Freshen Up Your Couch Before Winter Sets In

As winter creeps in and the windows stay shut longer, your couch can start holding onto every stale scent of the season. Luckily, giving it a refresh doesn’t require a full deep-clean—just a few quick habits that wake everything back up.

Start with the obvious-but-overlooked: wash your throw blankets and pillow covers. These soft surfaces absorb odors fast, and giving them a hot, soapy spin instantly resets the whole living room.

Next, lift up those cushions and vacuum everything— seams, cracks, and under the cushions. Dust, crumbs, and pet hair aren’t just gross; they’re also what makes a couch smell… “lived in” (and not in a cozy way).

For a fast odor neutralizer, grab a spray bottle filled with cheap vodka (yes, really). Lightly mist the fabric—don’t soak it—then let it air-dry. Vodka breaks down odors and evaporates clean, leaving zero scent behind. It’s basically a fabric refresh spray without the perfume.

If your couch fabric allows it, sprinkle on a thin layer of baking soda, let it sit for 20–30 minutes, then vacuum it up. It gently pulls lingering smells right out of the fibers.

Finish with a light mist of your favorite vinegar-and-water spray or an eco-friendly room spray for a fresh, crisp finish—perfect for when you’re about to hunker down for winter.

A few small steps, big cozy payoff!