Stinky new dresser (hardwood, laminate, smells, furniture)

[Sgoldie]

Just bought a new dresser from the store last week and it smells to high heaven. Not so much inside the drawers as from the finish. Kind of smells strongly like wet dogs. I wouldn't say it's a glue smell as I'm sensitive to the new glues (carpet, wall, etc). It's a nice piece of furniture otherwise. I tried scented furniture polish and opening doors to the outside to air the place out. What can I do to dissapate the fumes so I can stand sleeping in the same room? And how long will it last?

I've always had older antiques to date and never had to deal with this problem before. Thanks

[clutternize]

Formaldehyde maybe? Is it laminate or hardwood?
I would call the store you bought it from, they may have had similar complaints and could give advice.

Is it giving you a headache or anything?

[Sgoldie]

I don't think it's formaldehyde, at least not as I've smelled in the hospital. I took out the flyer and it's made of hardwood solids and cherry veneers (Louis Phillipe Collection). I've had furniture custom made from solid cherry wood before and know that can sometimes be irritating though those pieces didn't smell quite the same as this either.

No headaches or other symptoms. Well now that you mention it it may be giving me a scratchy throat. It's just not a pleasant smell that I wish to go away. The guy at the place we bought it is a total wierdo and I doubt would have any suggestions.

[Pitt Chick]

Could be off-gassing from the veneer glue...

[DKVA]

How about charcoal or crinkled up black & white newspaper.

[M3 Mitch]

If you don't have to use it right away, maybe put it in the garage or similar for a couple of weeks and see if it will finish outgassing there.

[GloryB]

Maybe it was stored someplace where there were dogs security dogs around and one could have peed on the box or the furniture itself. I figure if rat poop can get in the peanut butter.....anything is possible. I have no idea what you could do to fix it. Maybe return it for another item.

[gentlearts]

I've heard that ground coffee placed in the drawers will absorb bad odors. I feel for you, I bought a rattan set of furniture for my 3 season room and the shelf unit smells like BO. I have a chair out there from Pier One that stinks too. At least they're where there is good air circulation.

[harry chickpea]

Originally Posted by Sgoldie

Just bought a new dresser from the store last week and it smells to high heaven. Not so much inside the drawers as from the finish. Kind of smells strongly like wet dogs. I wouldn't say it's a glue smell as I'm sensitive to the new glues (carpet, wall, etc). It's a nice piece of furniture otherwise. I tried scented furniture polish and opening doors to the outside to air the place out. What can I do to dissapate the fumes so I can stand sleeping in the same room? And how long will it last?

I've always had older antiques to date and never had to deal with this problem before. Thanks

I'd ask for an exchange or refund. That is unacceptable.

[ShaneSA]

Was it in a flooded area, like Katrina or Ike? It may be mold or mildew in the cracks a crevices. I heard of people getting furniture that looked new, was new but had been in a flood area. You may not be able to get rid of the smell. Return it and buy somewhere else.