How to remove the smell of new furniture?

25.03.2025

When you buy new furniture, it's not just the furniture you bring into your home, but also the new living space and fresh start. But this fresh start sometimes comes with an unwanted guest: That characteristic new furniture smell. For some, the smell evokes a nostalgic and pleasant feeling, while for others it can be irritating and even worrying.

There are many effective ways to remove the smell of new furniture. We will help you to make your home more livable by presenting you various ways to deal with the smell. With practical and natural solutions, you can get rid of unwanted odours while enjoying your new furniture.

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Why does new furniture smell?

The smell of new furniture is actually a result of the various chemicals and materials used in the manufacturing process of the furniture. The smell arises as the paints, varnishes, adhesives and other chemicals used in the construction of the furniture gradually evaporate. This odour can be more intense, especially when new furniture is unpacked.

The chemical process behind odour formation is quite complex. Synthetic materials, adhesives and preservatives used in furniture production slowly evaporate at room temperature. This evaporation process is the basis of the question of how to remove furniture odour. For example, some chemicals, such as formaldehyde, are used to extend the life of the furniture and increase its durability, but they also contribute to the characteristic odour.

In the case of wooden furniture, natural tree resins and oils can also contribute to the odour. Although natural odours are generally considered more pleasant, they can still be offensive to some people. The question of how to remove the smell of fresh furniture also applies to wooden furniture.

The smell of new furniture is seen in some cultures as a sign of newness and quality. However, nowadays, as consumers are becoming more aware, the demand for low-emission and less smelly furniture is increasing. IKEA has a long history of continuously reducing formaldehyde emission levels and is on track to achieve formaldehyde emission levels from wood-based materials equal to or lower than those emitted from natural wood. Furniture deodorisation methods aim to accelerate the chemical evaporation process or neutralise odours in the environment. Methods such as ventilation, the use of activated carbon or natural odour absorbers are effective ways of managing the chemical evaporation process.

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How to remove the smell of new furniture?

There are several effective methods for removing furniture odour. By applying the methods, you can remove the smell of your new furniture faster and create a more fresh environment in your home. The simplest and most effective method is to ventilate the room frequently. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. By applying the method for at least 30 minutes a day, you can ensure that the new furniture odour dissipates faster. Put vinegar in a bowl and place it near the furniture. Vinegar has the ability to absorb odours. When applying the method, it will be more effective to use white vinegar. By refreshing the vinegar every day, you can speed up the deodorisation process.

Applying baking soda to furniture odour is also an effective method. Sprinkle baking soda on the furniture or drawers. By laying the baking soda in a thin layer, you can remove the odour without damaging the surface of the furniture. You may need to repeat this process for several days. Activated carbon filters placed near the furniture are also very effective in absorbing odours. You can use activated carbon in small cloth bags and place them in the drawers or shelves of the furniture. This method is especially effective for cupboards and wardrobes.

Coffee beans also have odour absorbing properties. Put them in small containers and place them in the drawers of the furniture. The aroma of coffee beans can make the process of furniture deodorisation more pleasant. In addition to these methods, you can also use natural deodorisers. For example, natural flavours such as lemon slices or peels, lavender sachet or rosemary sprigs can also be effective for removing fresh furniture odours. By placing natural deodorisers on or near the furniture, you can both reduce the smell and add a pleasant aroma to your home.

Using a furniture odour perfume can also be an option. However, the method offers a temporary solution to mask the smell and does not completely remove the underlying chemical odour. Therefore, choosing natural methods will be a healthier and permanent solution. You can try the same methods for wooden chair models.

Removing the smell of fresh furniture can take time, but with the right approach, you can speed up this process. Since each furniture is made of different materials, the odour removal time may also vary. For example, wooden furniture can be deodorised faster, while furniture made of synthetic materials may take a little longer. New furniture odour is a temporary condition and will decrease spontaneously over time. However, by applying the methods, you can speed up the process and get a clean and fresh living space in less time. Patience and persistence are the key to success in removing furniture odour.

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When does the smell of new furniture in the house go away?

The time it takes for the new furniture smell to completely go away can vary depending on the type of furniture, the materials used and your home environment. Usually, the intense odour starts to subside within the first few days and in most cases is largely gone within 2-3 weeks. This process can be accelerated by your furniture odour removal efforts.

In some cases, however, especially with chemical-intensive furniture, this may take longer. For example, the deodorisation process for living room furniture can take longer than for a simple wooden chair. This is because living room furniture is usually larger and contains more processed materials.

Remember to regularly apply the methods mentioned above to remove the odour faster. Also, leaving the furniture outdoors as much as possible can speed up the process. This is an effective method to remove the smell of fresh furniture.

The material of the furniture can also affect the deodorisation time. For example, solid wood furniture usually emits less odour and the odour goes away faster. On the other hand, treated wood products such as chipboard or MDF may contain more chemicals and their odours may linger longer.

The humidity and temperature of your home also affect how long it takes for the new furniture odour to go away. Humid and warm environments can cause chemicals to evaporate faster. However, it is important to maintain a balanced environment, as excessive humidity can damage the furniture itself.

Some types of furniture can emit odours for longer than others. For example, leather sofas or heavily polished furniture may smell longer. In this case, you can consider temporary solutions such as the use of furniture odour perfume, but remember that this is only a short-term solution.

You need to be patient for the smell of your furniture to go away. Although in most cases the odour is greatly reduced within a few weeks, in some cases this can take up to several months. During this time, it is important to continue regular ventilation and deodorising methods.

If the question of how to remove furniture odour is still on your mind, you may want to consider using professional cleaning services. Using special equipment and products, they can deodorise your furniture faster and more effectively.

Is the smell of new furniture harmful?

There are various opinions about the harm of the smell of new furniture. In general, short-term exposure does not pose a serious risk for most people. However, it may cause discomfort for some sensitive individuals. Furniture odour harms include headache, dizziness, eye and throat irritation, allergic reactions. Especially asthma patients, pregnant women and young children may be more sensitive to these odours. For these sensitive groups, the smell of new furniture can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, skin problems and in some cases even nausea.

If you are concerned, you can take more aggressive measures on how to get rid of furniture paint odour. For example, you can consider options such as leaving the furniture outdoors for a while or using professional cleaning services. It may also be useful to use air purifiers in your home, ventilate regularly, and let the furniture sit for a while before using it.

Furniture odour removal methods include using activated carbon filters, keeping plants in the room (for example, plants with air-purifying properties such as aloe vera, ivy, chrysanthemum) and using natural odour absorbers (for example, baking soda, coffee beans or apple cider vinegar). These methods will help to reduce the odour and at the same time improve the air quality in your home.

The smell of new furniture is temporary and can be effectively removed with the right approaches. Keeping the air in your home clean is important not only for comfort but also for your health. When buying furniture, it is also important to check the manufacturer's certificates and product safety information. Some manufacturers offer low-emission or environmentally friendly products, and choosing such products can help minimise potential health risks. You can also try natural and effective deodorising methods instead of artificial solutions such as perfume. Don't forget to check out IKEA's wide range of products when choosing your new furniture.

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How to remove the smell of new furniture?

BACKSÄLEN

KRAGSTA

PAX/GULLABERG

Why does new furniture smell?

DANDERYD

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How to remove the smell of new furniture?

STRANDMON

When does the smell of new furniture in the house go away?

Is the smell of new furniture harmful?

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