Purchasing new furniture is a pleasant event for the whole family. After all, such a purchase significantly refreshes the home interior and makes it more attractive. However, in most cases, the purchased set emits a very specific aroma that cannot be eliminated. To help housewives achieve their goal, we’ll figure out how to quickly and easily get rid of the smell of new furniture.
Reasons why new furniture produces an odor
If new furniture has a specific smell, this indicates the presence of elements potentially hazardous to health. The following components can serve as a source:
- Frame. Most often it is made from chipboard, which looks like a slab of small wood chips impregnated with synthetic glue. The latter contains phenol-formaldehyde resin, which has toxic properties. If the requirements of GOST are met, the amount of resin present in the furniture is not dangerous, but if the permissible values are exceeded, serious harm to the body is possible. You should not place a sofa with a chipboard base near a heating source, as this only increases evaporation. If the boards are coated with protective paint and laminated, they do not pose a danger.
Note! High-quality chipboards not only do not have an unpleasant odor, but can also have the aroma of natural wood.
Such a purchase significantly refreshes the home interior and makes it more attractive. - Filler. The most commonly used filling material is polyurethane foam, which contains toluene. It can be dangerous when burned, and therefore it is better to place furniture away from possible sources of ignition. Also, some Chinese-made furniture contains special sachets of dimethyl furmate, which serve as protection against mold. Once in a warm, dry room, this substance begins to gradually dissolve, leading to allergic reactions and skin irritation.
- Upholstery. Leather upholstery can acquire toxic properties. This occurs when chromium compounds are used when tanning leather, or if analine, which has a strong aroma, was used during dyeing.
The most common is the release of phenol and formaldehyde, which can be recognized by their pungent odor. The next most common are methanol, ammonia and acetone.
In most cases, the purchased set emits a very specific aroma that cannot be eliminated.
Important! If you do not get rid of any of these substances in time, then there is a risk of carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on the body.
All about MDF
This material is new compared to chipboard, but has become more popular than its predecessor. Used in the following areas:
- furniture manufacture;
- production of wall panels and floor coverings.
A safe MDF board is made from wood sawdust, which is glued together with paraffin and a special substance obtained from heated natural wood. The cost of furniture made from such material is compared with products made from natural solid wood.
Unfortunately, many manufacturers use formaldehyde in its production to reduce the cost of the material.
What are the consequences of breathing dirty air?
Formaldehyde emissions are especially intense in the first few months after purchasing furniture. In addition to it, furniture production uses varnishes, laminates, decorative tiles and other materials that can release xylene, methanol, toluene and other substances.
To begin with, it makes sense to find out why new furniture smells bad.
Symptoms of poisoning by these toxic elements include the following:
- pain in the eyes;
- nausea and vomiting;
- problems with focusing;
- headache;
- pneumonia;
- allergic reactions;
- worsening asthma symptoms;
- decreased performance;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Formaldehyde also increases the tendency to form cancerous tumors.
Correctly identifying the cause of an unwanted odor will help you get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Important! To avoid such unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to purchase furniture with a quality certificate of the European group of standards E1 and the “Leaf of Life” eco-label (the most popular option for Russia).
Citrus peels
The peels of oranges, tangerines and lemons will help neutralize the smell of new plastic, wooden or upholstered furniture. The zest has the ability to “absorb” unwanted aromas, replacing them with fresher ones.
The more crusts you spread on surfaces, the faster you will get the result. Essential oils have the same effect.
Protect upholstery and hard materials from the oil produced by the peel, and do not use this method if you have allergies.
How to remove smell from new furniture
To effectively get rid of a specific smell, it is best to leave the apartment ventilated for several days.
It is necessary to get rid of the sharp, intrusive smell emanating from newly purchased furniture as soon as possible, especially if small children live in the apartment.
Important! Sprays and air fresheners should not be used, as they can easily oversaturate the air with chemicals.
Before getting rid of the smell of new chipboard furniture at home, the room must be prepared as follows:
- Remove all unnecessary things from the room in which the sofa is located. It is optimal if the room can be cleared for a couple of weeks.
- Remove carpets that have an excellent ability to absorb odors.
- Thoroughly vacuum the room and upholstered furniture. You need to clean the space near the legs, the back and inside of the sofa.
- Open a window or window and leave it for the entire time or close it periodically. Air conditioning will not help in this situation.
Correctly identifying the cause of an unwanted odor will help you get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Note! If after prolonged airing the smell does not become less pungent and intense, then it is better to return the furniture to the manufacturer. If the documents indicate its proper quality, then an independent examination can be carried out to identify violations.
Elimination using specialized means
First of all, the furniture should be inspected for open ends or damage to the laminated layer. They can serve as a source of aroma. In this case, you should purchase melamine tape from a furniture store and seal all chips and joints with it, and cover the treated surface with furniture wax or acrylic varnish.
You can easily get rid of the smell from new furniture on your own.
You can also use more technologically advanced means, such as an ozonizer. This device releases ozone from the air, which effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors. In addition, the device promotes air disinfection. It only takes a couple of hours of work.
To remove the smell from new furniture as soon as possible, you should use special household appliances that purify and humidify the air.
A specialized liquid product for eliminating odors is also quite effective. It can be found at a hardware or furniture store. The liquid is a concentrate that should be diluted in accordance with the label and applied to all furniture surfaces. As a result, a film is formed that will inhibit the spread of odor.
Professional purchased liquids will help remove the unpleasant odor that new wood furniture emits.
Note! The use of such a liquid product is strictly not recommended for allergy sufferers.
Traditional methods of disposal
Before you get rid of the smell of new furniture in your apartment, you need to decide on its material. The following absorbents are suitable for upholstered products:
- fresh cut citrus peel;
- ground coffee, can be mixed with vanillin;
- baking soda;
- scented soap;
- canvas bags filled with sea salt, or aromatic;
- a sheet soaked in a solution of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar and wrung out thoroughly.
This is an easy home method to get rid of new furniture smell.
These products must be placed directly on the upholstery for several days. Bulk substances are removed using a vacuum cleaner.
For furniture made of chipboard that does not have upholstery, the following methods are used:
- Tea bags. Only unused copies should be used. They must be placed on all corners and shelves of furniture and left for three to four days.
- Activated or charcoal. Used in a similar way to tea bags.
- Flavored sachets. It also displays on shelves. It is optimal if their contents are of natural origin. For example, it could be herbal preparations.
Aromatic herbal infusions will help get rid of the annoying smell of new furniture.
New furniture can also be washed to neutralize the smell. For this, a solution of lemon juice or table vinegar is suitable, a few drops of which are mixed with warm water.
Note! It is worth paying close attention to the behavior of pets, which are more sensitive to odors than humans. If, after treating the furniture, animals continue to avoid it, then the furniture should be returned, as it may pose a health hazard.
Lemon juice will destroy the smell when it dries.
Technical means
The most expensive, but effective way to get rid of unwanted odors is an air ionizer. It disinfects the atmosphere by eliminating harmful compounds emitted by furniture. It should not be used too often and for a long time - a couple of hours is enough to achieve results.
An air purifier has a similar effect, but in addition to the listed properties, the device also removes allergens.
Choose any odor elimination method that suits you, or combine several methods at once, so that your new furniture brings only pleasure.
How to get rid of musty smell
The main reason for the appearance of a musty smell from old furniture is the activity of fungi and bacteria. They begin to develop if the product is kept in a room with high humidity and poor ventilation for a long time. To prevent the odor from reoccurring, you must:
- regularly ventilate the room;
- periodically open furniture doors to ventilate the interior;
- place the furniture in such a way that there is free circulation of air flow around it;
- move all the furniture away from the walls a little;
- carry out systematic cleaning, avoiding the accumulation of dust.
A musty smell usually comes from new furniture that has been sitting in a room with high humidity for a long period of time.
To remove musty smells, you can use homemade antibacterial substances.
“Whiteness”, vinegar, potassium permanganate
Chlorine-based bleaches, which include Belizna, are quite effective. They must be mixed with water in a ratio of one to five. The resulting liquid can only be treated in remote areas, since chlorine compounds cause fading of facing materials.
If everything is done correctly, in two or three days you will be able to completely get rid of the musty smell that comes from the furniture.
Note! Chlorinated products are not recommended for use on upholstered furniture, as the upholstery may lose its original color.
To eliminate the smell coming from the depths of the cabinet, you can use vinegar. Apple juice is more effective, but table variety will also work. A tablespoon of it must be mixed with half a glass of water, then wipe all surfaces, corners and joints of the product with the resulting composition. Then you should go over with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
Vinegar penetrates into the thickness of the material, destroying microorganisms, but it is important not to use rags that are too wet to prevent the new development of bacteria.
A solution of potassium permanganate acts similarly to a bite. It should be pale pink so as not to stain the surface.
Important! A solution of potassium permanganate should not be used on light-colored furniture, as there is a risk of yellowish stains.
Sorbents
Active sorbents are quite effective in removing musty odors. These include:
- citrus peels;
- ground coffee;
- crushed activated carbon;
- baking soda powder;
- sea or table salt;
- lemon acid.
Sorbents should be placed inside and in the corners of furniture. It is better to do this after treatment with a soda solution, which is prepared using a spoon of baking soda mixed with a glass of water. They wipe all surfaces, which are then wiped dry with a cloth.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not at all necessary to wait for the smell of new furniture to disappear from the apartment.
Essential oil spray
The antibacterial spray contains:
- two glasses of warm water;
- two glasses of apple or table vinegar;
- a few drops of any essential oil.
The ingredients are mixed and the resulting solution is poured into a spray bottle, with which all surfaces of the furniture are treated. After treatment, drawers and doors must be left open until completely dry.
Any essential oil will cleanse the air of musty aroma quite well.
Benefit
By purchasing high-quality MDF furniture, you will gain the following positive aspects:
- Plastic. You can make shaped products from MDF. It can also be milled.
- Moisture resistance. Can be used in the kitchen or bathroom. Fungus and mold do not form on the material.
- Fire resistance. Can be used in the kitchen near the stove. Withstands temperature changes well.
- Can be used in unheated rooms, such as balconies or garages.
You can combat the smell of furniture made from MDF using the same methods that were given for chipboard.
So that you do not have to deal with harmful odors, buy only high-quality material and products made from it. Don't skimp on your health. Protect your loved ones from negative consequences.
Ways to get rid of the smell of leather furniture
To eliminate the smell of new leather furniture, you need to:
- Ventilate the room. It is advisable to do this constantly for the first few days, and then as often as possible after that.
- Remove from the room with the sofa all objects that absorb the smell well, so as not to eliminate the aroma from them as well. These can be curtains and carpets, especially wool.
- Sprinkle the surface of the furniture with baking soda and leave for a day. After this, shake off and vacuum. If there is a result, but it is insufficient, then the procedure can be repeated.
- Place various sorbents on and under the furniture: tea bags, aromatic sachets with herbs, ground coffee.
You can use a mixture of dried herbs as a flavoring.
Mint, thyme, sage, and chamomile will cope most effectively with the problem. Important! Coffee is not recommended for use on light leather furniture as it may stain it.
If the means described above, which must be used in combination, are ineffective, then chemicals should be used. It is best to use professional leather cleaning and care products to avoid damaging the material.
It is worth noting that the leather is treated with very persistent chemicals, so it will take a long time to completely get rid of the unwanted odor.
Before getting rid of the smell, if the new furniture smells, you should prepare the room and ventilate it thoroughly. If the use of absorbent and chemical agents turns out to be ineffective and the smell persists, then it is better to return the furniture to the store under warranty, as this indicates its low quality and unsafety. Continuing to use products with a characteristic strong aroma can cause significant harm to your health.
The tips discussed above will help you get rid of the smell of furniture as quickly as possible.
What is not recommended to do
Experts do not advise new owners of upholstered furniture to use canned air fresheners and other chemical sprays. The result will be an oversaturation of the room with far from the most useful substances, and the cause of the unpleasant sensations will not be eliminated.
If your new sofa smells, there are several ways to remove the smell. The quality of the furniture will determine how long it will take to get rid of it. The simplest option is to ventilate the room often, but sometimes this is not enough. Folk or professional remedies will help, everyone makes the decision here themselves.
Reviews
Yulia, Volgograd
I spent a long time choosing a wardrobe for the nursery, they didn’t find a ready-made option, I had to order it, we waited for 2 months. It seems that the seller is trusted (they used to buy a kitchen from him), but in fact, after assembly, it had a specific smell that disappeared for several months. My biggest fear was that it was formaldehyde, then I found out on the forum that all parts of chipboard shelves should have an edge, but ours had an open edge at the back, from which fumes apparently came. I was very upset about the purchase, but now I know what I need to demand before paying in order to buy safe furniture.
Anatoly, Saratov
We also struggled with the cabinets, that was the case. Until they started choosing more expensive models and making sure that all cuts, especially on the back walls, had an edge, without open areas. No special measures were taken; usually they were left in the room for up to 2 weeks and ventilated intensively. Now we are slowly getting rid of old things with a dubious history and trying to replace them with safer ones.
