I'm allergic to formaldehyde and can't sit on my own couch! Probably the cheap particle board or something in the microfiber. I don't want to get rid of the couch, buy a new one, etc. Is there anything I can spray or treat it with that might reduce the formaldehyde fumes?
2006-12-01 23:49:34 · 4 answers · asked by Paulette C 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
Well, I don't know how much this will help you, considering this is a sofa we're talking about, but formaldehyde is neutralized by ammonia, of all things. The two combine chemically to form a neutral compound and water. If you can wash the sofa with a lemon scented ammonia, it should help at least some. Though of course, you will be left with a smelly sofa for a while afterwards. I think a good airing would handle that, as well as some of the products like Febreeze. I don't know if one good washing would do it, it would depend on exactly what the formalydehyde was in. They put it in the foam to discourage mold growth and spores, I know, and if it is just in that, a good deep cleaning should work. I just wish I could suggest something that didn't smell so strongly. I had the problem myself when we bought a new vehicle, and I had breathing problems in the vehicle due to the formaldehyde fumes. Our neighbor happened to be a chemist at the local pharmaceutical company, and he was the one who clued me in on the fix. We used our carpet/upholstery machine to do the job, and it seemed to do the trick. Hope this helps some anyway.
2006-12-02 00:27:00 · answer #1 · answered by The mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it. Formaldehyde is a very strong chemical and even though you can't always smell the fumes they are still there. It isn't like it's dust mites or something that can be taken care of with an allergen spray, this is more serious. Formaldehyde can lead to serious health problems and so this should be addressed as soon as possible. God luck!
2006-12-02 07:53:54 · answer #2 · answered by Proud to be APBT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use the tried and true 'grandma' trick: cover it with plastic. That should reduce the odor and have you feeling a little better. If that doesn't work, I'm sorry, but throw the thing out and get a new one (or sell it to someone who isn't as allergic as you are - being honest about it of course).
2006-12-02 18:04:18 · answer #3 · answered by swarr2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just wear a suitable pans.
2006-12-02 07:53:43 · answer #4 · answered by mrdadoush 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋