When mold gets within wood, the pungent odor can be quite challenging to escape from. Wood left within a damp or dark location can develop a distinct set of smells which only become worse if left untreated.
This guide provides a range of solutions will be provide for wiping out these spore and then neutralizing the unpleasant aroma. By following the tips below, you can better your chance of eliminating moldy infestation of your wood, and return it to normal.
Eradicate Mold
The first step to eliminating the odor is to kill the mold spore that creates this stench. The best way to do this is by using bleach to wipe out all of the mold at it’s source.
1 Bleach
This is best solution for eliminating a variety of organic organisms including mold. The bleach cuts through wood fiber and works well at sterilizing any surface that it is applied to. Prepare a solution of one part bleach to six parts water within a bowl. Dunk a cloth within the formula and begin scrubbing down the moldy surface. Be sure to wipe off all visible mold growth, while scrubbing down all areas within a few feet of the mold’s location.
Bleach can be very effective, but it also can cause bleaching of sensitive wood fiber. To prevent this on a delicate piece of wood, you can further dilute the solution to one part bleach and twelve parts water. As a final preventative step, be sure to rinse bleach off with a water solution.
Smell Removal Solutions
The following solutions can be used by themselves or in combination. By using more than just one tip, you can increase your chance of success.
1 White Vinegar
Create a solution of white vinegar and water in equal parts. Scrub location down thoroughly to wipe off any remaining bleach. Vinegar has the effect of neutralizing the bleach and mold odor with it’s own distinct smell which will go away once dried.
2 Hydrogen Peroxide
This powerful household ingredient does a great job at breaking down organics. Mix this solution in equal parts with water and apply to the origin of the odor. Scrub this into the fiber and let sit to air dry. A lesser known benefit of this solution is that it will also work to remove any unwanted discolorations or stains caused by the mold.
3 Baking Soda
Mix a solution of one part baking soda with 5 parts water to scrub area down. If smell persists, sprinkling baking soda in heavy quantities over this location and leave it to sit for 24-48 hours. Upon competition, sweep powder up and leave freshen wood behind.
4 Murphy’s Oil Soap
This is a wonderful product for cleaning and deodorizing wood. The oil works well at getting deep within the fiber of the wood and neutralizes odors. To use, pour this product on the location and scrub substance into the wood’s grain. You can lift remaining solution from the surface with a cloth.
5 Nature’s Miracle
This is another product which works well in cleaning wood. It harnesses the power of active enzymes that actively work to wipe out organic materials like mold. Apply this solution and scrub the product deep within the wood’s fiber. Upon competition, wipe up the moisture leaving wood’s grain to air dry.
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I dealt with this problem last month. I got some orange oil wood cleaning solution and wiped it on the entire piece of wood using an old t-shirt. A day later… the smell was gone.
BURN THE WOOD AND KILL THE MOLD. THAT STUFF CAN BE DANGEROUS.
I don’t see it listed here but i always use Lysol. Spray it on and then wipe it off along with the mold. Easy-peezy!
Pour ammonia into a spray bottle and give the wood a good spray down. Finish by making sure that the wood gets plenty of direct sunlight. Smell will be removed within a few days!! =)
I don’t see ammonia mentioned here, but i have used this in the past to remove mold from wood. I live up in Washington and we regularly get mold within our wood from the moist environment. Maintenance is very keys keeping mold from taking over.
With delicate mold infestations of wood, i like to use a toothbrush to to avoid damaging the wood. i think that this is very important on antique furniture that can get scratched by too harsh of a brush.
Wooden drawer mold odors have always been my biggest problem. My parents recently gave me a great trick for removing such odors. I boil a mixture of vinegar and water.. pour it within a ceramic bowl.. then place it within the the closed drawer. Two day later the smell is gone.
IN MY EXPERIENCE, BLEACH, BAKING SODA, VINEGAR ARE ALL GREAT, BUT ARE NOT ENOUGH TO GET RID OF DIFFICULT MOLD. I MANAGE SEVERAL APARTMENT BUILDINGS AND REGULARLY NEED TO GET RID OF SUCH MOLD. I ALWAYS JUST RESEAL THE WOOD WITH PAINT OR STAIN. WORKS EVERY TIME!
What is the best way to clean wood flooring?
Great Suggestions guys.
Recently working on an antique clock.
And the wooden case has a very pungent smell of mold.
I sanded the wood and refinished it by fresh paint. Smell is gone.
Before painting I actually washed the wood with vinegar and place it in the oven at about 50° Celsius. All the moisture was gone.