Top Tips for Eco-Friendly Odor Removal from Upholstery

Dec 08, 2025By Maor Rashtty
Maor Rashtty

Unpleasant odors trapped in upholstery—sofas, chairs, mattresses or cushions—can make your home feel less inviting. And in the warm, humid climate of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, odors tend to cling to fabrics even more. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to refresh your furniture. Eco-safe methods can remove stubborn smells while keeping your home healthy for kids, pets, and the environment.

At Mia Mia Carpet Cleaning, we specialize in green, non-toxic upholstery and carpet cleaning that fits perfectly with the South Florida lifestyle. Here are some effective eco-friendly odor removal tips you can try at home.

upholstery cleaning

Why Eco-Safe Odor Removal Matters
Choosing green cleaning solutions isn’t just a trend—it’s smart and healthy:

  1. Safe for children and pets
  2. Improves indoor air quality
  3. Avoids exposure to strong or harmful chemicals
  4. Helps extend the life of your upholstery

Works well in the closed, air-conditioned homes common in Miami’s hot climate

1. Baking Soda – Nature’s Simple Deodorizer

Baking soda is one of the easiest and most effective natural odor removers.

How to use:

  1. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the upholstery.
  2. Let it sit for 2–12 hours depending on the odor strength.
  3. Vacuum thoroughly using a powerful upholstery attachment.

Great for: pet odors, food smells, mild smoke odors.

2. Vinegar Mist – Neutralizes Odors at the Source

White vinegar doesn’t mask odors—it breaks down odor molecules.

How to make an eco-safe spray:

  • Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water.
  • Lightly mist the upholstery (avoid soaking the fabric).
  • Let it air-dry completely.
    The vinegar smell disappears quickly, leaving the fabric fresh.

    3. Essential Oils – Natural Freshness Boost

    1. Add 5–10 drops of lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus oil to your water or vinegar mixture.
    2. Lightly mist the upholstery to leave a clean, pleasant scent.
    Tip: Avoid applying concentrated oils directly to the fabric.

4. Steam Cleaning – Deep Cleaning Without Chemicals

Steam cleaning is one of the most powerful eco-safe methods to eliminate deep odors.

Benefits:

1. Kills bacteria and odor-causing germs
2. Removes deep-embedded dirt
3. Uses only hot water—no chemicals needed
4. Ideal for Miami’s humid environment when paired with fast drying

At Mia Mia Carpet Cleaning, we use professional steam-extraction equipment designed to safely lift odors and restore upholstery freshness.
 

When Home Methods Aren’t Enough – Call the Experts

Some odors—pet urine, mildew, spills that seeped deep into the fabric, or long-term smoke—require professional treatment.

Our eco-friendly services at Mia Mia Carpet Cleaning include:
✔ Green-certified, non-toxic cleaning solutions
✔ Hot water extraction for deep odor removal
✔ Natural antibacterial treatments
✔ Fast drying for Miami & Fort Lauderdale humidity
✔ Safe methods for kids, pets, and sensitive fabrics

We restore your upholstery to a clean, fresh, comfortable condition—without compromising safety.