How To Remove Alcohol Odor From Furniture

Whether it's a wild party or a clumsy moment, alcohol spills on furniture can leave an unpleasant, lingering smell. Soft surfaces tend to retain moisture and odour, making it challenging to eradicate the smell entirely. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can effectively remove alcohol odours and stains from your furniture.

• Baking soda
• Commercial upholstery stain remover
• Dishwashing liquid detergent, distilled white vinegar, and warm water
• Oxygen-based bleach powder and warm water
• Isopropyl alcohol and water | | Odor neutralizers | - Citrus oil
• Essential oils (lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus)
• Lemon juice
• Scented candles
• Activated charcoal bags
• Commercial odor-neutralizing sprays | | Other methods | - Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Staying hydrated
• Eating before and after drinking
• Using mouthwash |

Use a vinegar and water solution

One way to remove alcohol smell from furniture is to use a vinegar and water solution. This method can also be used to remove alcohol stains from carpets and upholstery.

First, blot up as much liquid as possible using white paper towels. Press the towels into the stain and continue blotting with fresh towels until no more moisture is transferred. Then, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, half a cup of distilled white vinegar, and two cups of warm water in a small bowl. It is important to use a white cloth to prevent accidental colour transfer to the upholstery fabric. Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and wring it well. Work from the outside edges towards the centre to prevent the stain from spreading. As the colour from the stain is transferred to the cloth, move to a clean area to continue blotting.

Next, fill a second bowl or bucket with water. Wet another clean white cloth and wring it until it is not dripping. Gently wipe the upholstery fabric to rinse the area and remove any soapy residue. It is important to remove all of the soap to prevent soil build-up. Finally, air-dry the furniture away from direct heat. You can speed up the drying process by adding a circulating fan to the room.

Alternatively, you can mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto surfaces and fabrics. Then, wipe them down to remove lingering alcohol odours. This method can also be used to remove alcohol smells from a room. Simply leave the bowl of vinegar and water in the room for a couple of hours to neutralise the smell.

Try an odour-neutralising spray

If you're looking to remove the smell of alcohol from your furniture, an odour-neutralising spray could be a good option. These sprays are designed to eliminate tough smells, and they can be used on a variety of surfaces, including fabrics, upholstery, and carpets.

To make your own odour-neutralising spray, you can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and can help neutralise the alcohol smell. Spray the solution liberally onto the affected surfaces and fabrics, then wipe them down to remove any lingering odours. Ensure you spray in a well-ventilated room or outdoors to avoid inhaling the vinegar fumes.

Alternatively, you can use isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, as a base for your odour-neutralising spray. Isopropyl alcohol is a disinfectant and deodoriser and can eliminate oils and leave nearly no traces. Mix one cup of isopropyl alcohol with ten to twelve drops of your favourite essential oil in a spray bottle. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus can add a pleasant fragrance to your spray. Shake the bottle to mix the solution, then lightly spray the affected surfaces and fabrics. As with the vinegar solution, it is best to use this spray in a well-ventilated area or leave the room for a couple of hours after application.

These odour-neutralising sprays can help remove alcohol smells from your furniture and leave your space smelling fresh. However, it is important to note that proper ventilation is key to eliminating alcohol odours, so be sure to allow fresh air into the room as well.

Blot the stain with paper towels

Blotting is an effective way to remove alcohol stains from furniture and should be your first step. Using paper towels, press down on the stain to absorb as much liquid as possible. It is important to blot rather than rub, as rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibres of the furniture. Start at the outside of the stain and work your way inwards to prevent the stain from spreading. Continue blotting with fresh paper towels until no more moisture is transferred.

Once you have absorbed as much of the liquid as possible, you can move on to creating a cleaning solution to tackle any remaining stain. You can make a solution by mixing one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid detergent, half a cup of distilled white vinegar, and two cups of warm water in a small bowl. It is important to wring out your cleaning cloth before applying the solution to avoid too much liquid seeping into the furniture's padding, which can cause extended drying times and allow mildew to grow.

After applying the cleaning solution, you may need to blot the stain again with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. It is important to allow the furniture to air-dry away from direct heat. You can speed up the drying process by adding a circulating fan to the room.

Seal with shellac

Shellac is a proven sealant for VOCs and other toxic chemicals and pollutants. It is often used to seal in off-gassing in every material, including wood, oil paint, and walls. It is also used to seal in the smell of old furniture.

Zinsser BIN is a popular shellac-based primer that can be used to seal in odors. It is an alcohol-based primer that can be sprayed, wiped, or brushed onto the furniture. It is important to note that Zinsser BIN is a white primer base, so it will change the color of the furniture.

Another option is to use Zinsser SealCoat, which is also a shellac-based product that can be used to seal in odors. SealCoat does not have a primer, so it can be used as a topcoat over an existing primer. It is available in a spray form, which makes it easy to apply.

When sealing in odors with shellac, it is important to ensure that the area is well-ventilated. Shellac is a volatile, flammable liquid, so caution should be exercised when using it. It is also important to test the shellac on a small area of the furniture before applying it to the entire surface, as it can change the appearance of the furniture.

Overall, shellac is an effective way to seal in odors and restore furniture to its former condition. It is a versatile product that can be applied in various ways and is suitable for use on a range of materials.

Improve ventilation

Improving ventilation is an effective way to remove alcohol odours from furniture and rooms. Here are some tips to enhance ventilation and eliminate alcohol smells:

Firstly, ensure proper airflow by opening windows and doors. This allows fresh air to circulate and helps dissipate alcohol fumes. If possible, create a cross-breeze by opening multiple windows or doors to increase airflow and expedite the removal of alcohol odours.

Secondly, utilise fans to enhance ventilation. Place fans near the source of the odour, such as near the affected furniture, and direct them towards open windows or doors. This will help extract and expel alcohol fumes from the room more rapidly. Electric fans with adjustable angles can be positioned to blow air in or out of a room, depending on your needs.

In addition, consider using air purifiers or dehumidifiers to improve indoor air quality and ventilation. Air purifiers with activated carbon or HEPA filters can absorb and eliminate airborne alcohol particles, improving the overall air freshness. Dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture in the air, inhibiting the growth of odour-causing bacteria and mould.

Furthermore, when weather permits, ventilate your home by opening all windows and doors simultaneously for a brief period. This whole-house ventilation technique creates a strong airflow that flushes out stale air and alcohol odours, replacing them with fresh outdoor air.

Lastly, when using cleaning agents or odour neutralisers, ensure the room is well-ventilated. Some products may require application in a well-ventilated area or suggest leaving the room for a while after application. By improving ventilation, you can optimise the effectiveness of these products and accelerate the removal of alcohol smells from furniture and enclosed spaces.

By implementing these ventilation strategies, you can effectively reduce and eliminate alcohol odours from furniture and enclosed spaces.

Frequently asked questions