Unpleasant odors in upholstered furniture can be a major concern for both residential and business customers.

From lingering food odors to pet dander and musty smells due to humidity, these problems can make even the cleanest spaces feel unpleasant. Therefore, it's essential for cleaning professionals and businesses to know how to effectively remove these odors.

In this guide, we discuss the causes of odor problems in furniture, effective methods for odor removal, and professional products that provide long-lasting freshness without damaging the fabric or upholstery.

Why does upholstered furniture retain odors?

Unlike hard surfaces, upholstered furniture is made of absorbent materials such as fabric, foam and padding.

These layers easily trap suspended particles, moisture and organic material, which can cause odors to build up over time.

Common causes of upholstery odors:

• Pet hair, dander, and accidents
• Food and drink stains
• Cigarette smoke
• Mold or mildew due to high humidity
• Body oils and sweat
• Poor ventilation or humid environments

Effectively removing odors: more than just masking

Masking unpleasant odors with fragrances isn't enough. It's important to treat and eliminate the source of the smell.

Step-by-step guide to removing odors from upholstered furniture

1. Identify the source of the odor
First, determine the likely cause of the odor. Pet urine requires enzymatic treatments, while musty odors may require an antimicrobial or encapsulating spray.

2. Vacuum thoroughly
Remove surface dirt, dust, and crumbs with a vacuum cleaner. Use an upholstery attachment to clean seams, cracks, and under cushions.

3. Pre-treat with a furniture odor neutralizer
Apply a fabric-safe deodorizing pre-treatment that penetrates deep into the fibers. Choose formulas specifically designed for professional upholstery cleaning.

4. Use hot water extraction if possible
Professional cleaning companies often use hot water extraction equipment with upholstery-safe attachments. This method removes both embedded dirt and odor-causing substances.

5. Apply an enzyme or citrus odor remover
Depending on the odor source, enzymatic sprays are effective against organic odors (such as urine or food), while citrus-based solutions provide natural deodorizing benefits.

6. Dry the furniture thoroughly
Odors often worsen when furniture remains damp. Use air vents or open windows to speed up the drying process and prevent mold or mildew.

Professional odor removal products for upholstery

At IzyClean we offer various products that are gentle on upholstery and ideal for cleaning companies:

• Odor neutralizing pre-treatment spray
  Specially designed for use before extraction or manual cleaning, this spray breaks down odors trapped in dust layers.
• Enzyme cleaner
  Targets organic odors from pets, food, and bodily fluids without leaving residue.
• Citrus-based stain and fragrance spray
  Naturally derived and effective, ideal for environmentally conscious customers and leaves a fresh, clean scent.
• Low-moisture deodorizing sprays
  Perfect for delicate or antique fabrics that shouldn't get wet. Ideal for quick freshening up and in-between cleanings.

Tips for cleaning companies

• Always test on an inconspicuous area first to check colorfastness.
• Avoid oversaturating the upholstery as this can cause mould and persistent odours.
• Educate your clients about the process and why professional products are more effective than DIY sprays.
• Offer additional services such as odor removal, this can be a profitable addition to your cleaning packages.

Prevent odors in the future

After removing odors, regular maintenance is essential:

• Encourage customers to vacuum their furniture weekly.
• Apply a furniture protector to prevent stains and spills.
• Recommend periodic professional cleaning, especially in homes with pets or high traffic.
• Use air purifiers or dehumidifiers in damp areas.

Closing words

Odor removal is one of the most requested services in furniture cleaning. Whether it's lingering pet odors or musty old furniture, the right professional odor removers can make all the difference.

At IzyClean, we support cleaning companies with powerful, sustainable solutions that are safe and effective. Browse our full range of furniture odor neutralizers and cleaning sprays to take your cleaning business to the next level.