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If your upholstery has a funky odor or you want to make your couch smell fresh, sprinkle some baking soda on the piece for 30 minutes up to an hour and then use the vacuum to remove the baking soda. If it’s still smelling funky, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service for a deeper clean.

To remove mold from fabric that’s part of your wood furniture, the best option is to take the fabric off and place it in the washing machine. If you cannot take the fabric off, it helps to move the furniture out into the sun. Use a high-quality vacuum to remove any mold spores that are present. You can try spraying the mold with a 50/50 vinegar-water mixture. Hydrogen peroxide is also a possibility for removing mold from fabric, but it could damage certain types of fabric.

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

Upholstery seems easy to clean in theory, but it gets complicated when you consider how many cleaning designations there are for different kinds of fabrics. While some couches can handle a liquid cleaner, others require foam cleaners, and some should only be cleaned with dry cleaning products to prevent damage. It’s usually best to hire a professional upholstery cleaning service to ensure your couch gets appropriately cleaned and doesn’t get damaged in the process. Professional furniture cleaning is relatively affordable and easier on the wallet than replacing a damaged couch.