The best all-natural solutions for how to clean furniture and how to deodorize a couch without chemicals.
10 Ways To Clean Furniture & Fight Odors Without Chemical Cleaners
Updated on Feb. 04, 2025
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Baking Soda and Vacuum
Baking soda is a simple way to freshen upholstered furniture since it’s a natural absorbent. Vacuum the furniture first to remove dust, then “sprinkle baking soda on the furniture,” says Thaeler. Let it sit first for about an hour to neutralize odors, then vacuum thoroughly. For wooden furniture, like inside drawers, “use less baking soda and let it sit overnight before vacuuming it up,” recommends Carpenter. This method works for most fabrics and wood surfaces.
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Advanced Baking Soda Spray
For a quick fabric freshener, mix in a spray bottle:
- 2-3 tablespoons baking soda
- A few drops of scented oil
- Warm water
Before applying the spray, “vacuum furniture, remove all cushions and get into the crevices,” Thaeler says. Shake well and spray on upholstery. The baking soda absorbs odors while the oil adds a pleasant scent. “I love a lavender or lemon scent,” Thaeler says. Adjust the amounts, so the oil isn’t too strong, and the baking soda leaves no residue.
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Vinegar Spray for a Deeper Clean
To deodorize furniture with tough stains, mix:
- ½ tablespoon liquid soap
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¾ cup water
“Stir gently to combine,” says Carpenter, and mist the solution lightly on the fabric. Gently scrub with a brush. Focus on stains, but treat and clean the entire area for more uniform results. Then, “use a clean, dry towel to blot the area and absorb any excess moisture,” Carpenter advises. Let it dry or move it outside. Test on a small spot first, especially on delicate fabrics.
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Citrus Enzyme Cleaners
Citrus enzymes break down molecules, making them great for cleaning and deodorizing, especially for tough stains like urine in wood. To make your own, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of yeast, and citrus peels from a lemon or orange in a container. Add 1 liter of water, seal and ferment in a warm, dark place for a few weeks, stirring daily. Strain and use the liquid to clean.
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Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is an even better absorbent and odor-killer than baking soda, and can deal with a wider variety of particles. However, this highly purified charcoal dust isn’t the best thing to put on your furniture, where it can stain. Instead, consider getting freshener bags of activated charcoal (like Mosonatural) and hide them in the corners of your furniture to help reduce odors.
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Steam Cleaning
A steam cleaner can lift stains and odors from upholstered furniture “as long as the fabric is suitable and moisture is carefully managed,” Carpenter says.
Steam can reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees, which effectively breaks down dirt and stains. This temperature will also kill dust mites and allergens, which are often the source of odors. The moisture penetrates deep into fabric fibers, loosening debris without oversaturating. Thaeler prefers to use a steam cleaner with a brush attachment to clean furniture without using chemicals.
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Sunshine and Fresh Air
This is a method my grandmother always relied on every spring. She would put upholstered chairs, rugs, pillows and blankets outside to ‘air them out’ during spring-cleaning. This can also be effective with wood furniture that smells ‘old’ from absorbing house smells over time. Set the piece outdoors (when there’s no rain in the forecast) and remove any drawers. Let everything get a good airing out, preferably in the sun, for a day or two to remove smells.
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Vodka
Vodka, typically 40 percent alcohol by volume, can be used to clean or deodorize wood furniture without using chemicals. This method worked well for a dresser I found on the curb with smelly drawers. I brought them out into the sun, sprayed them down with vodka and let it air dry. Spray undiluted vodka on the surfaces of furniture or drawers, then let it air dry in the sun. Reapply as needed and wipe clean with a rag. Be sure to treat all areas, not just the visible parts, to fully eliminate odors.
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Ozone Machine
This method is sometimes used by serious furniture flippers to remove stubborn odors. Ozone machines release ozone, which naturally breaks down odor molecules through oxidation. To use, place the furniture in an enclosed space, such as a spare room, and run the machine for several hours, or overnight for tough smells like pet or smoke odors. Since ozone exposure can be harmful to humans and pets, avoid the area while the machine is running and ventilate the space well afterward.
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Olive oil and Lemon juice
“This is a classic, natural way to clean and shine wood furniture,” Carpenter says. “The acid in lemon helps break down grime, while the olive oil nourishes and conditions the wood, leaving it looking polished,” Carpenter says. Mix a 2:1 ratio of olive oil and lemon juice. Dip a clean rag into the solution and rub into the wood with the grain. Then, buff with a clean microfiber cloth to a high shine. For added cleaning power, consider adding vegetable glycerin to the solution.
About the Experts
- Janet Thaeler is an expert cleaner at Clean Freak and Germaphobe, a popular website and YouTube channel devoted to home-cleaning tips, hacks and organizing. She has operated the site since 2018 and has over 240,000 subscribers.
- Justin Carpenter is the CEO of Modern Maids, a leading national house cleaning provider since 2017.
