Use A Kitchen Essential To Easily Remove Odors From Upholstered Furniture

Plenty of things can develop unpleasant odors in a home, and it makes sense that upholstered furniture is on the list. For example, think of how much a living room couch is exposed to. It's likely the spot where you relax, snuggle up, and possibly even eat a snack or two. Not to mention, if you have a four-legged pet, they might stretch out on the couch as well. So, if a funky smell starts to arise, it's not that surprising! Eliminating it doesn't have to be difficult, though, as long as you have a box of cornstarch in the kitchen.

Cornstarch is a great helper for thickening sauces and gravies. But it's not the only reason to keep it on hand. You can also use cornstarch in ingenious ways around the house, including to banish odors from upholstered furniture. It's a fine powder that comes from the starchy part of kernels with an absorbency that can tackle smells. Similar to baking soda, a box of cornstarch is typically very inexpensive. Plus, by using the powder as a deodorizer, it's a natural solution if you prefer to clean without turning to harsh chemicals.

In addition to fighting odors, cornstarch is a powerhouse for removing grease stains on upholstery, too — which could be contributing to them. Yet, before grabbing a box, just make sure you read any tags on your upholstered furniture first, in case it has specific cleaning instructions. Next, use the vacuum wand to remove crumbs, dirt, and hair prior to trying the technique. It's safe to do around kids and pets, though you should still try to keep them away during the process.

After your upholstered piece of furniture is free of crumbs, sprinkle cornstarch onto it. Cover all of the surfaces that could be the culprits behind the odor — from cushions to fabric armrests. Now, you simply wait. Allow the powder to sit on the furniture for a minimum of 20 minutes. If you're able to wait longer, it can remain there for several hours to give it more time for absorption. Keep in mind that cornstarch is also an ingredient that can easily clean up spilled messes on carpet. Once time is up, use your vacuum wand to suck up all of the powder until it's fully gone.

Your furniture piece should be fresh and deodorized after you complete this method. Use it whenever you start noticing smells or for peace of mind before company comes over and spends an evening sitting on your couch. It'll help if your pets like to sleep on your furniture, but it can work on their beds as well. For best results, store your cornstarch in a container that's airtight and in a dry spot. If your odors are particularly strong and the powder doesn't help, consider seeking out professional cleaners.