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How to Absorb New Furniture Smell With Baking Soda

Chelsea Fitzgerald

Neutralize and absorb the odor present in new furniture by using inexpensive baking soda. This smell is often referred to as off-gassing. The odor results from the fabrics, padding and adhesives used in construction of the furniture. Baking soda is found in most grocery stores on the baking and often the cleaning aisles. It is a versatile, cheap product with many uses.

Containers of Baking Soda

Odorous new furniture may irritate people who are sensitive to smells.

Step 1

Pour 2 or 3 inches of baking soda into decorative bowls or a small plastic containers. Do not cover the container with a lid. Shallow bowls work best since they expose more of the product.

Step 2

Set the containers of baking soda underneath, beside and anywhere near the new furniture. If you just purchased a brand new living room or bedroom suite with many pieces, using five or six containers around the room may be necessary.

Step 3

Remove the containers after a few days once the odor is gone. Discard the baking soda.

Sprinkling Baking Soda

Step 1

Sprinkle baking soda on the top of a new mattress or on the upholstery fabric of a new couch or chair. It does not harm the fabric.

Step 2

Wait for the baking soda to absorb the smell for at least 15 minutes. Leaving it on the furniture for several hours or even overnight works best.

Step 3

Vacuum up the baking soda residue. Use the brush and crevice attachments to do a thorough job. Repeat in a few days if the odor does not dissipate.