Does a new car still have formaldehyde after one month?
3 Answers
New cars still have formaldehyde after one month. Open windows for ventilation: The most cost-effective method for civilians to remove formaldehyde. Formaldehyde sprays: Some formaldehyde removers have safe ingredients and guaranteed effectiveness. Laboratory tests show a formaldehyde removal rate of 60.4-67.8% within 24 hours, which is considered mid-range, but they lack sustained effectiveness. Air purifiers and fresh air systems: Air purifiers and fresh air systems actively remove formaldehyde by accelerating air flow, increasing the CADR value (air exchange rate), and using filters to absorb some formaldehyde, effectively reducing formaldehyde levels. Deep formaldehyde removal sprays: Representative brands of deep formaldehyde removers. Generally, formaldehyde sprays can only penetrate and decompose formaldehyde.
When I first got my new car, I was also worried about the formaldehyde issue, and there was still residue after a month. Now that it's hot, high temperatures accelerate the release of formaldehyde from the interior. Opening the windows for ventilation for five minutes before getting in the car is very effective. I specifically bought a portable detector and found that the formaldehyde concentration after exposure to the sun was more than twice as high as at room temperature. Placing bamboo charcoal bags can indeed absorb it, but remember to take them out to air weekly. If the leather seats have a strong smell, wiping them with a damp cloth can dissolve surface formaldehyde. It's recommended not to smoke in the car, as nicotine can cause secondary pollution with formaldehyde. If there are pregnant women or children at home, it's best to wait a few more months before letting them ride in the car.
As an experienced driver, my advice is that new cars definitely have formaldehyde for at least a month, with leather glue and plastic components taking at least half a year to fully off-gas. Last week, I helped a friend test his SUV which had been driven for 35 days, and the formaldehyde reading was still 0.08mg/m³. The solution is simple: when driving, open opposite windows to create cross-ventilation, which is three times faster than using AC for air exchange. When parked, don't close all windows completely - leave a small gap for ventilation. I've tried pomelo peels and tea leaves, but activated charcoal works better. The most effective method is to find a hot day, open all doors, and let the car bake in direct sunlight for three hours - this forces out deeply embedded formaldehyde.
