How to Freshen Upholstery and Curtains with Febreze

By Febreze | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use Febreze Fabric Refresher to eliminate odors from upholstery and curtains. Follow simple steps for fresh, clean fabrics without washing.

Quick answer

Spray Febreze Fabric Refresher directly onto upholstery and curtains until slightly damp, then let air dry. The patented technology locks onto and eliminates odors, not just covers them.

Why Febreze works on upholstery and curtains

Febreze Fabric Refresher uses patented technology that locks onto odor molecules trapped in fabric fibers and eliminates them. Unlike air fresheners that only mask smells, this product actually cleans away odors from upholstery and curtains. It's safe for most fabrics and leaves a light, fresh scent without being overpowering.

What to expect

For best results, spray until the fabric is slightly damp but not soaking wet. Febreze works on set-in odors from pets, smoke, cooking, and everyday use. It's not a substitute for professional cleaning when fabrics are heavily soiled or stained, but it's an excellent maintenance tool between washes.

Steps to freshen upholstery and curtains

Test a hidden area: Spray a small, inconspicuous spot on upholstery or curtains to check for colorfastness or water spots. Wait 10 minutes and blot with a clean cloth to see if any color transfers. If the test spot shows color change or staining, do not proceed—consider professional cleaning instead.
Hold the bottle 6-8 inches from the fabric: Hold the Febreze Fabric Refresher nozzle about 6 to 8 inches away from the surface. This distance ensures even coverage without over-saturating a single area. Spraying too close can cause wet spots; too far reduces effectiveness.
Spray in a sweeping motion until slightly damp: Move the bottle in a steady, sweeping motion across the fabric. Aim for an even mist that leaves the fabric slightly damp but not dripping. For curtains, spray both sides if possible for thorough odor removal. Over-wetting may lead to slow drying or water stains on delicate fabrics.
Allow to air dry completely: Leave the upholstery or curtains to air dry naturally. Open windows or turn on a fan to speed drying. Avoid sitting on or touching the fabric until fully dry to prevent uneven results. Drying time varies by fabric thickness and humidity—typically 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Repeat for stubborn odors: If odors persist after the first application, repeat the process. Febreze can be used as often as needed without damaging most fabrics. For heavy smoke or pet odors, two treatments may be necessary. Check the fabric label for special care instructions before repeated use.

Recommended product

Febreze Fabric Refresher Refill - Liquid - 128 fl oz (4 quart) - Fresh ScentBottle - 1 Each - White | Bundle of 5 Each: Use Febreze Professional Deep Penetrating Fabric Refresher to refresh the fabrics in your business with a light, fresh scent by eliminating tough odors for good. Patented technology locks onto odors and eliminates them so all your customers smell is clean. The deep-penetrating formula reaches into fabric fibers, making it effective on thick upholstery and layered curtains where odors hide.
Febreze Fabric Refresher Refill - Liquid - 128 fl oz (4 quart) - Fresh ScentBottle - 1 Each - White | Bundle of 5 Each