like if i want to pick up a used sofa or mattress to use but maybe the previous owner had pets or was a smoker, what is a good way to clean an sanitize mainly cloth furniture like a couch or mattress.
Don't buy used soft furnishings like sofas. And definitely DO N-O-T buy a used mattress. You are asking for trouble if you do that. Besides, many charity stores don't even take in bedding (sheets, etc) because of bedbugs. Do yourself a favour and do without furniture until you can afford to buy it new (or get it from friends and relatives). The smell of cigarette smoke isn't the only undesirable thing in getting used furniture. Besides, you absolutely cannot 'sanitize' an upholstered couch or chair. It's just not possible. You can clean them with Bissel upholstery cleaner, but you won't know if there are bugs inside it. Not worth it - just take 10 minutes and check out the various questions that are on this site and you'll see how horrible it is to get bed bugs in your house. You can't see bed bugs because they usually come out at night and bite your butt until it bleeds!
well honestly i would not do that you are just bringing a problem into your own home.... buy new or get something from family vacuum it and lysol and air it...sun helps... *(*
