Furniture in our homes can be subject to unpleasant odors over time. Smoke, pets, cooking odors, and other elements can lead to irritants being absorbed by the fibrous materials used to construct furniture. The source of bad odor in furniture originates from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – the gases released by synthetic and natural materials, such as glue, paint, leather, fabrics, particleboard, and more. These pungent chemicals can accumulate in the fibers of furniture, causing a musty or stale smell that can linger for a long time.
So, when it comes to absorbing odors from furniture, several methods can be considered. The most common one is using odor absorbers like baking soda, activated carbon, and vinegar. Baking soda is highly alkaline and has excellent absorption qualities for acidic molecules that cause bad smells. The powder absorbs the odor deeply by reacting with VOCs and breaking down the compounds that make up the smell.
Activated carbon, known as activated charcoal, is another odor absorber that can extract volatile chemicals and odors from furnishings and other surfaces. It is a highly porous material with a large surface area that can trap odorous particles by charging them positively and holding them within its pores. Activated carbon can effectively trap and absorb unpleasant odors from furniture due to its -ve charge.
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which has a potent smell of its own that can somehow mask or neutralize other unpleasant smells. It is an excellent natural odor absorber and can be sprayed directly onto furniture fabrics to remove smell accumulations in the fibers. Vinegar has excellent properties that help it dissolve the bad odor source from the furniture and break it down, eliminating the cause of the odor.
There are many ways to get rid of unpleasant odors from furniture. While odor absorbers like baking soda, activated carbon, and vinegar are effective in eliminating bad smells, other techniques like airing out, using air purifiers, or professional cleaning can also be considered depending on the intensity of the odor and preference. The essential strategy is to keep the furniture clean, dry, and well-maintained, which can help prevent the accumulation of bad odors in the first place.
How long does it take for furniture to stop smelling?
The duration that furniture smells can last varies depending on various factors, such as the type of furniture, the material it is made of, and the intensity of the smell. Generally, any strong smell from furniture will eventually dissipate and disappear over time. However, the time it would take for the smell to completely vanish also depends on how well you take care of your furniture.
New furniture pieces may have a strong scent that could last for a few weeks or even many months. This scent is usually caused by the materials used in making the furniture, such as the upholstery, wood, foam, and fabrics. It may be as a result of the adhesives, coatings, or preservatives used during production. To reduce the odor and speed up the process of getting rid of the smell, you can air out your furniture by leaving it in a well-ventilated place. Opening windows, running fans and dehumidifiers can also expedite the process.
If your furniture smells due to smoke or exposure to unpleasant odors, it may take a bit longer for the scent to go away. You may try cleaning the furniture thoroughly with vinegar or baking soda solutions, water and a cloth. However, if the smell persists, you may need to enlist the services of a professional cleaner or use specialized odor-eliminating products designed for furniture.
The period that furniture smells can last depends on numerous factors, including the type of furniture, the material it is made of, and the strength of the smell. While it may take some time for the scent to dissipate, proper cleaning, and care can help reduce the duration. In the long run, a sweet-smelling piece of furniture can make your living space comfortable and cozy, and should be looked after carefully.
