda has a mild, neutral smell that won’t bother sensitive noses
Overall, baking soda offers an easy, natural, and budget-friendly way to tackle couch odors without harmful chemicals. It can be used on its own or enhanced with other ingredients like water, vinegar, or essential oils.
Cons of Using Baking Soda on Couches
However, baking soda does have some potential downsides to consider:
- Short-term solution – Does not permanently remove odors; they may return over time
- Visible residue – Can leave a white powdery residue if not fully removed by vacuuming
- Frequent reapplication needed – Needs reapplied regularly to keep odors at bay
- Doesn’t work on all odor causes – Not effective against odors from mold/mildew which require disinfectants
- Labor-intensive process – Requires vacuuming, scrubbing, or other manual labor to apply and remove
- May require steam cleaning – Severe odors could require deep steam cleaning for total odor elimination
- No perfume added – Baking soda itself has no fragrance, so smells may linger even if deodorized
So while baking soda can significantly reduce couch odors, it has limitations. Severe odor problems may require a deeper cleaning method to totally refresh the couch. Some people also dislike the powdery mess and inconvenience of frequent reapplication.
How Does Baking Soda Compare to Other Couch Deodorizers?
Baking soda is just one option for removing odors from couches. How does it stack up against other popular deodorizing methods?
Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is another common household odor remover. It helps neutralize alkaline odors from sources like pet urine. However, vinegar’s strong acidic scent can be unpleasant. It also doesn’t absorb odors like baking soda. Vinegar works well for spot cleaning combined with baking soda but may be too overpowering for large applications.
Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners use natural enzymes and bacteria to digest organic matter that causes odors. They provide more lasting odor removal than baking soda. However, enzyme cleaners can be more expensive and requires longer dwell times to fully work. Baking soda offers a quicker, cheaper option for mild odors.
Essential Oils
Essential oil fragrances help mask odors instead of removing them. Oils like lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree give off fresh, strong scents. But they simply cover up smells instead of deodorizing the source. Essential oils make a nice complement to baking soda to provide a pleasant fragrance.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has a highly porous structure that absorbs odors like a magnet. It has greater absorptive capacity than baking soda. However, activated charcoal leaves behind a black residue and won’t neutralize acidic odors. It also eventually loses its absorbency.
Commercial Deodorizers
Store-bought deodorizing sprays and powders often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals. These mask odors with perfumes. Some also contain antimicrobials to inhibit bacteria. However, commercial products can be expensive, irritating for sensitive noses, and bad for the environment. Baking soda is a non-toxic, inexpensive alternative.
| Deodorizer | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda | Cheap, natural, absorbs and neutralizes odors | No inherent scent, frequent reapplication needed |
| Vinegar | Neutralizes alkaline odors | Strong acidic smell, doesn’t absorb odors |
| Enzyme Cleaners | Digests organic matter, provides lasting results | More expensive, slower to work |
| Essential Oils | Pleasant natural scents | Mask odors instead of removing them |
| Activated Charcoal | High absorption capacity | Leaves black residue, doesn’t neutralize acids |
| Commercial Deodorizers | Masks odors with perfumes | Expensive, irritating scents, environmentally unfriendly |
Tips for Using Baking Soda to Remove Odors from Couches
To get the best results from baking soda for couch odor removal, follow these handy tips:
- Apply a thick layer of baking soda and allow plenty of dwell time for maximum absorption.
- Break up baking soda clumps so the powder can freely interact with odors.
- Target problem areas like armrests, cushions, and fabric seams.
- Thoroughly vacuum after treatment to lift trapped odors.
- Use hot water to activate and enhance baking soda’s deodorizing properties.
- Re-apply weekly in heavily used areas to prevent odor buildup.
- Combine with vinegar for a bubbly, odor-fighting duo.
- Sprinkle used coffee grounds with baking soda to provide scent.
- Add essential oils like lemon or lavender for extra freshness.
- Use a stiff upholstery brush to work baking soda deep into fabric.
Taking these simple steps will boost baking soda’s effectiveness at tackling all types of couch odors.
Homemade Baking Soda Couch Deodorizer Recipes
You can make your own custom couch deodorizers by combining baking soda with complementary ingredients. Here are a few easy recipes to try:
Lavender Refreshing Deodorizer
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
Mix lavender oil into the baking soda. The floral scent helps mask odors as the baking soda absorbs and neutralizes them.
Energizing Lemon Spray
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 5 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Add lemon juice and oil for a zesty citrus fragrance. The acidic lemon activates the baking soda to break down odors.
Orange Vanilla Freshener
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Mix in vanilla and orange zest to provide a sweet, bright scent. The vanilla and citrus oils in this recipe help mask odors while the baking soda deodorizes.
Get creative mixing baking soda with your favorite extracts, herbs, peels, grounds, oils, etc. Customize your own signature couch deodorizer!
Conclusion
Baking soda is an affordable and effective odor remover for smelly couches. It tackles odors through absorption and acid neutralization. Baking soda is gentle enough for regular use on upholstery fabrics. Simply sprinkle baking soda liberally on the couch, allow to sit overnight, and vacuum away. For best results, make sure to thoroughly remove all baking soda residue after treatment.
While baking soda doesn’t provide permanent odor removal, it offers a safe, non-toxic way to freshen up couches between deeper cleanings. Its mild scent also won’t bother sensitive noses like fragranced products. Pair baking soda with absorptive activated charcoal, enzymatic cleaners, or essential oils for a more complete approach to couch deodorizing. Keep your couches fresh and clean with the power of humble baking soda!