How Epsom Salt Works Wonders On Eliminating Odors From A Couch

Many people keep Epsom salt in their homes for therapeutic skincare, but there are a few smart ways to use Epsom salt around the house due to its scent, certain antibacterial properties, and abrasive structure. Did you know this natural product can help you remove those tough odors from household materials, including your couch? Whether you have frisky pets that have taken over or you're preparing for the extra foot — or in this case, butt traffic — on your couch over the holidays, you have an easy and natural way to say goodbye to odors. The process is simple. Sprinkle some Epsom salt on the smelly area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Once your 20 minutes are up, vacuum it up and enjoy the subtle smell it leaves behind. Depending on how deep the odors are, you may have to repeat this step a few times until your couch smells fresh again.

For even greater success in your Epsom cleaning chores, use an upholstery-cleaning machine that also works on carpets. Consider mixing your Epsom salt with your favorite essential oil before sprinkling it on the affected area and vacuuming it up with a powerful vacuum, like the Hoover Powerscrub XL. To understand how Epsom salt works so well, take a look at its makeup starting with magnesium sulfate, known for its moisture-absorbing properties that help neutralize foul odors. Though scientific research directly linking Epsom salt to removing odors from couches is lacking, it has been known to deodorize musty smells around the home, as proper use makes the surface less ideal for bacteria or mold, both of which often create odor and thrive in moisture. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sciences Research showed that Epsom salt effectively inhibited microorganisms and bacteria, including klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, when applied to raw sewage.

Can you use Epsom salt on any couch material? The answer is likely no, especially when it comes to leather. Before buying a leather couch, understand how to avoid cracking, color loss, and peeling with proper care. Whether removing smells or stains from your leather couch, you should not use anything considered abrasive. Salts can also contribute to color loss on your leather couch, so stick to your leather-specific cleaning solutions. 

Realistically, no matter what fabric you're working with, it's always best to do a small patch test before using this Epsom salt method or other new solutions to check for fabric staining. If you have a couch made from delicate fabric, make sure you study the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before using any other methods. When vacuuming the Epsom salt after letting it sit, do so thoroughly to avoid a residue.

While removing couch smells, feel free to spread the Epsom salt to other stinky areas. Do you have smelly mud prints from your kids or animals on your floors? This common household ingredient is the answer to cleaning those muddy footprints from carpets since the salt lifts the moisture from mud and converts it to easier-to-clean dirt. You can also try an Epsom salt hack that keeps pillows and cushions smelling fresh, packing some into sachets with essential oil and zipping them into your couch cushions. With these tips, you can use this easy method to remove smells from your couch and other upholstery so you don't risk leaving your houseguests feeling salty.