How can I remove sewer stench from my love seat and chairs??

Susie
by Susie

Last week the sewer backed up all over my basement and they are still drying it out. The company said any fabric furniture needs to be thrown away as the raw sewage is to harmful. I have a love seat and 2 fabric chairs, this is so traumatic and heartbreaking! I have never seen such a mess in my entire life! I don't know what to do! Please any suggestions would be so helpful! Thank-you!


  14 answers
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 12, 2022

    Depending on the age and fabric content of the furniture, it can have an effect on how well it will release the odor. A main concern is mold and bacteria from the sewer.

    Here is a link with effective steps you can take to remove the bacteria, mold, and smells:


    https://www.servicemasterbyjlk.com/how-to-remove-musty-odors-from-furniture/


    You may end up removing the padding and replacing it if it stays wet or damp too long.


    Best to you and so sorry this happened.

  • If the company says to throw it away, then you should. The only other alternative I can think of is stripping the furniture to the frames and reupholstering. If the frames are contaminated though, I would get rid of everything. So sorry to hear this has happened to you.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 12, 2022

    I hope you can claim on either your or the Company responsible for the damage, insurance co. Then maybe it might be possible to strip the furniture down to frame and start again or replace your items.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Aug 12, 2022

    call in a professional company to clean them - the companies that deal with fire, flooding etc know how to restore and clean these items just search for them for your area

  • Janice Janice on Aug 12, 2022

    Did you have insurance? If so, turn in a cliaim immediately and perhaps it will help pay for the contractor who did the clean up work and the disposal of the furniture to defray the costs of purchasing new. I had a flooded basement due to leaking water heater and my insurance came through more than I expected they would. Good Luck to you. So sorry you had to deal with this!

  • William William on Aug 12, 2022

    Throw them out unless you want to strip them down to the wood frame. If your covered for sewer backup claim it on your homeowners insurance.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 12, 2022

    If it was me I would throw it out.

    Your home owners insurance should cover this or at least help you out with the cost of replacement furniture.

    What company told you to throw it out (curious)?

    You have to ask yourself at what price point is it just not worth it. Are the sofa and chairs that were runied expensive or sentimental?

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 12, 2022

    You could have it re-covered. If it is minor, you could try steam cleaning with OdoBan which is a disinfectant and an odor eliminator.

  • Dee Dee on Aug 12, 2022

    You should follow the directions of the furniture company. Make a home owners claim and have it pay for the chairs etc. You do not want harmful bacteria affecting your breathing. or health in any way.. Just not worth it.

  • Deb K Deb K on Aug 13, 2022

    Hi Susie, sorry this happened to you. Honestly, if you are prepared to spend a lot of time trying to clean it, you may be able to, but there is a lot if disease involved with sewage. You have to be able to clean the foam cushion too. It involves using bleach. Hope this helps you out,

    https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/cleaning-flooded-upholstered-furniture-curtains-bedding-table-linens-and-other-household-textiles

  • Susie Susie on Aug 15, 2022

    Thank-you everyone for your help! As much as I don't want to, my love seat and several chairs will have to go. It's been 1 1/2 weeks since this has happened and I'm still waiting for them to clean everything up. It's absolute disgusting and I hope this never happens to any of you! Once again, thank-you!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 16, 2022

    If the furniture has been soaked already with back up sewer water, then unfortunately all the fibres have been defiled. Trying to dry the pieces out and mask the stench will not eradicate or reverse the contamination that has occurred. In the interest of your health, throw it all out.

  • Sorry this happened to you. It’s safest to part with the pieces, unfortunately. Making an insurance claim may raise your rates so check first.

  • Annie Annie on Aug 19, 2022

    This article is specifically about sewage related smells: https://www.hunker.com/13420915/how-to-get-the-smell-of-raw-sewage-out-of-the-house