Wood furniture and timber structures are common in Australian homes, bringing a natural charm and warmth to living spaces. However, when wood is exposed to moisture, rot, or mildew, it can develop a strong, unpleasant smell that lingers.
This can affect a room’s atmosphere and signal underlying issues with the wood. Addressing the source of the odour is vital for maintaining a fresh home environment and extending the life of the wood.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of rotten wood smell and provide practical, step-by-step methods for eliminating it. Whether you’re dealing with aged furniture, structural timber, or surfaces exposed to moisture, these solutions will help you eliminate the odour and restore the wood to its original condition.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Rotten wood smells are commonly caused by moisture, rot, mould, or age. To remove the odour, clean the wood surface, sand it lightly, and apply a solution of white vinegar to neutralise smells.
Baking soda and activated charcoal can absorb odours, while hydrogen peroxide helps with mould. After cleaning, add a fresh scent with essential oils and seal the wood to prevent future odours.
Regular maintenance, moisture control, and deodorisers can keep wooden furniture and timber fresh and odour-free for the long term.
Tools And Materials Needed To Remove Rotten Wood Smell
You’ll need basic tools and materials to remove the rotten wood smell from your furniture or structural timber. These are readily available and will make the task much easier.
Tools
- Soft cloths or rags
- Sandpaper (fine and medium grit)
- Scrub brush
- Spray bottle
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
Materials
- White Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural deodoriser that eliminates musty smells from wood. It’s expensive and widely available.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is an excellent odour absorber that helps neutralise unpleasant smells in wood.
- Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal can absorb odours from the air and wood, making it an effective option for persistent smells.
- Wood Cleaner: A specialised wood cleaner or mild soap solution can help clean the surface and remove dirt or grime contributing to the odour.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): This solution helps break down mildew and can be useful for deep cleaning wood without damaging its surface.
- Essential Oils: Essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil have natural antimicrobial properties and can add a pleasant fragrance to the wood after cleaning.
- Sealant or Wood Polish: Sealing or polishing the wood after cleaning, sitting, or polishing is essential to protect it from future moisture absorption.
Step-By-Step Guide To Removing Rotten Wood Smell
1. Clean The Wood Surface
The first step to eliminating the rotten wood smell is to clean the surface of the wood thoroughly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust, dirt, or loose debris from the surface.
Next, wipe the surface down with a cloth dampened in a mild soap solution or wood cleaner. Clean all areas where odours can be trapped, including corners, joints, and grooves.
2. Sand The Wood
If the smell persists after cleaning, lightly sand the surface of the wood with a fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding removes the top layer of wood, which may be holding onto the odour.
Be sure to wipe away any dust from sanding with a clean cloth or vacuum cleaner. Avoid sanding too deeply, as this could damage the wood.
3. Apply White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is a natural deodoriser that is particularly effective at neutralising odours. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then mist the wood lightly with the solution.
Set the vinegar on for 5-10 minutes to absorb the odours, and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Vinegar also helps eliminate any mould spores contributing to the smell.
4. Use Baking Soda For Absorbing Odours
If the smell persists, sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the wood.
Allow the baking soda to sit for several hours, preferably overnight, to absorb the odour. The next day, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove the baking soda.
5. Apply Activated Charcoal
Place activated charcoal near or inside the wooden object for more stubborn smells, especially furniture with drawers or cabinets.
Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent material that traps odour particles in the air and can help reduce smells over time. Leave the charcoal in place for a few days to allow it to absorb as much odour as possible.
6. Try Hydrogen Peroxide For Mouldy Smells
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) can be an effective cleaning solution if the odour is mildew or mould.
Apply it to the affected areas using a spray bottle or a cloth, then allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it off. Hydrogen peroxide kills mould and bacteria that cause bad smells without damaging the wood.
7. Use Essential Oils For Freshness
After cleaning the wood and eliminating the odour, add a pleasant fragrance by applying a few drops of essential oil.
Oils like lavender, lemon, or tea tree add a fresh scent and have natural antimicrobial properties that help keep the wood clean and free from mould or mildew.
8. Seal Or Polish The Wood
Apply a sealant or wood polish to prevent future odours from penetrating the wood. This creates a protective layer over the wood, helping to keep moisture and odours at bay.
Be sure to choose a sealant appropriate for the type of wood you’re with, whether furniture or structural timber.
Preventing Future Odours In Wood
To avoid bad smells in wood, taking proactive measures is essential. Wood can easily absorb moisture and odours, especially in humid environments, so here are some effective steps to prevent future odours:
1. Control Moisture Levels
Moisture is one of the main causes of unpleasant odours in wood, often leading to mould or mildew growth. Controlling humidity levels within your home is crucial to prevent this.
Use dehumidifiers in areas where moisture accumulates, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans to allow air to circulate, reducing dampness and helping wood remain dry.
2. Regularly Clean Wooden Furniture
Keeping your wooden furniture and surfaces clean can help prevent odour build-up. Dust and dirt tend to trap moisture, which can lead to musty smells over time.
Wipe down wood surfaces regularly with a damp cloth, but avoid using excessive water, which can contribute to moisture absorption. Dry the wood thoroughly after cleaning to maintain its freshness.
3. Keep Wood Properly Sealed
Sealing wood is an effective way to protect it from moisture and odour-causing mould. To create a protective barrier, apply a wood sealant or varnish to your wooden furniture and surfaces.
Regularly reapply the sealant, especially on older or unsealed wood, to ensure long-term protection against moisture absorption. This preventive step is especially important for outdoor furniture or wooden items in humid areas.
4. Use Deodorisers
In high-humidity environments or homes prone to moisture issues, using natural deodorisers can help keep wood smelling fresh. Baking soda and activated charcoal are effective in absorbing odours.
Place bowls of these substances inside wooden cabinets or drawers to eliminate bad smells. Additionally, cedar blocks or lavender sachets can be used in storage areas to keep the air smelling fresh and prevent moisture build-up.
5. Use Essential Oils Or Wood-Friendly Fresheners
You can occasionally use wood-friendly air fresheners or essential oils to keep your wood smelling pleasant.
Lightly applying oils like lemon, lavender, or tea tree can help keep the wood smelling fresh while also acting as a natural cleaning agent. However, ensure you apply these products sparingly so as not to contribute to moisture accumulation.
6. Inspect For Mould And Mildew
Regularly inspect wooden surfaces for any signs of mould or mildew, which can produce strong odours. Early detection allows immediate cleaning and treatment, preventing further odour and damage.
Clean affected areas with a vinegar solution or specialised wood cleaner to remove mould and mildew, and make sure the area is fully dried afterwards.
Conclusion
Removing the rotten wood smell is essential for maintaining the freshness and longevity of your wooden furniture and surfaces. By following these steps and using the right tools and materials, you can eliminate unpleasant odours from wood.
Prevention is key—keeping your wood dry, clean, and well-maintained will ensure it remains odour-free for years. Whether you are dealing with furniture or structural timber, these methods will help you restore and protect the wood in your home.
FAQs About Getting Rid Of The Rotten Wood Smell
What Causes Wood To Smell Rotten?
Rotten wood smells are typically caused by moisture trapped in the wood, leading to the growth of mould, mildew, and bacterial activity. Prolonged exposure to damp conditions can accelerate decay, resulting in a foul odour.
Is Sanding The Wood Necessary?
Sanding can help if the smell is deep within the wood or the surface is visibly affected by rot. Lightly sanding the top layer of the wood can remove the affected area and reduce the odour. After sanding, be sure to seal the wood with a protective finish.
What Takes The Smell Out Of Wood?
Fill your bucket or container with warm water and 1 tsp Murphy Oil Soap per 1 cup warm water. This is a good soap to use on wood and for cleaning a smoke smell (or other strong odours) from wood furniture.
Does Rotting Wood Smell Bad?
Water damage, mould and wood rot give off a telltale odour. As the fungus spreads and breaks down wood into organic materials, it produces a musty, earthy smell. The smell of wood decay is more easily detected in areas that lack ventilation.
Is Wood Smell Toxic?
Wood stain can transform old wood, flooring, and furniture, making it look new. But if the stain is not applied carefully, that new furniture look can come at a steep cost-your health. Wood stain fumes are well known to be toxic.
