It's always a thrill to find a beautiful or rare piece of secondhand furniture. If the piece of furniture was used in someone else's home or sat in storage, it likely needs to be cleaned and disinfected. An upholstery cleaning specialist can help restore the piece back to its former glory, but there are a few other steps you should take first to disinfect the furniture as soon as you get it. 

3 Ways to Disinfect Second-Hand Furniture 

1. Remove Odors

Many old pieces have a distinctive odor that can linger for months without treatment. If you have an old chair, sofa, or lounger that has a musty odor, treat the problem by lightly dusting the surface with baking soda. You can even use a brush to work the baking soda into cushions, armrests, and seatbacks. 

Be sure to apply the powder to the topsides and undersides of cushions to soak up as much of the scent as possible. Then, let the powder sit for awhile before vacuuming up the remnants. Repeat the process a few times if needed to remove stubborn scents.

2. Clean the Furniture Outside 

Exposing the furniture to sunlight is useful for breaking down scent molecules. First, bring the piece into your yard, and remove any cushions if applicable. Hit the cushions hard with your hand or a paddle to release any pent-up dirt or debris. You don't want to do this part of the process inside since you'll release the dirt into your home. 

After you've beaten the cushions, prop them up on the couch and place the entire piece in a bright, sunny part of the yard. Let it sit for a few hours so that it can absorb sunlight. Don't let the furniture sit too long as the sun's rays can cause discoloration after long periods of exposure. 

3. Use an Enzyme Product 

Urine stains can be especially stubborn in old upholstery. If you detect urine, an enzyme-based cleaner is your best option for getting it out. Make sure to buy a cleaner that is made for the right type of fabric. Apply it according to the package instructions for the best results.

Revitalize old furniture with help from an upholstery cleaning specialist. Gray’s Carpet Cleaning in Rochester, NY offers carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and pet odor treatments at fair prices. They serve residential and commercial customers throughout Monroe County. Learn about what they can do for you online or request a booking by calling (585) 473-4947.