Can I fix this?

[klmama]

We bought a used couch through Craigslist to give to our adult dc.  We'll be storing it here for a couple of weeks until we can take it to dc.  The previous owners had cleaned it prior to sale, and the chemicals they used are giving me a headache.  I have access to a carpet/upholstery cleaning machine and could go over it again, but what would I use to avoid adding even more chemicals?  Plain water?  Water with vinegar?  Making it smell like vinegar wouldn't be much of an improvement, KWIM?  Thanks for sharing your ideas.  

[Spryte]

I don’t know about re-cleaning it, but if you have a very good air purifier, that filters VOCs, I would run that next to it.  It helps with the smell of off-gassing, so it may help with cleaning chemicals.  For cleaning, I would think plain water, and then maybe the unscented Febreze, if that doesn’t trigger headaches for you.
 

I hope your headache goes away!

 

[Katy]

I might try vinegar diluted in water. Or someone here once suggested cleaning with citric acid instead of vinegar because it doesn’t smell. You can find it in the canning aisle.

Another option might be a very weak soap/baking soda solution. Maybe a spoonful of baking soda & half a spoonful of dish soap in the reservoir of water.

[klmama]

3 minutes ago, Spryte said:

I don’t know about re-cleaning it, but if you have a very good air purifier, that filters VOCs, I would run that next to it.  It helps with the smell of off-gassing, so it may help with cleaning chemicals.  For cleaning, I would think plain water, and then maybe the unscented Febreze, if that doesn’t trigger headaches for you.

I tried it on high, and it spread the smell farther into the house with the air currents.  I'll try it again on low to see if that helps.

4 minutes ago, Katy said:

I might try vinegar diluted in water. Or someone here once suggested cleaning with citric acid instead of vinegar because it doesn’t smell. You can find it in the canning aisle.

Another option might be a very weak soap/baking soda solution. Maybe a spoonful of baking soda & half a spoonful of dish soap in the reservoir of water.

Thanks.  I'll see if I can find the citric acid.  

[happi duck]

Maybe cover it with baking soda and leave it for a time and then vacuum up the baking soda?  If it has cushions that can go in a garbage bag I'd tie those up in a bag with baking soda.

[Starr]

Put it in the garage?

[mmasc]

Any chance you could let it sit out in the sun for a bit? Otherwise, I’d go with sprinkling generously with baking soda and letting it sit for at least a day, then vacuuming. 

[mommyoffive]

Where is it?  Inside your house?  Can you put it outside for the day or longer?  Open the windows all day?   Put in the garage?