The right couch provides years of comfort and adds style to your home. Over time, certain odors can get trapped in the upholstery, forcing you to avoid your couch rather than relax on it. Here are three of the most common culprits behind a smelly couch that require upholstery cleaning.

3 Causes of a Smelly Couch

1. Body Odor

Physical activity makes you sweat, causing body odor that can permeate the couch. Keep the stench out of your upholstery by showering immediately after a workout. Bathe with a soap designed to kill bacteria, and pay special attention to your feet and underarms. Ask your kids to do the same when they come in from playing outside. You should also run your AC on hot days since the weather can make you sweat.

2. Cooking Odors

When you fry acidic foods, like tomatoes, fish, and vegetables, their strong smells will fill the air and penetrate the couch. Keep these aromas at bay by running your stove vent and opening windows whenever you cook. You can also put out a bowl of baking soda; this neutralizing agent balances the pH of acidic foods and absorbs their odors.

3. Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke lingers and will seep into the couch with ease. Beat this odor by kicking the habit. Get phone- or web-based counseling from a quitline, such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW. The program is free and confidential, and it’ll connect you to a trained coach who’ll work with you to create a personalized quit plan. If you aren’t ready to put away the cigarettes, designate a smoking area outside the house.

You need professional upholstery cleaning to remove couch odors for good. The team at Vic's On Site Cleaning Services has revitalized upholstery throughout Maui, HI, for nearly 50 years. Using high-quality, eco-friendly products, they’ll remove unpleasant odors and leave your couch smelling fresh. Get more information about their upholstery cleaning services online or call (808) 250-5351.