New furniture often has a strong smell – especially sofas, mattresses, mattress toppers, or upholstered furniture . For many, this so-called " new" smell is unpleasant and raises questions:

Is it harmful to health? How long does the smell last? And what really helps?

This guide explains why new furniture smells , what you can do about it, and why B-grade furniture is often even advantageous.

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Why do new pieces of furniture smell?

The typical new smell is caused by materials and production processes, e.g.:

• Adhesives

• Foams & Upholstery

• Textiles & Coatings

• Packaging & Transport

These are mostly volatile substances that evaporate over time.

👉 Important: A bad smell does not automatically mean poor quality.

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How long does new furniture smell?

That depends heavily on the type of furniture:

• Sofas & upholstered furniture: a few days to 2 weeks

• Mattresses & toppers: often 2–7 days

• Solid wood furniture: usually very short-lived or not at all

Good ventilation significantly reduces the duration.

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Furniture smells new – what really helps? ✅

🌬️ 1. Ventilate properly (most important tip)

• Ventilate several times a day

• Do not place furniture directly against the wall.

• Allow room air to circulate

👉 Often, good ventilation is sufficient.

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☀️ 2. Fresh air & time

If possible:

• Leave upholstered furniture with the window open during the day

• Air out mattresses before use

Time is the natural odor killer.

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🧂 3. Natural Odor Neutralizers

The following have proven effective:

• Baking soda (on a bowl in the room)

• coffee powder

• Vinegar water (not on furniture, only in the room!)

These bind odors from the air.

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🚫 4. What you should definitely not do

• aggressive cleaning agents

• heavily perfumed sprays

• Wipe furniture with a damp cloth (especially upholstery!).

👉 This can even intensify odors.

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Are new pieces of furniture harmful to your health?

Generally, no .
Modern furniture is subject to strict regulations. The smell is usually harmless and temporary .

Nevertheless, the following applies:

• Sensitive individuals (allergy sufferers, children) notice smells more intensely.

• Good ventilation is always a good idea.

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Why B-grade furniture often smells less ♻️

A real advantage of B-grade furniture :

• They were mostly already unpacked

• were on display

• or have already been aired

👉 The intense new smell has often already dissipated .

For refurbished items, the following also applies:

• tested quality

• honest description

• no unnecessary packaging odor

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Conclusion: New product smell is normal – and easily treatable.

When furniture smells new:

• Is that completely normal?

• usually disappears quickly

• This can be greatly reduced by ventilation.

With B-grade furniture from refurned, you often get furniture that has already been aired out – cheaper, more sustainable and ready to live in immediately.

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♻️ Refurned – Sustainable. Honest. Affordable.
Discover tested furniture with no surprises – including when it comes to smell.