Unpleasant chemical odors are common with new furniture; upholstery might have been treated with flame retardants or other substances made to protect the material, while painted or varnished furniture’s odors stem from its finish. In any case, the odor can be off-putting. Reducing or removing the chemical scent is often an issue of giving the furniture time to air out, but you can take several different steps to accelerate the procedure.
Period for Fresh Air
Airing out new furniture, whether it’s upholstered, painted or decorated, offers a natural way for the compound fumes to dissipate by themselves. Just about any kind of cloth or furniture finish has an odor that is most evident while the furniture is new. Place the new pieces outside on a warm, non-humid afternoon to enable the furniture to air out. Sunshine, low humidity and a bit of a breeze all work in your favor to freshen up the furniture. If you are unable to keep the pieces outside for a day, place them on a porch or balcony, or in a room away from your main family activities, opening the windows and turning fans near the furniture to help reduce odors.
Keep It Dry
Damp or moist conditions occasionally promote the degrees of chemical odor emitted in the furniture. Sensors that off-gas or turn into fumes, such as formaldehyde, do this more readily when the surrounding air is humid. Run a dehumidifier or air conditioner in the room containing the furniture through humid states to help cut back on off-gassing.
Dry Deodorizers
Baking soda scattered over carpet cloth absorbs some of this odor when left to sit down for an hour or so. Set any removable cushions aside and sprinkle the cushions and the areas underneath, as well as all the cloth in an upholstered product. Vacuum the baking soda off to clean it off the furniture. To get non-upholstered furniture with drawers, put a bowl of coffee beans or used, dry coffee grounds in the drawer and shut the drawer. Discard the grounds after a few days.
Vinegar Spritz
A combination of equal parts vinegar and water functions as a liquid deodorizer for cloths, or you can use it to wipe down completed furniture to help cut down on odors. Spray the mixture over upholstery, then rub it off with a moist cloth. Use the mixture straight to your soft cloth or sponge to wipe down hard furniture surfaces, followed by a dry cloth to remove excess moisture. In any case, first analyze the vinegar on an inconspicuous area to ensure the furniture is color-safe. A bowl of vinegar in the room near the furniture also helps remove airborne chemical odors emitted from the furniture.