Allergens in Upholstery

Users who are viewing this thread

alexjag33

New Member
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I recently moved some old couches from a relative's house to my basement.

Now, I sneeze whenever I get near one of the couches.

Is there something I can do to remove the musty smell & allergens from the couch? Is there a spray or something that anyone here can recommend?
 

Southern Man

DIY Hillbilly
Messages
525
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
North Carolina
Good upholstered furniture has zippers on the cushions so you can take the covers off and toss them in the wash. If the cushions themselves are the problem then you can replace them. Depending on what they are made of you may be able to soak them with some laundry detergent and a little bit of bleach, then squeeze them out and let them dry over several days.

For the parts that can't be washed like that, probably the best way to clean them is with a wet vacuum process. You can use a shop-vac for this or one of the rug cleaners with attachments. I have a Hoover steam vac that I use with their allergen reducing cleaner, and I fill the water tank with boiling water.

If that doesn't work then all you can do is have it re-upholstered or trash it.

My mom had an expensive piece with down cushions that she replaced, and gave the cushions to my wife to sew into jackets or cushions. When I brought them into the house she quickly started having allergic reactions so out they went to the compost pile.
 

alexjag33

New Member
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Throw Away

Well, I took the cushion covers off and the cushion foam crumbled onto the floor. This couch has to be at least 40 years old.

I immediately threw the covers into the wash, and threw away the foam. I'm going to have to cut new foam shapes for the cushions.

Even after washing the covers, I can still smell that musty smell a little bit. Ewwwwww..... :eek:
 

Southern Man

DIY Hillbilly
Messages
525
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
North Carolina
I reupholstered a mid 60's car one time and both front seats had that type of foam, but the seat backs and rear sets did not. The upholster told me that they used an organic foam back them (latex?) on critical areas only since it was more expensive then the "cheap" foams.

As I recall I had to wash the covers twice after I soaked them in a weak bleach solution. Although I got the smell out it came back about a year later. I should have replaced the fabric.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks