Congratulations on your new furniture purchase! However, the excitement of bringing home fresh pieces can sometimes be dampened by the overpowering chemical odor that often accompanies them.
This unpleasant scent, caused by materials like paint, adhesives, and finishes, can linger for days or even weeks. But fret not! For there are numerous effective methods to help you get rid of that new furniture smell and make your living space more comfortable and welcoming.
In this article, we’ll explore 9 tried-and-true do-it-yourself (DIY) ways to eliminate the strong chemical odor from your newly bought furniture, allowing you to enjoy your home without the pungent intrusion.
What’s Up With That Smell?
The new furniture smell likely consists of a mixture of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with formaldehyde being one of them. Formaldehyde finds its way into numerous household products, such as paints, resins, and sealants. Moreover, many companies use formaldehyde for providing a permanent-press quality to textiles like clothing, curtains, and furniture materials.
This chemical is also a common ingredient in the adhesives, glues, and coatings used in new furniture. This might not sound concerning at first, but it’s important to note that formaldehyde is associated with the risk of cancer and a range of respiratory issues.
Off-gassing refers to the way in which products containing VOCs release those chemicals into the air in vapor form, resulting in a strong smell. Airing out new furniture, whether it’s upholstered, varnished or painted, can help reduce those odors, but won’t stop the process of off-gassing.
1. Baking Soda Absorption
Baking soda is a versatile odor absorber. Sprinkle a generous amount on your furniture’s surface, let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour or more, then vacuum or carefully wipe it off. Baking soda effectively neutralizes odorous compounds, leaving your furniture smelling much better.
2. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is known for its excellent absorption properties. Place small bowls or trays of activated charcoal near the furniture, and it will gradually absorb the unpleasant smell. Remember to replace the charcoal regularly for optimal effectiveness.
3. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another natural odor absorber! Spread dry coffee grounds on a tray and place it near the new furniture. The coffee aroma will overpower the chemical scent, leaving your space smelling inviting.
4. Vinegar Solution
A mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar can work wonders in eliminating unwanted odors. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe down your furniture’s surfaces without using too much of pressure and the mixture solution. You could also pour the mixture into a spray bottle for your convenience and lightly spray your furniture. Be sure to wipe down the moisture off completely from your furniture with a dray cloth afterwards .
As the solution evaporates, it will take the smell with it.
Do note that vinegar can ruin wood so it’s important to dilute the vinegar down with water before doing a test spot on your precious new furniture. Then leave the test area to dry for a day or so and re-visit it after – if all looks well, only then proceed with spraying other parts of your furniture.
5. Lemon Water Spray
Citrus is known for its refreshing scent. Create a mixture of lemon juice and water and spray it lightly on your furniture. As it dries, the pleasant citrus aroma will replace the chemical odor.
6. Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are natural deodorizers. Dilute a few drops of your chosen oil with water and lightly mist your furniture. These oils not only mask odors but also provide a soothing ambiance.
7. Cat Litter
You read that right! Cat litters contain odour-absorbing components, which include baking soda and activated charcoal that work harmoniously at eradicating any undesirable scents. Pour a portion (of unused cat litter of course!!) into a bowl or disposable container, then position it in close proximity to your furniture for several days.
For continuous protection against mustiness, place cat litter containers within your new drawers or wardrobes throughout the year. Remember to refresh them with a new batch every 2 weeks or so to maintain an odour free atmosphere.
If you already have cat litter at home then definitely try this hack out!
8. Pandan Leaves
This method is best used to lessen the chemical smells of new cabinets, closets, drawers, shelves. This is because Pandan leaves act best when it’s placed in a closed, confided area. Simply tie the leaves into a knot, and tuck them within your recently bought cabinet.
Besides being able to neutralize strong chemical odours, Pandan leaves also help at repelling cockroaches!
9. Onion Slices
This hack may be surprising (and slightly unconventional) but it works! Despite it’s peculiar nature, onions excel in eliminating lingering chemical smells from new furniture and paint odors within your living space.
Slice an onion in half (increase quantity for larger areas) and place it on a plate. Allow these onion halves to stay in the room with your furniture overnight as they soak up the chemical smells, gradually dissipating their own scent. The smell of onion may linger but the chemical smell will be gone. At this point you can dispose of the onions and light an incense or use other methods to neutralize the onion scent.
Try a combination of these effective ways to eliminate the new furniture smell so that you can enjoy your home without the unpleasant chemical odor.
Remember, patience is key as some methods may take time. Whether you opt for natural remedies like baking soda and coffee grounds or prefer the invigorating scents of citrus and essential oils, rest assured that your efforts will be rewarded with a fresh and inviting living space.
Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you, and soon your furniture will be free from the strong chemical scent.
Do you have some other proven remedies that we did not include on our list? Share your DIY ways in the comment section!
Say goodbye to that initial off-putting smell and say hello to a cozy, comfortable home that you can relax in.
Also Read: Looking to Get Rid of Your Old Clothes? Give Them Away at ‘Buy Nothing’ Facebook Pages in Your Area
