I bought a new sofa last year, and now it's developing a really strange smell that's kind of musty, sweaty, and damp. I can't quite pinpoint where it's coming from, but it's becoming a distraction since I keep catching whiffs of this unpleasant odor. The back seats of the sofa also smell off. Has anyone experienced something like this before? What can I do to identify the source and eliminate the smell?
3 Answers
If you're feeling adventurous, get a black UV light. It can reveal any hidden stains or bacteria that might be causing the odor. Just a heads up, it's pretty eye-opening! Also, don’t forget to try some cleaners like Lysol or Febreeze. They might work, depending on your sofa's material.
You might want to give your cushions a good spray with vodka or 70% rubbing alcohol. It's a trick that works for those who need to clean sweaty costumes without ruining them. Just let it dry afterwards and see if that helps with the odor.
Try this method: spray your cushions with isopropyl alcohol, seal them in a plastic bag, and use a shop vac to suck the air out. Keep them in the bag for a few hours, then let them dry in the sun. This technique worked wonders for me when I dealt with similar stinky couches during college.
That sounds interesting! I'll definitely give it a shot. I just hope it helps.

Oh wow, did not think of that! But even with cleaning, it seems to just get worse. Any suggestions if the odor persists?