I purchased a tall boy about 12 mths ago and it had that horrid new smell.well it has got worse. It is the coated chip board stuff and I am wondering if it is the glue theyhave used. I had clothes stored in it.all biffed now cause of the smell. I have put damp rid in, baking soda , furniture polish, had it out in the shade in fresh air for 3 days (inside at night). It only cost 199.00 but I dont want to dump it and wouldnt on sell such a stinky thing. I took a drawer into the shop and they reckon they couldnt notice it but the shop had that awful new furniture smell anyway. Has anyone got any suggestions.Thanks.
trade4us2,
Feb 26, 8:16am
Chip board exudes formaldehyde, which smells and can irritate throats. Paint the the particle board with latex-based paints or varnish.
In theory the coating should stop the smell. Are there any parts showing bare particle board!
zak410,
Feb 26, 8:26am
that is exactly it and what #1 can smell in furniture shops, from the MDF, the heat seems to amplify it.
sunnysue1,
Feb 26, 9:39am
Yes there are.the back of the entire unit and the back edges of the drawers. Yes that is the smell.Formaldehyde, altho I have no idea where or how I know that but I am certain that is it.Now to get the right paint or vanish.many thanks for your help.
trade4us2,
Feb 26, 9:53am
I had a new particle board floor laid. The kids got sore throats when they played on it. I painted it and had no more problems. I believe the formaldehyde will seep up through a carpet (contrary to some experts) so the wood needs to be painted first.
sunnysue1,
Feb 27, 4:01am
Mmmmm.just rang the company I purchased it from and they say they only use animal and PVA glues and therefore it cant be formaldahyde I can smell. Will try the varnish on the exposed areas of particle board and hope for the best. Maybe I just got a 1 off bad one .
zak410,
Feb 27, 4:09am
Yeah Right !
Next time you phone them, ask if they've used any MDF or any Particle Board in the furniture; they're being cheeky methink.
elect70,
Feb 27, 4:14am
^^ that maybe but theformaldehyde is in the chip boardmanufacture .
trade4us2,
Feb 27, 7:22am
They are ignorant. Particle board most certainly exudes formaldehyde.
"Sources of Formaldehyde in Buildings Composite wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins are likely the most significant source in the home according to the EPA. Wood products made for indoor use include: particleboard (used as sub-flooring and shelving and in cabinetry and furniture); hardwood plywood paneling (used for decorative wall covering and used in cabinets and furniture); and medium density fiberboard (used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops). Medium density fiberboards generally contain the most resin of all wood products and therefore are the biggest emitters. "
sunnysue1,
Feb 27, 9:34am
OK thanks all.think I may go further with this. Should I take a drawer to some chemical specialist to get in writing what the smell is. Think I might get some advise from CAB in the morning.
aphilips,
May 26, 12:18am
Always make sure to buy formaldehyde-free materials, and low-VOC finishes. Check the furniture label whether it has S you should wash it with liquid detergent solution and if it has w/s you can wash it with water and soap.
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