Why Does My Artificial Tree Smell Weird Out Of The Box How To Air It

Unboxing a new artificial Christmas tree should be a joyful moment—a fresh start to the holiday season, free from shedding needles and messy cleanups. But instead of pine-scented nostalgia, many people are greeted with an unexpected chemical odor that can linger for days. This off-putting smell isn't dangerous in most cases, but it’s certainly unwelcome. Understanding why this happens and knowing how to effectively air out your tree can make all the difference between a festive setup and a frustrating experience.

The truth is, nearly every artificial tree comes with some degree of factory odor. It's not a defect—it's a byproduct of manufacturing, packaging, and long-term storage. The good news: with proper ventilation and a few smart techniques, you can eliminate or drastically reduce these smells well before decorating day.

What Causes the Weird Smell?

The strange odor coming from your new artificial tree typically stems from the materials used in its construction and the conditions under which it was stored. Most artificial trees are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic widely used for its durability and flame-resistant properties. During production, PVC is combined with softening agents, stabilizers, and dyes—all of which can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when first exposed to air.

These VOCs are responsible for the \"plastic,\" \"chemical,\" or even \"fishy\" smell reported by many consumers. The scent intensifies after years of being compressed in a cardboard box, especially if stored in warm warehouses or shipped during hot months. Heat accelerates off-gassing—the process by which trapped chemicals slowly release into the air.

“New plastics often carry residual processing chemicals. While not inherently toxic at low levels, their odors can be strong and unpleasant until they dissipate.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Environmental Health Scientist

In addition to PVC, metal components like hinges and support poles may also contribute to metallic or oily notes, particularly if coated with anti-corrosion agents. Dust accumulation during storage—even inside sealed boxes—can add a musty undertone, especially if the tree was kept in less-than-ideal conditions.

How Long Should You Air Out an Artificial Tree?

There’s no universal timeline—how long you should air out your tree depends on several factors:

• Type of material: PVC-heavy trees tend to off-gas longer than PE (polyethylene) foliage models.
• Tree size: Larger trees have more surface area and thus more material releasing odors.
• Storage history: Trees shipped overseas or stored in hot environments usually require more airing time.
• Indoor sensitivity: Homes with infants, pets, or individuals with respiratory sensitivities need extra caution.

As a general rule, begin airing out your tree at least **7 to 14 days** before you plan to decorate. For heavily scented models or sensitive households, extend this to **three weeks**. A garage, screened porch, or well-ventilated basement works best—any space with consistent airflow and minimal foot traffic.

Tip: Don’t wait until December 1st to unbox your tree. Purchase and ventilate early to avoid last-minute stress.

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Air Out Your Tree

Airing out your artificial tree isn’t just about leaving it in a room overnight. To ensure complete odor removal and safe indoor use, follow this detailed process:

1. Choose the Right Location
   Select a dry, covered outdoor area like a patio, carport, or open garage. Avoid direct rain exposure, but allow cross-breezes. Never leave it in a damp basement or enclosed attic where moisture could encourage mold.
2. Unpack Completely
   Remove all branches, sections, and stakes from the box. Lay them out so air can circulate around every part. Do not assemble the tree fully yet—spread limbs flat or hang them over racks if possible.
3. Use Fans for Active Ventilation
   Place one or two oscillating fans nearby to increase airflow. This speeds up off-gassing significantly compared to passive airing. Run fans for 6–8 hours per day.
4. Add Odor-Absorbing Boosters
   Place bowls of activated charcoal, baking soda, or unscented kitty litter near the tree. These materials absorb VOCs and neutralize lingering smells without masking them with perfume.
5. Rotate and Flip Branches Daily
   After 24 hours, flip each branch section to expose hidden surfaces. Pay attention to inner stems and connector points where odors often concentrate.
6. Wipe Down Metal Parts
   With a microfiber cloth dampened with water and mild dish soap, gently wipe down pole segments and connectors. Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
7. Test Indoors Gradually
   After 5–7 days outside, bring one branch inside and place it in a small room (like a home office). Wait 24 hours. If no odor is detectable, proceed with full assembly.
8. Final Indoor Ventilation
   Once assembled indoors, keep windows open and ceiling fans running for another 2–3 days, especially in tightly sealed modern homes.

Do’s and Don’ts When Dealing With Off-Gassing Trees

Action	Recommendation	Reason
Use activated charcoal nearby	✅ Do	Naturally absorbs VOCs without adding fragrance
Spray with air freshener	❌ Don’t	Masks smell but doesn’t remove chemicals; may react poorly with plastic
Leave in direct sunlight for hours	⚠️ Limit	UV rays speed drying but can degrade PVC over time
Store assembled in a closed closet	❌ Don’t	Traps odors and increases concentration
Vacuum with brush attachment after airing	✅ Do	Removes dust and residual particles from storage
Use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners	❌ Don’t	Can corrode wires and damage finish

Real Example: One Family’s Experience with a Strong-Smelling Tree

The Reynolds family ordered a premium 8-foot pre-lit artificial tree online in early November. Excited to set it up, they unpacked it in their living room—only to be overwhelmed by a sharp, fish-tank-like odor within minutes. Their toddler began coughing, and their cat avoided the room entirely.

They disassembled the tree immediately and moved it to their attached garage. Using two box fans and several trays of baking soda, they created a cross-ventilation system. Each evening, they flipped the branches and checked progress. By day six, the smell had reduced by about 70%. On day ten, they brought a single branch inside and monitored it overnight. No reaction occurred.

They reassembled the tree indoors on day 12, keeping bedroom doors open and running an air purifier with a carbon filter. Within 48 hours, the home smelled completely normal. The tree became the centerpiece of their holiday decor—with no health issues or lingering odors.

Alternative Methods to Speed Up Odor Removal

If time is limited or outdoor space unavailable, consider these supplemental strategies:

• Cold Exposure: In winter climates, placing the tree outside overnight in freezing temperatures helps lock in VOCs temporarily and reduces active off-gassing once warmed indoors.
• Carbon Air Purifiers: Units with HEPA + activated carbon filters placed near the tree capture airborne particles and absorb gaseous pollutants.
• Dryer Sheets (Use Cautiously): Lightly wiping outer tips with unscented dryer sheets can help lift surface residues—but never rub vigorously or use scented versions, as oils can stain.
• Compressed Air: Blow out crevices between branches and hub connections to remove trapped dust and accelerate gas release.

Tip: Avoid using ozone generators—they can break down odors but may also degrade plastic and pose respiratory risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the smell from my artificial tree dangerous?

In typical household exposure levels, the odor is not considered hazardous. However, prolonged inhalation in poorly ventilated spaces may cause headaches, eye irritation, or throat discomfort in sensitive individuals. Children and pets may be more vulnerable. If symptoms occur, remove the tree from the area and continue airing it in a safer location.

Can I wash my artificial tree to remove the smell?

No. Submerging or spraying water directly onto the tree can damage wiring, cause rust, and promote mold growth. Spot cleaning with a slightly damp cloth is acceptable for metal parts, but foliage should never be wetted. Focus on ventilation and dry absorption methods instead.

Will the smell come back after storage?

Possibly. Even after initial airing, trees stored in sealed bags or hot garages can reabsorb odors or resume off-gassing when reopened. Always store your tree in a breathable cotton bag in a cool, dry place. Include sachets of activated charcoal or cedar blocks to maintain freshness between seasons.

Checklist: How to Successfully Air Out Your Artificial Tree

1. ☐ Unbox the tree at least 1–3 weeks before decorating
2. ☐ Choose a dry, ventilated area (garage, porch, shed)
3. ☐ Lay out all sections—do not assemble tightly
4. ☐ Set up fans for continuous airflow
5. ☐ Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal nearby
6. ☐ Flip and rotate branches every 24–48 hours
7. ☐ Wipe down metal poles with a damp cloth
8. ☐ Test a sample branch indoors before full setup
9. ☐ Use an air purifier with carbon filter during final indoor phase
10. ☐ Store properly after holidays to prevent future odors

Conclusion: Start Early, Stay Scent-Smart

That odd smell from your artificial tree isn’t a flaw—it’s chemistry meeting convenience. Millions of families enjoy safe, beautiful holiday displays each year thanks to modern manufacturing. But skipping the airing-out step turns a simple fix into a seasonal nuisance.

By treating your new tree like any other new product with off-gassing potential—similar to a sofa or carpet—you protect your home environment and ensure comfort for everyone, including pets and children. The effort takes little more than time and basic tools, but the payoff is significant: a clean, fresh-smelling centerpiece ready for ornaments, lights, and memories.

💬 Have a tip for removing stubborn tree odors? Share your experience below and help others enjoy a fresher, happier holiday season!