Cleaning the sofa is often one of the most overlooked chores, but many people do not realise that its fabric can absorb odours like a sponge and can make your home smell awful. Sofas are exposed daily to body odour, spilled food, pet smells and outdoor grime which builds up to release into the air which can make a house smell really musty. 

Air-fresheners can only mask the smell temporarily, and carpets can also take in smells so it is important to deep clean them at least once a month. However, Erin from Clean and Scentsible has shared it is really easy to get rid of any unpleasant smells on a sofa or carpet, as all you need is a little baking soda and your favourite essential oil. 

Erin said: “Baking Soda is excellent at absorbing odours, and the essential oil will leave behind a pleasant scent.”

It might seem simple, but baking soda is a natural deodoriser as it is highly absorbent so will  get rid of any horrible smells instead of just masking them like an air-freshener would. 

Baking soda is also known to break down any body oils, moisture or dirt stuck to the fabric, making it easier to clean off. 

How to banish smells off your sofa and carpet

You will need: 

• 120g of baking soda
• 10 to 25 drops of essential oil (optional)
• Warm water 
• Airtight container (for storage) 

Essential oil is used to simply give your home a lovely scent, but it should be noted that some can be very toxic to pets so be cautious and do your own research before using any around your beloved cat or dog. 

If you are weary of using essential oils, it is absolutely fine to just use baking soda to help make your home smell nice. 

Method

To begin, add baking soda and a little warm water to a container, then add a few drops of essential oil (if you are using any). You only need a tiny amount of water to make it form a paste but make sure it is still mostly solid. The baking soda might clump up a little, but keep stirring it and try to mix it as evenly as possible. 

Then, sprinkle a light coating of the baking soda onto your carpet or soda, and leave it alone for 15 to 30 minutes. This is to give the baking soda time to absorb any smells or dirt caught in the fabric. 

Once the time is up, use the brush attachment on a vacuum, and then simply vacuum all the baking soda mixture. 

Your home should smell a lot cleaner and fresher so you can invite guests around without worrying about any lingering odours trapped in your carpet or sofa.