How to eliminate the Smell From Faux Leather
That faux leather furniture you have only brought home may seem fantastic, but its odor is yet another matter. Brand new imitation leather pieces may smell a little like plastic or chemicals, while used furniture frequently brings with it a scent of smoke, pets or mustiness. Natural deodorizers you probably already have at home take care of those scents so you can enjoy your furniture without plugging your nose.
It’s a Breeze
Fresh faux leather has a scent that sticks with it for some time until the smell dissipates by itself. Hasten the process by taking the piece outdoors on a non-humid day, ideally a day with a bit of a breeze. Leave the furniture out all day if possible, or at the least for a couple of hours, to let it air out. Remove pillows or cushions and atmosphere those out separately, leaning them against a post or positioning them in a sense so airflow reaches each side of the cushion. If you can not take your belongings completely outdoors, a covered porch will do, or put the offending things in a room with open windows and turn on a fan.
Vinegar Revitalizer
Vinegar can help remove odors new or old. Spritz a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar above the faux leather, let it sit for several minutes, then rub it down with a damp, soft cloth or sponge. If the material’s odor is especially strong, wipe it down with pure, undiluted vinegar and let it air dry. If the entire room smells a little like imitation leather — for instance, if you have brought home an entire set of furniture made from the material — put several bowls of vinegar around the room immediately.
Grounds for Relief
Dry coffee grounds come in handy for removing smells inside zippered cushions or in areas between cushions permanently affixed to the furniture. Make a wax from cheesecloth or a thick coffee filter and then pour a few dry coffee grounds in it. Bend the pouch closed with a twist tie or part of string. Stash the coffee pouch inside a zippered cushion or cushion for a couple of days or between cushions. A little wad of newspaper placed in the cushion near the grounds also can help absorb the smell. Discard the grounds and paper later or compost them.
Powdered Power
Baking soda scattered over most faux leather surfaces helps remove any remaining odors. Allow the powder sit for an hour or two, or even immediately and vacuum it up later. Wiping the baking soda off with a damp cloth is another option should youn’t need to drag out the vacuum cleaner.
