Why Do New Cabinets Smell So Bad?

The smell of new cabinets — that pungent, almost chemical odor that lingers long after installation — is something most homeowners are familiar with. The good news is, you're not alone, and there's a reason for it. This smell is often caused by the materials used in the cabinet's construction, finishing products like paint or varnish, and adhesives used to bond the cabinet parts together. While it's certainly unpleasant, understanding the source of the odor and how to combat it can help reduce both the smell and any potential health concerns associated with it.

The Culprits Behind the Smell

New cabinets are commonly made using materials such as particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or plywood, all of which are known for off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature, and they're often responsible for that strong "new cabinet" smell. VOCs come from a variety of sources, including:

• Formaldehyde: A preservative commonly found in particleboard and MDF, formaldehyde is one of the primary VOCs that can cause new cabinets to have a strong, lingering odor. It's also classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), so minimizing exposure is important.
• Adhesives and Glues: Many of the components of new cabinets are held together with industrial-strength adhesives that also contain VOCs. These can contribute significantly to the overall smell and are often slow to dissipate.
• Paints, Lacquers, and Finishes: Even after your cabinets have been installed, they may still emit VOCs from the paint or varnish applied to give them their final finish. Oil-based paints, polyurethane, and other synthetic finishes are notorious for producing fumes that stick around for weeks or even months.

While VOCs are the main contributors, other elements like the wood's own natural scent or any added fragrances during the manufacturing process may also affect how strong and unpleasant the smell is.

The Health Risks of VOC Exposure

Many people are concerned about the health effects of VOCs — and rightly so. Prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs can result in a range of symptoms from headaches and dizziness to more serious issues like respiratory irritation or long-term chronic health conditions. For people with asthma or allergies, the introduction of new cabinets in their home could trigger heightened symptoms.

The severity of these risks largely depends on the type of VOCs present and the length of exposure. Fortunately, most new cabinets will release the bulk of their VOCs within the first few weeks to months, but they may continue to off-gas at lower levels for years.

VOC Type	Potential Health Effects	Common Source in Cabinets
Formaldehyde	Eye, nose, and throat irritation; cancer risk	Particleboard, MDF
Benzene	Drowsiness, dizziness, headaches; cancer risk	Paints, varnishes, adhesives
Toluene	Neurological damage, respiratory issues	Lacquers, glues, solvents
Xylene	Eye and respiratory irritation, dizziness	Paints, stains, finishes

How to Eliminate or Reduce the Smell

The key to mitigating that "new cabinet smell" is reducing the presence of VOCs in your home and increasing ventilation to promote air circulation. Here are several effective strategies for doing just that:

• Ventilate the Space: Immediately after installing new cabinets, open the windows and use fans to create good airflow. The goal is to disperse the concentrated VOCs and allow them to leave your home more quickly.
• Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is an excellent natural absorbent. Placing bowls of activated charcoal in cabinets can help to neutralize odors by absorbing the VOCs from the air.
• Baking Soda: Like charcoal, baking soda can be used to absorb unpleasant smells. Sprinkle a bit in the cabinets or leave open containers of baking soda inside the drawers.
• Air Purifiers with Carbon Filters: These air purifiers are designed to capture VOCs and can significantly improve indoor air quality. Place them near the cabinets and run them consistently for the first few weeks after installation.
• Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Products: If you're still in the planning phase, consider choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC materials for your cabinets, paints, and finishes. These products are designed to emit fewer harmful chemicals, reducing the smell and health risks.

DIY Remedies and Natural Solutions

There are also plenty of DIY remedies for those looking for natural, non-chemical ways to combat that cabinet smell. Here are some tried-and-true options:

• White Vinegar: Place bowls of white vinegar in the cabinets and allow them to sit overnight. Vinegar naturally neutralizes odors and can help dissipate the VOCs faster.
• Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus, have strong scents that can mask the VOC odor while offering additional antimicrobial properties.
• Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds are well known for their ability to absorb and neutralize strong odors. Place a cup of dry coffee grounds inside each cabinet to help combat the smell.

While these methods are unlikely to completely eliminate the VOCs, they can reduce the strength of the odor and help make your home more comfortable during the off-gassing period.

Are There Alternatives?

If you're about to purchase new cabinets and are concerned about the smell, there are several alternatives that are either low-VOC or completely free of them:

1. Solid Wood Cabinets: While more expensive, solid wood cabinets tend to have fewer VOCs, particularly if finished with natural oils or water-based stains.
2. Bamboo Cabinets: Bamboo is another eco-friendly material that off-gasses fewer harmful chemicals than particleboard or MDF.
3. Refinishing Old Cabinets: Instead of buying new cabinets, consider refinishing or refacing old ones using low-VOC paints and finishes. Not only is this a more sustainable option, but it can also drastically cut down on the smell and reduce your environmental footprint.

Conclusion

The smell of new cabinets may be unpleasant, but understanding its cause and how to reduce its impact can help ease concerns. Off-gassing VOCs are the main culprit, but with the right strategies — including proper ventilation, the use of absorbents like activated charcoal, and choosing low-VOC alternatives — you can significantly reduce both the odor and any potential health risks associated with it. If you're planning to install new cabinets in your home, considering alternatives like solid wood or bamboo can also help ensure that you get a beautiful and functional space without the smell.

Ultimately, while that "new cabinet" smell is often an unavoidable part of a renovation, it doesn't have to linger long or cause discomfort. By taking proactive steps, you can enjoy your new kitchen or bathroom cabinetry without the unpleasant side effects.