This Trash Bag Hack Is The Secret To Deep-Deodorizing Musty Couch Cushions

It's easy to blame a terrible odor on the kitchen garbage or disposal. However, they're not always the culprits. Your couch can also develop a funky, musty smell — which doesn't necessarily make you want to snuggle up on it. Not to mention, who wants friends and family to sit down on a stinky sofa? Talk about embarrassing! You may have tried eliminating the odor by airing out your couch or utilizing other methods. But if nothing is fully working — give it a deeper clean with vinegar. Luckily, you don't have to toss out all your cushions in order to achieve a fresh-smelling living room. For a brilliant deodorizing hack, spray each cushion with a vinegar solution and vacuum seal it in a trash bag.

Before addressing the bad odor, it's a good idea to know how it got there. There's a lot of unpleasantness that can happen on a couch, from dirty pets to food stains. If you're detecting mustiness, it could be a result of mildew or mold in the fabric. This oftentimes is caused by humidity or another form of moisture — such as a spill that didn't get cleaned up right away. Sweat, germs, and dead skin cells can also be hiding within the cushions and contributing to the smell. 

Make sure it's safe to use vinegar on your couch before attempting this hack. Some upholstery materials are too delicate for the vinegar. Start by vacuuming the cushions to get rid of things like dirt, dust, and hair. This is also a step you should be doing on a regular basis.

This useful hack is really quite simple. Fill a spray bottle with an equal mixture of water and vinegar. Shake it, and spritz it all over your removable couch cushion. Then, place the cushion inside a giant trash bag. It's okay if you're not a fan of the smell of vinegar — it'll eventually go away. Place the wand of your vacuum in the bag against the cushion, while holding the bag closed. When you turn the vacuum on, it'll suck out all the air.

The magic behind this hack lies in the fact that it compresses the cushion and pushes the vinegar deep into it. Let the bag sit for several hours (tightly closed) so that the vinegar can break down all of the lingering smells. Once you take it out, it should be free of the musty odor that was causing you to dislike lounging on your sofa. If your cushion isn't removable and you can't put it in a bag, you can still lightly spray your couch with the vinegar mixture and make an all-natural air freshener to help neutralize odors. 

You should also try to prevent that musty smell from taking over your couch in the first place. If a high level of humidity is causing the issue, consider using a dehumidifier and be sure that your home gets good air circulation. Avoid eating and drinking on your couch. But if that's impossible and spills do occur, immediately address them. You could also use a cover to keep your sofa protected.