Are you excited to decorate your new home or office with brand-new furniture?
Bringing new furniture into your home can be an exciting experience, as it often transforms a space and adds a touch of freshness. However, the downside to new furniture is the distinct smell that often accompanies it. This smell is typically caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals used during the manufacturing process. These odors can be unpleasant and even cause headaches or irritation for some individuals.
Thankfully, there are effective methods on how to get rid of new furniture smell , helping to ensure a healthier and more comfortable environment in your home. In this guide, we will explore some practical strategies to help you get rid of the new furniture smell and make your living space more inviting.
What Will You Need?
Before diving into the different methods, gathering the necessary materials is important. You may already have some of these items at home, but if not, they are inexpensive and easy to find at your local store:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Activated charcoal or charcoal briquettes
- Essential oils (optional)
Once you have these items ready, it’s time to start eliminating that new furniture smell.
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Rid of New Furniture Smell
Step 1: Air It Out
Proper ventilation of the space is the first step in reducing the smell of new furniture. Place your new furniture in a well-ventilated room near open windows to allow fresh air to circulate it. This process helps disperse VOCs by encouraging airflow to carry away the odors. If the weather is conducive, open multiple windows and use fans to enhance ventilation, expediting the airing-out process.
It’s best to leave the furniture to breathe for at least 24 to 48 hours. During this time, consider rotating the furniture or changing its positioning to ensure all sides are exposed to fresh air. This initial step is crucial as it can significantly decrease the concentration of odors, making subsequent treatments more effective.
Step 2: Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent and natural odor neutralizer. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the surfaces of your new furniture or a cloth, then gently rub it in. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least a few hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum absorption. Afterward, vacuum or wipe off the baking soda residue.
This process will help absorb the unpleasant odors emanating from the furniture, leaving your room smelling much fresher. Baking soda is handy for upholstered furniture, which can penetrate deeper into the fabric to address trapped odors effectively.
Step 3: Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is another robust odor absorber that can help eliminate new furniture smells. Place bowls of activated charcoal or charcoal briquettes around the room where the new furniture is located. This natural air purifier works by trapping VOCs and other odor-causing agents, thereby purifying the air.
Leave the charcoal in place for several days or until the smell noticeably diminishes. For larger rooms or multiple pieces of furniture, you may need to use more charcoal to achieve the best results. You can also strategically place charcoal inside drawers or storage compartments to target enclosed spaces directly. Remember to replace the charcoal periodically as it becomes saturated and ineffective.
Step 4: White Vinegar
White vinegar is a versatile and natural deodorizer that can help neutralize new furniture odors. Fill a few small bowls with white vinegar and place them throughout the room, ensuring they are close to the new furniture. Vinegar works by breaking down and absorbing the VOCs, thus reducing the smell.
Use more bowls to cover the area effectively for larger pieces of furniture. Let the bowls of vinegar sit for several days, checking periodically to see if they need replenishing. This simple yet effective method not only helps eliminate odors but also freshens up the air in the room without introducing harsh chemicals.
Step 5: Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is well-known for its fresh and pleasant scent, making it an ideal candidate for combating new furniture odors. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the surfaces of your furniture with the solution, being careful not to saturate any upholstery or wood surfaces.
The acidity in lemon juice helps neutralize some chemical odors while leaving a fresh, citrus scent behind. For best results, allow the solution to air dry naturally. Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous furniture area first to ensure that the lemon juice does not discolor or otherwise harm the finish. Using lemon juice is a natural and fragrant way to refresh your living space while reducing unwelcome smells.
Step 6: Essential Oils
Essential oils can add a pleasant aroma to your space, helping to mask any remaining odors from your new furniture. Choose your preferred essential oil, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil, and add a few drops to a diffuser or dilute with water in a spray bottle. If using a diffuser,
place it near the new furniture to allow the scent to circulate throughout the room. If opting for a spray, lightly mist the area around the furniture and avoid direct contact with the surfaces. The natural fragrances of essential oils offer a pleasing scent and contribute to a calming and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Step 7: Fresh Air Plants
Introducing houseplants into your home can be a natural and effective way to combat unpleasant odors from new furniture. Certain plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, and aloe vera, are known for their air-purifying abilities and can help absorb VOCs from the environment. Position these plants around the room where the new furniture is placed to benefit from their cleansing properties.
Not only do plants help neutralize odors, but they also add a touch of greenery and life to your living space. Ensure the plants receive adequate light and water, and observe their health to maximize their air-purifying potential. Incorporating plants into your decor provides aesthetic appeal and a functional solution to improving your home’s air quality.
Step 8: Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another effective and natural method to absorb and neutralize odors emanating from new furniture. Simply place bowls filled with used coffee grounds around the affected area.
The coffee grounds will work by absorbing the unpleasant smells due to their rich aroma and porous nature, helping to freshen the air. Allow the coffee to sit for several days, and replace it with fresh grounds to maintain its effectiveness.
This method provides an economical and environmentally friendly solution, leveraging a standard household waste product to enhance the atmosphere in your home while reducing unwanted odors.
Step 9: Open Windows
Allowing fresh air to circulate through your space is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce new furniture odors. Open windows to facilitate airflow, helping to dissipate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other odor-causing agents. Create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room or house. Fresh air serves to deodorize your home naturally and brings freshness and vitality.
Ventilate the space several hours a day or whenever it’s convenient, especially when employing other odor-neutralizing methods to enhance their effectiveness. Regularly airing out your room can significantly improve indoor air quality and help minimize the smell of new furniture.
Step 10: Baking Soda
Baking soda is a robust, natural odor absorber that can be used to further reduce the smell of new furniture. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on upholstered surfaces, such as cushions or fabric sofas, allowing it to sit for several hours or overnight.
The baking soda works by absorbing and neutralizing any lingering odors in the fabric. Afterward, thoroughly vacuum the area to remove the baking soda, ensuring no residue is left behind. For other types of furniture, such as wooden or metallic, you can place bowls of baking soda nearby to absorb unpleasant fumes. Baking soda is a versatile and accessible solution, ideal for maintaining a fresh and odor-free environment in your home.
By following these steps and implementing one or more of these methods, you can effectively reduce the new furniture smell in your home.
Conclusion
Dealing with the odors associated with new furniture doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using a combination of natural and effective methods, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality and enjoy your new furniture without unpleasant smells.
Whether it’s using household items like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda, or incorporating fresh air and plants as natural purifiers, each strategy offers its own unique benefits. Essential oils add an additional layer of fragrance while coffee grounds serve to absorb lingering odors. The key is to find the methods that work best for your space and furniture type.
Hopefully, the article on how to get rid of new furniture smell has provided you with some useful tips and tricks for eliminating these odors. Happy decorating!
