Sofa dermatitis
 

I bought a new reclining love seat in February made by Ashley. Both me and my soon to be wife broke out in a full body rash. After months of research we found out that the couch contains DMF which is put into the furniture made overseas before shipping to the USA. The only thing you can do is get rid of the problem is to get rid of the couch. 2k down the drain. Has anyone else had this happen to you?

I am guessing this is an allergic reaction that you were not aware of, if so very sorry for this issue. If this was something you were aware of and the manufacturer did not list this material, I would start looking at legal options. My understanding the product labels must contain this type of information. I have no idea if a cover would solve your problem or if there are other "solutions".

Help us out by giving a little detail about what DMF is and why it is put on furniture - fabric-covered, I presume. To prevent bugs from making a home, or what?

Sofa dermatitis
 

I had no clue I was allergic to dmf and there was nothing on the tags to alert you that it contains dmf. Dmf is banned everywhere except the US and Australia. Alot of those little silica packets contain dmf. Also be careful when purchasing leather products.

DMF:

"What is DMF used for?
Dimethylformamide is used in many industries. It is used as an industrial solvent and in the manufacture of synthetic fibers, plastics, and other chemicals. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to dimethylformamide include the following: Factory workers involved in plastics manufacturing.

Symptoms of acute exposure in humans include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, alcohol intolerance, and rashes."

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a potent allergenic sensitiser that is used for its antifungal properties. It is good at stopping the growth of mould in finished products such as leather couches and shoes. The white crystalline powder is packaged into small sachets, similar to silica gel sachets used to remove moisture. Whilst silica gel is an inert substance that removes moisture, it is not that effective in preventing mould growth in large leather items, hence the use of DMF sachets.

DMF sachets are found stapled to the wooden frame or directly under the leather covering of couches. They are also placed directly into packaging such as shoe boxes. Although finished leather goods hold very little moisture and, therefore, not prone to mould, the problem arises when transporting these items between different climates. Confined spaces and humid environments can lead to moisture build-up and mould growth. The crystalline DMF powder works to prevent mould growth by evaporating over time

DMF Removal
 

I know nothing about DMF, but wondering if you can remove it from the surface of your recliner? I would try "washing" the surface to try and remove it, or at least dilute it. If it's fabric, then perhaps steam cleaning wopuld work. If leather, than wiping it down might do the trick.

If you are going to get rid of the recliner, you have nothing to lose.

Have you contacted the store you purchased it from? "Maybe" they would let you return it, or do something to make this right.

I would agree with this and have you looked to see if the packets have been removed from the furniture? I would think at some point the chemical would completely offgas as I cannot imagine it would last forever. Maybe put the furniture out in the garage for a day in this heat I would think it would get removed?

I'm shocked to hear that Ashely's sells Chinese furniture!