Old wood furniture, floors, or beams can bring a warm, rustic charm to any home. However, over time, they can develop an odor that can be difficult to eliminate.
Whether it’s the musty scent of aged wood or the smell of mildew from moisture, there are several ways to neutralize these odors and restore a fresh, clean atmosphere in your home.
Here are some effective methods to get rid of the smell of old wood in your house.
1. Ventilate the Area
One of the first steps in tackling any unwanted smell is to increase airflow.
Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the room. A cross breeze can help push out the musty air and bring in cleaner air from outside.
If you have ceiling fans or portable fans, use them to help move the air around. Fresh air is an easy, natural way to begin addressing the issue of old wood smells.
2. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile solution for absorbing odors from various surfaces, including wood. To combat the musty smell, sprinkle baking soda directly onto wooden furniture or floors.
Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight for stronger odors) to absorb the smell. Then, simply vacuum or wipe away the baking soda. This method works best for furniture or smaller wooden items.
3. Clean with Vinegar Solution
A vinegar solution can help neutralize the odor-causing particles in the wood. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the wood.
Wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove any excess liquid.
Vinegar has natural deodorizing properties that can tackle the underlying cause of the smell without damaging the wood. Avoid over-wetting the wood to prevent warping or damage to the finish.
4. Try Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is known for its powerful odor-absorbing properties. This porous material traps odor molecules and helps neutralize unpleasant smells in a room. To use it for old wood odors, place several pieces of activated charcoal in small containers or fabric pouches around the affected area. You can also place a few bowls of loose charcoal near the wood or in areas where the smell is most concentrated. Leave the charcoal in place for several days or up to a week, depending on the intensity of the odor.
As the charcoal absorbs moisture and odor, you'll notice the musty scent begin to fade. One advantage of activated charcoal is that it can be reused. Simply place the charcoal in the sun for a few hours to refresh it before reusing.
5. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils aren’t just for creating pleasant scents in your home—they can also help mask the musty smell of old wood while offering other benefits.
Some oils, like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon, are particularly effective in fighting odors and promoting a fresh atmosphere.
To use essential oils for this purpose, add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake the bottle gently to combine, then lightly mist the wood or surrounding area. Be careful not to oversaturate the wood, as excess moisture can damage the finish over time.
6. Consider an Ozone Generator
Ozone generators can be effective in eliminating old wood smells in a house by releasing ozone (O3) molecules into the air.
Ozone works by breaking down odor-causing molecules, including the musty or stale scents associated with old wood.
When the ozone comes into contact with these odor molecules, it oxidizes them, neutralizing the smell. The process is particularly useful in areas where traditional cleaning methods can’t reach, such as inside walls or behind furniture.
Ozone generators should be a last resort for odor removal as ozone can be hazardous in high concentrations. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when using them to address odors.
7. Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers can be a great way to get rid of old wood smells in your home. Unsurprisingly, it’s our preferred way to address the issue! Our air purifiers remove smells through a combination of particle capture and activated charcoal filters that absorb odors.
By continuously circulating and cleaning the air, they can gradually make your home feel fresher.
Activated charcoal will also help address paint fumes from painted wood that can linger for years.
8. Restore Wood with Beeswax Polish
If the wood has a noticeable musty odor, it might be due to the wood’s finish or a buildup of dust and grime.
Beeswax polish can help restore the natural beauty of the wood while also neutralizing odors. Apply a thin layer of beeswax polish to the wood and buff it with a soft cloth.
The beeswax will not only give the wood a pleasant scent but will also create a protective layer that can help prevent further odor buildup.
Conclusion
Getting rid of old wood smells doesn’t have to be a challenge.
Whether you use air purifiers, ozone generators, or simple ventilation techniques, there are a variety of solutions to suit your needs.
Natural methods like vinegar and baking soda can be great for light odors, while more advanced tools like activated charcoal or air purifiers tackle deeper smells.
Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for your space. Ultimately, with a few adjustments, you can restore a fresh atmosphere and keep your home smelling clean and inviting.
