How To Get Smell Out Of New Furniture

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Post on Feb 15, 2025

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How to Get the Smell Out of New Furniture: A Comprehensive Guide

New furniture can be exciting, but that fresh-out-of-the-factory smell can sometimes be overwhelming, even nauseating. That's because furniture often contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives, finishes, and fabrics. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to banish those odors and enjoy your new purchase. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to get the smell out of new furniture, from simple ventilation techniques to more intensive odor removal strategies.

Understanding the Source of the Smell

Before diving into solutions, it's helpful to understand why your new furniture smells. The culprit is often a combination of:

• Formaldehyde: A common VOC found in particleboard, plywood, and some glues. It's known for its strong, pungent odor.
• Other VOCs: These include solvents, adhesives, and finishes used in the manufacturing process. Their specific smells can vary widely.
• Fabrics: Upholstery fabrics can retain odors from manufacturing processes or even from the materials themselves.

Knowing the source helps you target your odor-removal efforts more effectively.

Simple and Effective Methods for Odor Removal

These initial steps are crucial and often sufficient to significantly reduce or eliminate the smell:

1. Ventilation is Key:

• Air it out: The simplest and often most effective method is good old-fashioned ventilation. Place your furniture in a well-ventilated area, preferably near an open window or door. Let the air circulate freely for several days or even weeks. Consider using fans to increase airflow. This allows VOCs to dissipate naturally.
• Open windows and doors: Maximize air circulation throughout your entire home.

2. Baking Soda – The Odor Absorber:

• Strategic placement: Place open containers or bowls of baking soda near your furniture. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and will help to neutralize unpleasant smells. Replace the baking soda every few days for maximum effectiveness.
• Direct application (for some surfaces): For certain furniture surfaces (always test a hidden area first!), you can sprinkle baking soda directly onto the fabric or surface, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up. This is particularly effective for upholstered furniture.

3. Activated Charcoal:

• Powerful absorption: Activated charcoal is a more powerful odor absorber than baking soda. Place bowls of activated charcoal near your furniture. This method is especially useful for stubborn odors.

4. White Vinegar – A Natural Deodorizer:

• Careful application: Place bowls of white vinegar around the furniture. The acidic nature of vinegar can help neutralize some odors. However, be cautious as vinegar can damage certain furniture finishes. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first. Never spray directly onto the furniture.

More Intensive Methods for Stubborn Odors

If the simple methods aren't enough, you might need to employ more intensive techniques:

1. Ozone Generator:

• Professional-grade solution: Ozone generators can effectively eliminate odors by breaking down VOCs. However, ozone generators should only be used in well-ventilated areas and can be expensive to rent or purchase. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

2. Professional Cleaning:

• For upholstered furniture: If the smell persists in your upholstered furniture, consider professional cleaning. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that can effectively remove deep-seated odors.

3. Air Purifier with HEPA Filter:

• Continuous odor reduction: Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can significantly improve air quality by trapping airborne particles and VOCs, thus reducing the overall odor in your home.

Prevention is Key:

• Choose low-VOC furniture: When buying new furniture, look for options labeled as low-VOC or eco-friendly. These products typically contain fewer harmful chemicals and have less odor.
• Proper ventilation during assembly: Ensure adequate ventilation while assembling your furniture to allow VOCs to escape.

By following these steps and combining several methods, you can effectively eliminate unpleasant smells from your new furniture and enjoy your new purchase in a fresh-smelling home. Remember to always prioritize safety and test any cleaning solutions on a hidden area before applying them to the entire piece. Patience is key; it may take time for the odor to fully dissipate.