How to Get Rid of New Furniture Smell, Why Does It Smell?

When you buy new furniture, the sharp smell spreading throughout the home can often be disturbing. This smell is usually caused by the materials and chemicals used in furniture production. So, how can you eliminate this smell and what precautions can you take to protect your health? You can also prevent such odors with healthy furniture choices. Here is everything you need to know about new furniture smell.

Why Does New Furniture Smell?

The smell of new furniture is caused by the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde. These chemicals are found in the adhesives, varnishes, and paints used in furniture. Natural materials like wood, leather, and fabric can also emit their own natural odors. It is important to choose furniture with low VOC emissions for a healthy living space.

Chemical-related odors: Adhesives, varnishes, and lacquers used in furniture production can cause chemical odors. Low-emission products minimize this risk.

Material-related odors: Natural materials such as wood, leather, and fabric emit their distinctive odors post-production. Therefore, material selection also affects the smell.

Is the New Furniture Smell Harmful to Health?

The smell emitted from new furniture is not only disturbing but can also have negative effects on health with prolonged exposure. Especially chemicals like formaldehyde can cause respiratory issues and headaches. Healthy furniture contains these kinds of chemicals at minimum levels.

The effects of long-term exposure to formaldehyde and VOCs can include:

- Respiratory problems

- Headaches

- Irritation and watering of the eyes

- Prolonged fatigue

To avoid these risks, you can choose low VOC emissions and environmentally friendly furniture options.

How to Get Rid of New Furniture Smell?

There are many natural and professional methods available to eliminate the smell emitted by your furniture. It is also possible to minimize these odors by choosing healthy furniture. Here are some methods you can use to effectively remove furniture smell:

Removing Furniture Smell with Natural Methods

Natural methods are both environmentally friendly and do not harm your health. You can reduce the furniture smell with materials that are easily accessible at home.

- Using baking soda: Baking soda is very effective in absorbing odors. You can lightly sprinkle it on furniture and clean it after a few hours.

- Cleaning with vinegar: White vinegar neutralizes chemical odors. You can use it by spraying on furniture surfaces or placing a bowl of vinegar near the furniture.

- Lemon peel and water mixture: Lemon peels and water, a natural deodorizer, freshen the space and mitigate odors.

Ventilation Techniques for Reducing Odors

Regularly ventilating the room where the new furniture is located accelerates the spread and dissipation of the smell. Ventilation is a critical factor in mitigating the impact of chemicals.

- Room temperature and humidity control: High temperatures can accelerate chemical emissions, so it's important to keep the room temperature balanced.

- Keeping windows and doors open: Increases airflow, ensuring the smell disperses more quickly.

Professional Odor Removers and Solutions

If natural methods are insufficient, professional odor remover sprays or ozone generators can be used. However, caution is advised when using ozone generators, as these devices can produce harmful ozone gas if used improperly.

- Odor remover sprays: Sprays available in markets can effectively neutralize odors quickly.

How Long Does New Furniture Smell Last?

How long the new furniture smell lasts depends on the materials and chemical components used. Some furniture loses its smell within a few weeks, while others may continue to emit odors for months. Opting for environmentally friendly and low-emission furniture can minimize this duration.

Duration of Smell Based on Material Type

Different materials such as wood, leather, and fabric vary in their duration of odor emission. Wooden furniture typically loses its smell faster, while leather and fabric, due to chemical processing, may emit odors for a longer time.

Impact of Ventilation Conditions

Ventilation has a significant impact on the duration of the furniture smell. The better the room is ventilated, the shorter the time it takes for chemicals to disperse and the smell to fade. You can quickly reduce the smell of the furniture by regularly opening windows or increasing air circulation in the room. Air purifiers or dehumidifiers can also accelerate this process.

How to Prevent New Furniture Smell?

It might be difficult to completely prevent the new furniture smell, but you can minimize this risk by taking certain steps.

Choose Low-Emission Furniture

Furniture with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions allows for less release of harmful chemicals, which helps in minimizing the smell. These types of furniture are often certified as environmentally friendly. Choosing products with low-emission certifications in furniture selection helps protect both your home environment and your health.