Why loft furnishings hold so much odor
In an ordinary apartment, carpet, drywall and smaller furniture share the job of absorbing sound. In an open RiNo loft with exposed brick, concrete floors and high ceilings, almost every soft surface is something the occupant brought in: a room-sized wool or synthetic rug, a sectional big enough for eight, fabric acoustic panels on the walls, floor-to-ceiling curtains on the warehouse windows. Smoke has fewer porous surfaces to land on, so the ones that exist get more of it.
These items also tend to be thick and layered. A sectional has foam, batting, fabric and a frame. A large rug has pile, backing and often a pad underneath. Acoustic panels are designed to be porous, which is exactly why they hold smoke. Odor in deep layers keeps escaping long after the surface has been cleaned.
What each item usually needs
| Item | Clean in place | Send out or remove | Often replaced when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large area rug | Thorough vacuum and hot water extraction can help with light odor | Professional rug cleaning for wool, hand-knotted or heavily affected rugs | The backing or pad smells strongly after cleaning |
| Rug pad | Rarely effective | Remove and smell it separately | Almost always, if the rug was in a smoking area |
| Sectional or sofa | Upholstery cleaning reaches the fabric surface | Cushion covers removed and cleaned per label | Foam cores smell after the fabric is cleaned |
| Acoustic wall panels | Vacuum with brush attachment only | Fabric-wrapped panels can sometimes be re-covered | Panel core holds odor; replacement panels are often simplest |
| Curtains and drapes | Steam may refresh lightly affected fabric | Laundry or dry cleaning per label | Lined or blackout curtains keep smelling after cleaning |
| Throw pillows and blankets | Not usually worth it | Laundry | Inserts smell after covers are washed |
Clean, encase or replace
- IfThe item is valuable, removable and made of natural fiberThenHave it professionally cleaned off-site and stored away from the unit until the loft itself is treated.
- IfIt was in the main smoking area for yearsThenExpect deep layers to keep releasing odor. Cleaning may reduce it; replacement may be more realistic.
- IfIt is inexpensive or worn out anywayThenReplace rather than spend on cleaning, and wait to bring the new item in until treatment is done.
- IfYou are unsureThenRemove it from the loft for a week. If the room smells better without it, that item is a major source.
Timing soft goods with the rest of the work
- Take soft goods out first.Remove rugs, curtains and cushions before surface cleaning starts so they do not absorb residue knocked loose during cleaning.
- Clean them separately.Send out or clean items away from the unit, and keep them stored somewhere neutral.
- Bring them back last.Only return soft goods after the brick, ceilings, floors and ducts are done and the space has been smell-tested.
General information for RiNo, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.