Can baking soda help with a sofa’s smell or stains—and when should you stop?

Baking soda may help with smoke odour

Baking soda followed by vacuuming may help with smoke odour, but it is not guaranteed to remove the smell. Do not assume it will remove stains or suit every sofa.

Cleaning cannot reverse fading or wear

Cleaning can remove soiling, but it cannot reverse fading, abrasion, colour loss, fibre damage or other changes that have become part of the material.

The fabric alone does not determine the cleaning method

Fibre composition, finish, furniture construction and current condition can affect the cleaning method. Consult any manufacturer care instructions available for your sofa before choosing a treatment.

A hidden-area test has limits

For its Proof upholstery fabric, Kvadrat recommends testing stain-removal agents on an inconspicuous area first to check their effect on the cover. A successful test does not prove that baking soda is safe for every fabric or that the whole sofa can be treated safely.

Blotting a spill is different from scrubbing a stain

For Sunbrella upholstery, the manufacturer says to blot liquid spills rather than rub them, and to avoid scrubbing, hard-bristled brushes and abrasive cleaning.

When to stop trying home treatments

As a precaution, pause home treatment if you cannot confirm that it suits the fabric, if the fabric’s appearance or texture changes, or if repeated attempts do not help. Kvadrat recommends professional help for its Proof fabric, particularly for large stains.

Prepare photos and a treatment history

Prepare a short description and a few photos showing the furniture and affected area, plus any manufacturer label you have. The label is useful but not required to start. If the material or condition cannot be assessed confidently from photos alone, Prestige Care explains what else needs checking.

Note whether you used baking soda dry or with liquid, which other products you applied, and any changes you noticed. Earlier DIY products or professional cleaning may affect what can safely be done next.

Ask about the scope and price

Send an enquiry through [Request Care](/request-care). The recommended scope and price are explained before work begins. You can also read about [upholstery care](/services/upholstery) and [how we work](/how-we-work).