Pets are great companions
With so many benefits that come with having a pet, we tend to overlook the minor inconveniences that come with the territory, such as odors. Those cute fuzzy coats that they sport tend to attract and hold onto odors that easily transfer onto furniture. Over time the smell can become quite noticeable, making it embarrassing to have company over and making the couch a less than pleasant place to rest. While this may seem like a big problem, it really isn't after using a few simple remedies.
Quick Odor Fixes
When time is an issue, but so are lingering pet odors, there are a few easy ways to curb the smell. Take a few dryer sheets and place them in between the cushions of the couch to help cover up any odors and create new fresh smell instead. Vacuuming can also make a huge difference. Take the cushions off the couch and vacuum underneath. It helps to also vacuum as much excess fur off of the couch as possible. The fur only helps to trap in the odors and keep them in place.
Spray the couch with a fabric refresher such as Febreze. If you don't have any handy, you can make your own by mixing liquid fabric softener with water in equal parts in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the furniture and avoid saturating it. Keep everything, including pets, off of the couch until it is completely dry.
White vinegar and water in a spray bottle in equal parts is also great for removing any odors, but you will need to air out the area due to the vinegar smell. It won't smell great initially, but once it dries, the pet odor will dissipate as well.
Pet Accidents
If the odor is due to a breach of social etiquette on the part of your furry beloved, quick action is your best recourse. Pick up any solids and blot up any liquids with paper towels and dispose of them. Be careful not to press too hard and push anything deep into the fibers of the couch, as this will only make it harder to clean. Once the mess is removed, spray the area with a solution of half white vinegar and half water and allow it to sit for at least five minutes to help neutralize the odors. Never use ammonia to clean up cat urine, the smell is too similar to the urine and it may cause kitty to repeat the incident. Wipe the area clean with a soft clean cloth and pour baking soda on it to help it dry faster. Vacuum the area with the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner to pick up the baking soda after an hour or when the area is completely dry.
A Deeper Clean
Vacuum the couch of all fur and debris. Remove the covers from the couch cushions and wash them with a scoop of bleach free detergent and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. When the covers are done in the washing machine, place them in the dryer with a scented dryer sheet. Make sure to read any tags or manufacturers' instructions before washing the covers and follow any recommended instructions first.
Sprinkle baking soda on the foam part of the cushions that came out of the covers and set them aside. Brush away the baking soda for after a half an hour and flip them over to sprinkle baking soda on the other side.
Make a solution of white vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle and add a couple of tablespoons of dish soap. A scented dish soap such as Mrs. Meyers can make a big difference in changing the smell of your couch into something pleasant and can help to cut back on the vinegar smell. Spray the couch with the solution and use a clean cloth to wipe it down and work the solution into the fibers. Place a fan nearby to help the couch to dry faster and don't place anything back on the couch, not even the cushions until it is completely dry. Reassemble the cushions when the covers are dry and put the couch back together which will now smell a whole lot better.
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