How do you get rid of the new furniture smell?

Question

We had a huge new sectional delivered over a month ago. It has a very strong chemical-type odor. I thought the smell would "air out" after a few days, although it is in the basement. The windows only open a crack. It's way too big to be taken outside to air out. I'm afraid that it is emitting toxic chemicals that are doing harm to my cat, my husband, myself and our unborn baby (I am 9 weeks pregnant). What can I do?!

Answer 1

Many people are sensitive to chemicals- in this case VOCs,  volatile organic compunds. New carpet, cars, furniture, etc often have chemicals in them that release a lot of gas when they are new. This process is refered to in layman's terms as off-gassing or gassing out.

http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmen...

Open any windows you have in the basement and leave them as long as possible. Try to keep off the couch for while until it is much less noticable. Keep the basement door shut if possible.

Plants are great for cleaning the air. It won't help overnight, but they will speed it up a great deal. Spider plants are said to be quite good for this.

Change your central air/furnace filter more frequently. It likely won't trap any toxins but it may 'hold' the odor so changing it more often may help.

Air freshners may help cover the new smell but it won't get rid of it or clean the air.

Answer 2

It's either the fabric or the foam rubber padding...either way, it will go away soon enough, in the meanwhile try a spray with fabreze or some dryer sheets under the cushions.

Answer 3

Use air freasheners

like the febreeze

they have a special one with low odar, but takes the smell away

hope that helps =)