Have you ever stopped mid-way lying down on your futon after smelling a foul stench, making you think a rat just died between the folds?
Or were there times when you were about to sit down and thought your dog farted when it’s actually the stinky smell of your futon permeating the air?
You are not alone! A lot of us wondered the same thing and then, unfortunately, realized it is our futons that smelled.
In this article, we will uncover the top 2 reasons why your futon smells, and what you can do to get rid of the foul odor.
Top 2 reasons why futon smell
- YOU – It might be hard to admit that you are the main reason your futon smells, but facts are hard to deny. Your sweat, saliva, dead skin, and body odor all get trapped in the futon mattress and build up over time.
Without proper maintenance, the dirt and moisture from your body would accumulate and create an unpleasant odor. - Mold – This phenomenon is caused by moisture due to poor ventilation and humid air. If your futon is in a room with a humid environment, odds are you will sweat a lot in your sleep.
Your sweat, dead skin, and spilled drinks or food, combined with the room temperature, make the perfect breeding grounds for molds.
When molds form, expect your bed to smell musty or like a rotting vegetable you forgot to dispose of.
How to get rid of the smell
Now that you know the answer to the WHY, it’s now time to learn about the HOW – how to get rid of the stinky smell.
In a perfect world, you might be able to prevent your futon from getting smelly. However, if you are busy with work and have little time to take care of other things besides sleep when you get home, it is understandable if your futon becomes smelly.
There are a few things you can do to get rid of the bad smell.
- If possible, air out the futon mattress to remove unwanted moisture by hanging it on a rack and letting it dry in the sun. If this is not an option, you can always prop it inside your house while aiming a fan at it.
- Once aired out and replaced on the frame, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the mattress surface to deodorize the futon. Let it sit for an hour before cleaning it with a vacuum.
- Vacuum both sides of the futon to remove any loose dirt attached to it. Make sure to unfold the futon before running the vacuum over it to ensure you get the unwanted stuff clinging to the futon.
If you have one handy, use an upholstery brush to get the dirt wedged in between cracks and crevices. - Spot clean stains using a damp cloth, mild detergent, and a small amount of warm water. Do not soak the cloth with soapy water to prevent more moisture from seeping into the mattress.
Preventive Measures
We are all busy with daily chores, work, and life outside the house that we sometimes tend to forget that our bed is an integral part of our life. We spend hours resting and sleeping on it, so it is only right that we keep it clean and well-maintained.
Here are some quick and easy cleaning tips you can follow to care for your futon.
- Flip the futon mattress at least once a month to air out both sides and prevent moisture build-up.
- Immediately blot out any spilled drinks or food with paper towels or a dry cloth to prevent liquid from seeping into the mattress.
- Use futon toppers or covers to protect the mattress.
For tips on how to care for your futon, check out 4 practical ways to keep futon from sagging.
