Formaldehyde is a chemical found in many household products such as plywood, particleboard and synthetic fabrics like microfiber. It is considered a volatile organic compound, or VOC, because it emits a gas or off-gases at room temperature. If you are sensitive to formaldehyde odor or want to limit exposure to the chemicals in new microfiber furniture, there are several ways to reduce the level of the chemical, the most effective of which is giving it time to off-gas.
Air It Out
New microfiber furniture may emit formaldehyde fumes, as the upholstery may have been wrapped up to keep it clean, which also holds in the fumes. Air the piece out for several days, if possible -- ideally outdoors such as on a screened-in porch or in a well-ventilated garage to keep the fumes out of the home during this time. If you can't take the furniture outside, place it in a room away from household activities, close the door, open the windows and turn on fans. If the odor still seems strong after a few days, wait a few more.
Formaldehyde off-gasses more during humid conditions, so keeping humidity under control also controls the chemical. Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier in the room containing the furniture during humid or rainy periods to help keep the room's air dry and free from formaldehyde odors.
Baking Soda Solution
Formaldehyde in microfiber off-gasses over time; the longer you've had the furniture, the less formaldehyde is present. If you still notice a chemical smell after a while, sprinkle baking soda over the furniture and allow it to sit for an hour or two. Baking soda absorbs odors as it sits on the fabric. Vacuum away the baking soda to remove it.
While many plants have the ability to purify air, one is particularly well-suited to removing formaldehyde. In tests conducted by Dr. Bill Wolverton to determine which common houseplants are most effective at removing chemicals from an enclosed chamber containing particle board with formaldehyde in it, the Boston fern absorbed more off-gassed formaldehyde than any of the other 29 plants tested. Several such plants in the home may help reduce airborne chemicals.
- Minnesota Department of Health: Formaldehyde in Your Home
- Healthy Child, Healthy World: Freshen Indoor Air Naturally
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Formaldehyde
- Mrs. Clean: 10 Ways to Clean and Remove Odors
- Wolverton Environmental: Plants and Soil Microorganisms: Removal of Formaldehyde, Xylene and Ammonia from the Indoor Environment
- Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images