Why Does My Couch Smell Bad?

If you’re asking “why does my couch smell?”, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the answer usually comes down to everyday use and how the couch is looked after.

In this post, we’ll look at why your couch might smell bad, how to freshen it up at home, and when it’s time for a professional clean.

Why Does My Couch Smell Bad?

There are plenty of reasons a couch can develop an unpleasant odour, but the most common one we come across is a lack of regular care.

Take a step back and think about how often your couch is used, and what usually happens before and during each sit, and the picture gets clearer.

The busiest times are usually mornings and evenings, when the family is home from the day. Every time someone sits down, especially before a shower, sweat, body oils, germs and bacteria transfer from skin and clothes to the fabric, and if it isn’t cleaned properly, it stays there. Multiply that by several people, several times a day, for hours at a time, and it’s easy to see how quickly odours build up in the fabric and padding.

Pets, Spills and Other Common Causes

If your pets are allowed up on the furniture, their fur, dander and the natural oils in their coats settle into the fabric and add to the smell. Food and drink spills add to the problem too, especially ones nobody noticed at the time. Milk, juice and greasy food can leave a sour smell as they break down.

Why Does My Couch Smell Musty?

A musty or damp smell usually points to moisture. A couch that sits in a humid room, has had a drink soak into the cushions, or was left too wet after cleaning can trap dampness in the padding, and that’s when mould and mildew smells start. Good airflow, and drying the couch thoroughly after any spill or clean, helps keep it away.

How to Freshen a Smelly Couch at Home

• Check the care label first. Most couches have a cleaning code that tells you whether the fabric can take water-based cleaners, solvent-based cleaners only, or vacuuming only.
• Vacuum thoroughly with the upholstery attachment, including under and between the cushions where crumbs and fur collect.
• Sprinkle bicarb soda (baking soda) lightly over the fabric, leave it for a few hours or overnight to absorb odours, then vacuum it up.
• Blot fresh spills straight away with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t rub, as rubbing pushes the spill deeper into the padding.
• Air the room well. Open the windows and let fresh air move through, but keep the couch out of strong direct sun, which can fade the fabric.
• Test any product on a small, hidden spot before using it on the whole couch.

How to Keep Your Couch Smelling Fresh

Looking after your upholstery doesn’t have to be a big job. A professional clean about once a year (more often with pets or young kids), plus a few simple habits, will keep your couch fresher for longer between cleans:

• Keep food and drink off the couch
• Keep pets off the furniture, or put a washable throw where they like to sit
• Encourage a shower or clean clothes before settling in for a long sit

When to Call a Professional

If the smell comes back soon after you’ve cleaned, smells musty, or comes from a pet accident that has soaked into the cushions, it’s usually in the padding rather than on the surface. That’s when a professional fabric and upholstery clean makes the difference.

Wizard Cleaning® is family-owned and operated in Perth, and our team can help remove odours from your couch and other upholstery. Call us on 0400 634 609 or send us an enquiry for a free, no-obligation quote.