Polyurethane is a great material for any standard floor as it’s durable and forms a smooth surface. However, its smell can be overbearing and remain on various household and personal items.
Here is a simple remedy to try using baking soda to eliminate the polyurethane smell in your house.
Contents
Materials required to remove polyurethane smell
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Air freshener or purifier
- Water
- Fabric cloth
How to get rid of the polyurethane smell
Here are the various tips to follow to remove the polyurethane smell from your house floor:
Method 1
- First, open the windows to allow humidity and polyurethane smell to escape from the room. You can speed up the process by turning on a fan to allow fast air circulation throughout your house.
- If you can’t open your doors and windows, use an air freshener or purifier to eliminate the strong smell. The best air purifier to use is one with activated carbon filters that will neutralize the smell of polyurethane.
- Clean the surface where polyurethane was applied with water and a fabric cloth to prevent the baking soda from reacting with any chemicals on the floor. The cleaning cloth should be damp and not soaking wet because excess water may damage the floor or cause mold.
- Once you have wiped the floor surface clean, sprinkle baking soda on the polyurethane-painted floor to form a thick layer. Use a clean, dry cloth to spread it evenly.
- Let it settle overnight before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Not only does baking soda remove the polyurethane smell, but it also leaves the floor clean and shiny. In addition, it can wick off excess moisture. If the polyurethane smell is still present, repeat the process.
Method 2
- Mix a half cup of vinegar and baking soda in a bucketful of water or a spray bottle with water to form a solution.
- Clean the affected floor surface with the solution and a clean fabric cloth and leave it overnight to absorb the polyurethane smell.
- You can also use the solution to clean items affected by the smell, like fabric bags and clothes.
- Rinse them in clean water and hang them outside to dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are the most commonly asked questions about polyurethane smell.
How smelly is polyurethane?
It has a pungent smell and emits a strong chemical odor and fumes while drying that are harmful when inhaled.
It’s advised that the house occupants vacate the house when polyurethane is applied or drying.
Is breathing polyurethane smell harmful?
Polyurethane contains isocyanates, a known carcinogen that may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, coughing, and shortness of breath if inhaled for a long time.
Therefore, the longer it takes to remove the polyurethane smell, the more harmful it is to you and your family’s health.
How long does it take for the polyurethane smell to go away?
The polyurethane smell may normally take five or seven days to go away, but if you use the cleaning process above, it may get rid of in less than three days.
However, you must clean the floors regularly to prevent the smell from returning.
How do you get the smell out of polyurethane foam?
The best way to eliminate the polyurethane odor is by opening windows and doors or using an air purifier for free air circulation.
Baking soda and vinegar also serve as the best items to clean floor surfaces and leave them clean and polyurethane-free.