Back to blog
Article

Unpleasant Odor from Office Chairs

Admin October 09, 2026

Unpleasant odors from office chairs may be caused by material volatilization, mildew after cleaning, or issues with the material itself, and can be removed through ventilation, activated carbon adsorption, and cleaning agent treatment.

There are three main reasons for unpleasant odors in office chairs. Firstly, the pungent smell of new leather office chairs mainly stems from volatile organic compounds in the adhesives and coatings used during the manufacturing process. These substances gradually volatilize after production, creating a pungent odor. Secondly, computer chairs emitting odors after cleaning are usually due to incomplete drying of internal moisture, leading to mold growth. Mold metabolites penetrate deep into the material, forming a stubborn musty smell, and cleaning agent residues may also contribute to chemical odors. Thirdly, some office chairs, such as those made of PU leather, inherently produce unpleasant odors due to material issues.

To address odors caused by different reasons, the following measures can be taken. If็”ฒ้†› (formaldehyde) is suspected, use a formaldehyde detector to test. If the level exceeds 0.08mg/mยณ, it is unsafe. To handle this, open windows for more than 8 hours a day, place 200g activated carbon packs in a 10-square-meter space, and replace them weekly. You can also wipe the chair several times with a damp cloth to remove residual chemicals on the surface.

For the pungent smell of new leather office chairs, place the chair in a well-ventilated area for about a week, and the odor will significantly diminish. You can also place activated carbon near the chair and replace it periodically to absorb odors. Additionally, placing orange peels, green tea leaves, or using specialized odor-removing products can effectively neutralize or mask the pungent smell with these natural materials or professional products.

For computer chairs that emit odors after cleaning, move the chair to an extremely well-ventilated location, open all windows and doors to create air convection, and accelerate moisture evaporation and odor dissipation. Place activated carbon packs around the chair to absorb residual odors. Wipe the seat surface with a white vinegar solution, as the acidic components of white vinegar can neutralize some odor molecules. Alternatively, use professional odor removers to target musty or chemical odors for specific treatment.