How to remove formaldehyde smell from new bedroom suite?

Question

Hello All,

Having recently purchased a new bedroom suite (from a reputable retailer) , my wife is saying that the smell of formaldehyde is making her dizzy and giving her headaches. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove or reduce the smell (I can't smell it). Thank you

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @MichaelGOS,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

That formaldehyde smell is often caused by the off gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives, finishes, and pressed wood materials. Since your wife is feeling unwell from it, there are a few things you can do to speed up the off-gassing process and reduce the smell.

The first step is to improve ventilation. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate, and if possible, place the furniture in a well-ventilated area for a few days. A fan or Air Blower can also help to move the air around and disperse the fumes more quickly.

Using an air purifier with an activated carbon filter is another effective option. These purifiers can absorb formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), helping to clear the air in the room.

You can also try natural odour absorbers. Sprinkling baking soda on surfaces and inside drawers, leaving it overnight, and then vacuuming it up can help neutralize the smell.

If feasible, exposing the furniture to heat and sunlight can help accelerate the off-gassing process. Moving it outdoors for a few hours or positioning it near a sunny window can also make a difference.

If the smell persists after a few weeks, it may be worth reaching out to the retailer to see if they have had similar complaints or can offer any additional solutions.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Jacob

Dave-1 · Answer

Afternoon @MichaelGOS

Welcome to the Bunnings community 🙂 There have been a few "scent" based questions in the forum so hopefully one of us will have an idea on how to remove it.

A new bedroom suite, I wonder what type of paint has been used on it or oil? Do you have a photo by any chance?

A few things come to mind, A wipe down with a disinfectant. When I get into spring cleaning mode I travel through the house with a very strong 50/50 to water pine disinfectant. Thats all I can smell for a few days.

If you bedroom suite is timber, maybe something like a cedar cleaning oil OCedar 300ml Furniture Polish could be used as a wipe over the timber. It does make the timber slippery tho so keep that in mind.

Is there part of the furniture that has a stronger scent that your wife can smell? Ive been told my nose is overly sensitive lol but sometimes it feels like its in overdrive for scents. "Snaps neck ages after someone has walked past wearing a scent" type deal If your wifes nose is super sensitive maybe as a first step in removing that formaldehyde smell would be to use warm soapy water and wipe it all down? Or hit up the supplier and ask if they have had the smell reported before and what they used as a finisher? (Could even be particle board)

Dave