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.

7 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Consider Professional Cleaning

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 Smells from Wood

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.

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.