7 Tips for Your Furniture to Get the Smell Out of Wood

Wood furniture adds warmth and elegance to any space, but unwanted odors can diminish its appeal. Whether caused by moisture, food spills, or chemical treatments, these smells can linger and affect your living environment.

Start by placing the furniture in a well-ventilated area to allow natural air circulation. Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces to absorb odors, or wipe them down with a diluted vinegar solution for a deep clean. Activated charcoal and coffee grounds placed nearby can further neutralize stubborn smells. For a more intensive approach, use a steam cleaner to penetrate deep into the wood. To add a pleasant touch, consider applying essential oils for a lasting fresh scent. These methods will help eliminate unwanted odors and restore the charm of your wood furniture.

Understanding the Source of Odors

Before tackling the smell, it’s crucial to identify its root cause:

• Moisture & Mildew: Trapped humidity can lead to mold growth, producing musty odors.
• Food Spills: Leftover residues can decay and create unpleasant smells.
• Chemical Treatments: Previously applied finishes or cleaning agents may leave lingering scents.

Knowing the source helps in selecting the most effective odor-removal method.

8 Tips to Remove Odors from Wood Furniture

1. Ventilate the Furniture

Proper airflow can help dissipate unwanted smells naturally.

• Outdoors: Place furniture in a shaded, well-ventilated area to allow fresh air circulation.
• Indoors: Open windows or use a fan to enhance ventilation and prevent odor buildup.

Regular ventilation prevents future smells from accumulating and is a key step in how to deodorize wooden furniture.

2. Deep Cleaning with Wood Soap

Wood soap helps remove surface grime and lingering odor particles, preparing the furniture for further deodorizing steps.
Steps:

• Dust the furniture using a soft cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment.
• Mix a gentle wood soap (e.g., Murphy’s Oil Soap) with water as directed.
• Wipe down all surfaces, including corners and inside drawers.
• Allow the furniture to dry completely before using any odor-removal methods.

3. Clean with Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes odor-causing bacteria.

How to use:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
• Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and wipe the wood surface.
• Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Tip: Test on a small area first to ensure compatibility with your furniture’s finish.

4. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors effectively, making it one of the best natural remedies for wood odors.

Steps:

• Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the wood surface.
• Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
• Vacuum or wipe away residue.

Repeat as needed for persistent smells.

5. Coffee Grounds as a Natural Deodorizer

Coffee grounds absorb and mask musty smells naturally, making them a great eco-friendly deodorizer.

Steps:

• Fill a small bowl with fresh, dry coffee grounds.
• Place the bowl inside the furniture (e.g., drawers or cabinets).
• Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
• Remove and discard the grounds. Repeat if needed for stubborn odors.

6. Apply Charcoal or Activated Charcoal

Charcoal naturally absorbs odors without leaving any residue.

• Place small bowls of charcoal near the affected furniture.
• Use activated charcoal bags inside drawers or cabinets for long-term odor control.

7. Sand the Surface

For deeply embedded odors, sanding can help remove affected layers of wood and effectively remove odors from wood furniture.

• Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand along the wood grain.
• Wipe away dust and consider refinishing with a fresh coat of varnish or sealant.

8. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils mask odors while providing antibacterial properties.

• Mix a few drops of tea tree, lavender, or lemon oil with water.
• Lightly spray onto a cloth and wipe the surface.

Avoid overuse to prevent residue buildup.

Additional Ways to Remove Odor from Wood

Sometimes, no matter how much cleaning you do, certain odors linger in wood because they’ve seeped deep into the grain. When basic remedies aren’t enough, it’s worth trying a few advanced methods that neutralize odors at the source without damaging the look or quality of the wood. Below are some proven, natural, and effective solutions you can use.

1. Freeze Method for Small Wood Items

For small pieces like drawers, wooden boxes, or decorative items, try sealing them in a plastic bag and placing them in the freezer for 48–72 hours. The extreme cold disrupts odor-causing bacteria, mold spores, or even insects that may be causing the musty smell.

2. Enzyme-Based Cleaners for Organic Odors

Enzyme cleaners are especially effective for organic odors, like those from pet accidents or food spills. These cleaners break down odor-causing matter trapped in the wood fibers. Apply a small amount with a damp cloth, let it sit for the recommended time, and then wipe clean. Always test on a hidden spot first to avoid discoloration.

3. UV Light Exposure for Moldy Smells

If the smell is linked to mold, UV light can help. Place the wooden piece in direct sunlight for 20–30 minutes at a time or use a home UV lamp. This helps kill mold spores and freshen the wood naturally. Be cautious with long exposure, as it may fade finishes.

4. Heat Treatment for Stubborn Odors

For sturdier wood furniture, heat can be used to release deep odors. Placing the piece in a warm, dry room or using controlled heat treatment mimics professional pest-control techniques. Done carefully, this method can be very effective for stubborn smells.

5. Ozone Treatment for Deep-Penetrating Smells

For odors that have penetrated deeply into wood fibers, ozone treatment may be the best option. Professional-grade ozone generators neutralize tough smells effectively, but this should be handled by experts to avoid health risks or damage to finishes.

6. Seal-In Method for Irremovable Odors

If nothing works, you can seal in the odor as a last resort. Applying a clear shellac or odor-blocking primer locks the smell inside the wood. This is especially useful if you plan to refinish or paint the item.

Fresh, Clean Homes Go Beyond Just Wood Care

Removing odors from wood is just one step in maintaining a fresh and inviting home. If you want a spotless living space without the hassle, our team at NextGen Living offers professional home cleaning services in Redwood City. From dusting and sanitizing to deep cleaning, we make sure every corner of your home feels fresh, clean, and welcoming.

When to Call a Professional

If odors persist despite multiple treatments, it could be a sign of mold deep within the wood or structural damage. In such cases, professional cleaning, mold remediation, or even refinishing may be necessary to fully restore the piece.

For stubborn odors, professional cleaning services offer deep treatments that can effectively eliminate smells.

• Research qualified professionals with experience in wood restoration.
• Ensure they use non-toxic, furniture-safe cleaning methods.

How to Remove Musty Smell from Wood Furniture

Musty odors often indicate mold or mildew. Here’s how to handle them:

1. Identify and clean mold spots using a mix of bleach and water.
2. Dry the wood thoroughly using a fan or dehumidifier.
3. Address moisture sources to prevent future mold growth.
4. Consider sealing the wood with a protective finish to block odors.

Understanding Wood Types & Odor Retention

Different wood types absorb odors differently:

• Softwoods (e.g., Pine): More porous, requiring absorbent treatments like baking soda.
• Hardwoods (e.g., Oak, Cherry): Less permeable, allowing for simpler vinegar-based cleaning.
• Resinous Woods (e.g., Cedar): Naturally fragrant but may need balancing with neutralizing methods.

The type of wood and its finish affect which odor removal technique will work best.

Preventing Future Odors

To maintain freshness, regularly dust and clean your wood furniture. Use coasters and placemats to prevent spills, and avoid placing furniture in damp or poorly ventilated areas. Consider using dehumidifiers in humid environments to reduce moisture buildup.

Conclusion

Removing odors from wood furniture is essential for maintaining its beauty and functionality. By using natural remedies for wood odors like ventilation, vinegar, baking soda, and charcoal, you can effectively freshen up your furniture. For persistent cases, professional treatments and refinishing may be necessary.

Regular maintenance, proper airflow, and natural deodorizers will help keep your wood furniture smelling fresh for years to come.