hen you buy new furniture, that ‘new’ smell might not be as harmless as it seems. It comes from a chemical known as formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is commonly used in furniture making and is present in pressed wood, adhesives, and finishes.
If you are exposed to formaldehyde for a long while the fumes can cause multiple health problems. You can easily suffer from eye, nose, and throat irritation. If you are exposed for months it can even increase the risk of cancer.
While the presence of formaldehyde fumes decreases over time, you should take proactive steps to speed up the process and make your home safer.
We have put together a simple DIY guide to help you remove formaldehyde odours from your furniture.
Understanding Formaldehyde and Its Sources
Formaldehyde is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC). This simply means it can easily vaporize at room temperature. It is commonly found in:
- Furniture, especially those made from engineered wood of some kind such as particle board, or plywood.
- Building materials including insulation and adhesives.
- Chemicals used to build or renovate such as paints, and varnishes.
Simple Techniques to Get Rid of Formaldehyde Smells in Furniture
Fortunately, there are simple yet very effective techniques you can use to eliminate the smell of formaldehyde from your furniture. These methods will help make your living space healthier and more comfortable.
1. Ventilation – Let It Breathe
The first and easiest step to reducing formaldehyde in your furniture is ventilation.
The smell occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) evaporate from the wood and enter the air. You can easily speed up the process. Place your new furniture in a well-ventilated area, for several days.
If you live in an apartment and leaving it outside isn’t possible, place it in a room with open windows and doors. You may also want to set up fans to promote airflow. The goal is to disperse the fumes and prevent them from building up indoors.
2. Activated Charcoal – The Natural Absorber
Activated charcoal is an excellent solution for absorbing formaldehyde and other chemical smells.
You can place bowls of activated charcoal near your furniture. You can also place it inside drawers or cabinets. Activated charcoal is a highly porous material that works by trapping toxins from the air and reducing indoor air pollution. Just be sure to replace the charcoal every few days to maintain its effectiveness.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar – Simple Household Remedies
There are two common ingredients in your kitchen that can work wonders with the smell of formaldehyde. Baking soda and vinegar can help neutralize odors.
Simply leave bowls of vinegar around your furniture. like activated charcoal, you can also place it inside drawers and cabinets. Vinegar absorbs VOCs from the air quickly. You can also wipe down unfinished areas of the furniture with a vinegar solution. It is a weak acid and should not be used on polished surfaces.
Similarly, baking soda is another odor absorber. Sprinkle baking soda over surfaces like fabric upholstery or leave it in bowls near your furniture. After a few hours, vacuum up the baking soda or remove the bowls. These techniques are affordable and effective.
4. Houseplants – Nature’s Air Purifiers
A few houseplants are great at purifying indoor air and can help remove the smell of formaldehyde.
Peace lilies, Boston ferns, spider plants, and snake plants have several health benefits, including filtering and removing toxic fumes.
Making these plants a part of your living spaces improves air quality and also adds a touch of greenery to your home. Make sure to place these plants close to your formaldehyde-emitting furniture to help reduce the chemical smell.
5. Humidity Control
Formaldehyde gives off its characteristic smell in high heat and humidity. The higher the temperature and humidity levels, the faster formaldehyde vapor is released into the air.
It helps to keep your home at a cooler temperature. You can also reduce humidity with a dehumidifier and slow down the process. This makes the problem more manageable. making the chemical release more manageable.
If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate such as Singapore, pay attention to the temperature and humidity as these can make a huge difference in how much formaldehyde your furniture emits.
Lumiair: Professional Formaldehyde Removal in Singapore for Healthier Indoor Air
As you have learned above, Formaldehyde is an indoor pollutant linked to respiratory problems and its removal is essential to maintain a healthy indoor environment. DIY methods offer some degree of relief, but it is not a lasting solution.
Lumiair is here to help you create and maintain clean and safe indoor spaces.
When you choose Lumiair formaldehyde removal service, you are served by experts who use the latest techniques to fully eliminate the pollutants from your indoor environment. Our highly trained professionals are skilled in managing indoor air quality and addressing formaldehyde contamination.
We are Singapore’s leading provider of decontamination services and are committed to improving your indoor air quality. Let us help you create a safe, pollutant-free space. Call us today.
