New Formaldehyde Standard Takes Effect Soon: What Hoteliers Need to Know About Furniture Safety & Maintenance

       The new standard GB 18580-2025, which will be officially implemented on June 1, 2026, for the first time incorporates E0 level into mandatory national standards, requiring that the formaldehyde emission limit of wood-based panel products used in hotel furniture must not exceed 0.050 mg/m³. This is a significant upgrade from the previous standard, which only required E1 level for indoor use. "This means that a large number of low-cost, non-compliant furniture products will be eliminated from the market," Wang Hao explained. He displayed two test reports at the training session: a regular wood-based panel table emitted 0.10 mg/m³ of formaldehyde, which met the old E1 standard but failed the new E0 requirement; while a table made of FSC-certified solid wood with water-based UV coating had a formaldehyde emission of only 0.018 mg/m³, far below the new standard limit.                       

        "Formaldehyde not only affects guests' health but also exposes hotels to legal risks. After the new standard takes effect, random inspections by regulatory authorities will be intensified, and non-compliant hotels may face fines or even suspension of operations."

        While focusing on safety and environmental protection, scientific maintenance is also crucial to extending the service life of hotel furniture. During the interactive session, many hotel managers raised questions about common maintenance problems. "Why do our wooden wardrobes always crack in winter?" asked Li Min, the housekeeping manager of a business hotel in Guangzhou. Wang Hao explained that this was mainly due to improper placement: "Many hotels place wardrobes directly under air conditioning vents. The strong temperature difference and low humidity will accelerate the loss of moisture in the wood, leading to cracking and fading. It is recommended to keep furniture at least 50cm away from air conditioning vents and use humidifiers in dry seasons to maintain indoor humidity between 40%-60%."

        He also debunked several common maintenance myths. "Using soapy water or detergent to clean wooden furniture is a big mistake—it will corrode the paint and damage the wood fibers," Wang Hao said. He suggested using a slightly damp soft cloth to wipe dust first, then applying professional furniture care oil to lock in moisture. For leather sofas, avoid applying wax products directly, as this will clog the pores and cause spots; instead, use a special leather cleaner and conditioner. For water stains on furniture surfaces, a simple solution is to cover the stain with a damp cloth and gently press it with an iron, or apply salad oil or toothpaste and then wipe it clean and wax it. These practical tips were warmly welcomed by the participants, who took notes and took photos of the maintenance guides distributed at the scene.

        Zhang Wei, the procurement director of a boutique hotel chain, said after the training that he would revise the hotel's furniture procurement standards immediately. "We will add E0 certification and EN 16139 compliance as mandatory requirements, and also invite professional testers to inspect the furniture before delivery," he said. He also plans to train the housekeeping staff on scientific maintenance methods: "Previously, we thought that frequent cleaning was good for furniture, but now we know that improper cleaning can cause more damage. Professional maintenance can extend the service life of furniture by 30%-50%, which is actually a cost-saving measure."

         The organizer of the training session stated that they will launch a series of popular science activities on hotel furniture safety and maintenance in the next three months, including online courses and on-site consultations, to help more hotels adapt to the new standard requirements and improve their operational management level. "Hotel furniture is not only a functional facility but also an important part of the guest experience," said the organizer. "Understanding relevant standards and mastering scientific maintenance methods will help hotels enhance their core competitiveness and build a safe and comfortable environment for guests."