Antonio Mcgowan
Getting fragrance out of wood furniture can be a challenge, especially if the scent has deeply penetrated the wood. The first step is to identify the type of smell and its source. Then, depending on the severity of the odour, you can try various methods to eliminate it. Natural remedies such as baking soda, sunlight, and fresh air are effective in absorbing odours and killing bacteria. For more stubborn smells, sanding and refinishing the wood with a fresh coat of wax-oil finish or sealant may be required. Additionally, commercial odour absorbers, vinegar solutions, and odour-blocking primers can be used to combat strong fragrances.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identify the type of smell | Musty, urine, chemical, cologne, perfume |
| Identify the source of the smell | Stains, previous owner, spills |
| Natural remedies | Baking soda, sunlight, fresh air, vinegar, activated charcoal, coffee grounds, lemons, rubbing alcohol |
| Commercial products | Febreze, Murphy's Oil Soap, Arm & Hammer, furniture wax |
| Sanding and refinishing | Lightly sand the surface, apply a fresh coat of wax-oil finish |
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Sunlight and fresh air
If you can, place the furniture outside in a well-ventilated area exposed to sunlight for a few hours. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can damage the wood. This method is best for musty or mildew odours. If the wood gets wet, it may cause mould and mildew to grow, so be sure to keep it dry.
If taking your furniture outside is not an option, open the windows and let fresh air into the room for several hours each day. You can also try deodorizers like bicarbonate, charcoal, and coffee beans. Place a small amount of any of these substances into jars or vessels and place them in drawers or on shelves for several days.
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Baking soda
To use baking soda to remove odours from wood furniture, spread a generous amount of it over the wood surface and leave it for 24 hours. For deeper odours, place a bowl of baking soda inside closed spaces like drawers. For drawers, closets, and other closed spaces, sprinkle handfuls of baking soda inside and let it sit for a few days. You can also try stuffing the drawer with newspaper and adding a bowl filled with baking soda, letting it sit for about a week. After the baking soda has absorbed the odours, vacuum or wipe it off the surface.
To remove odours from the inside of drawers, try rubbing the inside lightly with sandpaper, then covering it with baking soda and letting it sit for at least 24 hours. You can also try adding a layer of activated charcoal to the bottom of the drawers, then covering it with brown packing paper and letting it sit for a few days.
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Vinegar
To use vinegar to remove fragrance from wooden furniture, create a diluted solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Apply this solution lightly to the wood using a soft cloth, being careful not to over-saturate the wood to prevent damage. After application, allow the wood to air-dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate, taking the unpleasant odours with it. This method works well for both acidic and alkaline odours. Vinegar is also useful for targeting specific stains and is unlikely to leave a mark if accidentally sprayed onto fabric.
For odours in drawers or enclosed spaces, fill a container or glass with vinegar and place it inside. Leave it for a few days to allow the vinegar to absorb the odours. You can also create a paste with vinegar and baking soda and apply it to the affected areas.
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Sanding and refinishing
To begin the process of sanding and refinishing, you will need to identify the source of the fragrance. Check for any visible stains, discoloration, or signs of mold or mildew growth. Once you have located the affected area, it is important to wash it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
The next step is to gently sand the surface of the wood. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the wood. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you only need to sand off a thin layer of the finish. Continue sanding until the affected layer of wood is removed, taking care not to over-sand and damage the wood.
After sanding, you will need to refinish the wood with a suitable product. Choose a wax-oil finish or a sealant that is compatible with the type of wood and its existing finish. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the product you have chosen. Apply the finish or sealant evenly and allow it to dry completely.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove fragrances from wood furniture while also refinishing and protecting the surface. This method may require some time and effort, but it can be a worthwhile solution for deep-seated odors that have not responded to other treatments.
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Deodorizers
Sunlight and Fresh Air
Sunlight and fresh air are natural deodorizers and excellent tools for removing unwanted odors from wooden furniture. The UV rays from the sun can kill bacteria and mold that cause unpleasant odors, while fresh air helps dissipate the smells. Place the furniture outside in a well-ventilated area exposed to sunlight for a few hours. However, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this can damage the wood. This method is particularly effective for musty or mildew odors.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural odor absorber. It can be used to eliminate unwanted smells from wooden furniture by placing it in bowls or containers near or inside the furniture. For drawers or enclosed spaces, place a small amount of baking soda in a jar or vessel to save on cleanup. Replace the baking soda every few days until the odor dissipates.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is highly effective in filtering and absorbing odors. Its porous nature gives it a large surface area, making it ideal for odor removal. Place a bowl of activated charcoal inside or on top of the wooden furniture, or sprinkle some into the drawers. Leave it for a few days and then vacuum out the charcoal.
Vinegar Solution
A vinegar solution can be used to eliminate odors from wooden furniture. Mix two parts white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Spritz a soft microfiber cloth with the mixture and gently wipe down all surface areas, including the inside of drawers. This method is particularly useful for older, vintage furniture where the odor may be caused by bacteria and germs deep within the wood.
Sanding and Resealing
If the odor has deeply penetrated the wood, a more labor-intensive method of sanding and resealing may be required. Gently sand the surface to avoid damaging the wood, and then apply a new sealant. This method removes the odor-absorbing layer of the wood and provides a fresh start.
It is important to identify the type of smell and its source before attempting to remove it. Different odors, such as musty, urine, or chemical, will require different approaches. Natural remedies are typically effective and less likely to damage the wood.
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Frequently asked questions
Sunlight and fresh air are natural deodorizers. Place the furniture outside or in a well-ventilated area exposed to sunlight for a few hours. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can damage the wood.
Baking soda, vinegar, and charcoal are all natural odor absorbers. Identify the source of the smell and apply one of these substances to the affected area. For example, if the smell is coming from a drawer, place a bowl of vinegar or activated charcoal inside the drawer and let it sit for a few days.
Try wiping down the wood with Murphy's Oil Soap or rubbing alcohol. If the perfume has been absorbed into the raw wood, you may need to sand and refinish the surface with a fresh coat of wax-oil finish.
