Banish Smoke Smell From Your Couch in 3 Steps

Does your fabric couch reek of stale cigarette or cigar smoke? Lingering odors trapped deep in the upholstery can make your living room unpleasant. While smoke smells are notoriously difficult to remove, you can banish them from your couch with a thorough 3-step process.

With some cleaning supplies you likely already own, you'll be able to restore your couch's fresh scent.

Step 1: Prepare the Couch

Before freshening the fabric, you need to remove as much of the smoke residue as possible. Start by thoroughly vacuuming the entire surface using the crevice tool to lift dirt from cracks and seams.

Vacuum the Couch Thoroughly

Run the vacuum slowly over each cushion, using the crevice attachment to reach down into tufts and folds. Pay special attention to areas where smoke collects, like underneath seat cushions or where back cushions meet the frame.

Vacuuming first prevents odor-causing particles from spreading when you apply cleaning solutions in later steps. It lifts the surface grime; now let's tackle the smokey smell.

Sprinkle Baking Soda

Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes stubborn odors. Liberally sprinkle the cushions, crevices, and base of the couch with the powder. Using your hands, rub it thoroughly into the fabric.

Let the baking soda sit for at least a few hours or preferably overnight. The extended time allows it to effectively pull out lingering smoke smells from below the fabric surface.

Purchase Activated Charcoal Bags

Activated charcoal has a porous surface that traps odor molecules. Place charcoal bags or pouches around your couch and room to actively suck up smoke smells over several days.

Look for bags designed for home use instead of aquarium filters. Replace the charcoal monthly for ongoing odor protection.

Step 2: Freshen and Deodorize

With the surface cleaned, it's time to treat the fabric. Whip up a natural DIY deodorizing spray to soak deep into the fibers. And allow fresh airflow circulation to prevent smoke particles from resettling.

Create DIY Deodorizing Spray

Certain essential oils have natural deodorizing abilities thanks to antibacterial compounds. Add 15 drops of lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender oil to a 16 oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake well before each use.

Spritz over all upholstery surfaces until damp but not saturated. The light moisture helps activate odor elimination while the essential oils leave an uplifting scent behind.

Use Vinegar or Vodka Mixed with Water

As a cleaning staple, white vinegar cuts through smoke film and discourages mold growth. Or unflavored vodka breaks down residues without leaving a pickle smell. Mix either with equal parts water in a spray bottle.

Lightly mist your fabric couch with the solution. As the liquid evaporates, it naturally deodorizes without leaving behind a strong scent.

Allow Couch to Air Out

While moisture can eliminate odors, it also allows smoke particles to settle back into fabric. Open windows and set up fans to keep fresh air circulating until cushions are fully dry.

Turn and rotate cushions to expose all sides equally. The light and moving air prevents water and grime from becoming trapped inside.

Step 3: Deep Clean Upholstery

For the final step, use heat and soap to loosen deep-set staining and residues. Properly drying afterward locks in freshness and prevents mold growth.

Steam Clean the Couch

Heat loosens stubborn particles trapped down in furniture fibers. Carefully pass a handheld steamer across all fabric surfaces, or rent an upholstery cleaning machine.

Take care not to oversaturate the couch to avoid excess water becoming trapped inside. Work in small sections for thorough coverage.

Use Gentle Upholstery Shampoo

Scrubbing bubbles lift grime a steamer may miss. Mix an upholstery or carpet shampoo into very warm water per label instructions. Use a soft brush to gently lather and scrub the entire couch.

Avoid rubbing too harshly, which can damage delicate fabrics. Thoroughly rinse with clean water to eliminate any soap residues.

Dry Thoroughly Before Use

Lingering moisture allows mold and mildew growth, causing secondary odors. Place furniture in front of fans, open windows and drape cushions over furniture backs to dry fully. Flip periodically.

It may take 24-48 hours until completely dry. Do not replace cushions or sit on damp upholstery which can trap moisture and smell.

Removing stubborn smoke smells from couches requires diligence, but is very doable with some DIY techniques. Prepare the fabric with vacuuming, baking soda, and activated charcoal. Mix up natural scented sprays for freshening between cleanings.

Then, occasionally deep clean with steam, scrubbing bubbles, and thorough drying. With this complete odor-busting process, even smoke damaged furniture can be restored to a fresh state.