When it comes to new furniture, one thing is often the first thing you notice: the strong smell. Although each person perceives it differently, it is still very annoying and usually lasts for several weeks. However, you don’t necessarily have to live with it, because with the help of the tips below the annoying smell of new furniture will soon be a thing of the past.
Why does furniture smell?
The typical new smell of furniture is based, for example, on the vapors that wood, leather and paint give off. However, this is a characteristic of the respective materials and does not indicate that any exposure to harmful substances is outside the legal guidelines. However, if you want to be on the safe side, it is better to pay attention to this Quality brands and certificates.
However, even in tested furniture, when making a new purchase there is usually a very unpleasant odor. This can happen, for example, because there is too much furniture in a small room or because several pollutants have been installed in the building itself. Furthermore, it is also possible that existing furniture acquires bad odors, such as smoke.
Unpleasant smell with new furniture
You can combat the annoying smell of new furniture with various measures:
- First of all, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and clean the furniture according to their instructions. With a bit of luck these measures will be sufficient and the furniture will no longer smell or have any odor at all.
- However, it is also possible to wash the furniture using low doses of water and vinegar or a special furniture cleaner.
- Correct ventilation is very important to avoid unpleasant odors: to do this, open the new furniture as much as possible and increase the temperature of the room. Then you need to ventilate the room for about five to ten minutes. This ensures sufficient air exchange and sufficient air circulation. It is better to repeat everything a few days in a row and several times a day.
- However, if bad odors persist even after some time, then it is advisable to carry out a pollutant analysis. This allows exposure to a wide variety of pollutants to be detected. These include, among other things, solvents, plasticizers and formaldehyde. In high concentrations, pollutants not only affect the quality of life, but also health.
Good to know: Even untreated solid wood furniture or furniture treated with organic paints or naturally impregnated are in some cases responsible for health problems. The reason for this is the terpenes used, which some people don’t get. Here it is advisable to file a complaint with the manufacturer. This applies even if the strong odors of new furniture do not disappear even after intensive ventilation. In this case, a complaint can be lodged with the manufacturer after a maximum of four weeks.
When old furniture smells funny
Old furniture often has a musty smell. This is especially true if, for example, the furniture has been placed in the attic or cellar. It is important to first clean and disinfect the pieces well. It’s best to use gloves for this. It is therefore recommended to ventilate and dry the wardrobe. If there is still a musty smell, bath salts, vanilla sugar or coffee powder, for example, are very helpful. Pour some evenly onto plates and then distribute them in the cupboard.
Furniture for smokers: what helps?
If the furniture smells like smoke, good advice is often expensive because the tobacco smell often persists for a long time. But even in this case, very thorough cleaning with water, vinegar and conventional detergents can be very useful. So it is important to ventilate well again.
How long does new furniture stink?
If the furniture has been washed well with water and vinegar and aired several times a day for several days, the smell may last for another two or three weeks. After that, however, it should have disappeared.
In summary: Ten tips for removing the smell of wood from furniture
1. Always let the furniture air well; better with open cabinets
2. Pour the coffee onto several plates and distribute them among the cupboards.
3. Wash the furniture with water and vinegar.
4. Baking powder/baking soda: Just spread it around the cabinets.
5. Cat litter helps fight moisture in furniture.
6. Laurel/lavender: also distribute in the wardrobes; This creates a nice scent.
7. Oranges/Lemons: cut the lemons into slices and remove the peel from the oranges. Arrange both on plates and distribute them again among the furniture.
8. Use stainless steel soap.
9. Matches eliminate bad smells. Be careful due to fire risk.
10. Vodka: lightly moisten a cloth with the drink and wipe it over the furniture.
With the help of these tips, it should be easy to get rid of the bad smell and you will be able to enjoy your furniture again. The best thing to do is to simply try it for yourself and see for yourself. However, if all else fails, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer of the new furniture.
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