Eliminating Unwanted Smells From Wooden Flooring

Odors in hardwood floors can often be removed with inexpensive cleaning products.

A well-kept hardwood floor contributes natural beauty to a home, but when unpleasant scents emerge, the situation can escalate. In extreme situations, replacing the whole floor may become necessary, which is costly. Pet accidents, moisture problems, or excessive room humidity are common culprits behind lingering odors. Fortunately, musty or mildew-like smells can frequently be eliminated using ordinary household cleaning supplies.

Step 1

Using a broom and dustpan, collect any noticeable dirt and debris from the surface of the hardwood floor. Follow up with a vacuum to capture smaller particles that the broom left behind.

Step 2

In a bucket, combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of hot water. Use a mop to apply this mixture to the hardwood floor, then mop once more using plain water. Promptly dry the surface with cloths, since water left sitting on the wood can cause harm.

Step 3

Pour 3-percent hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spritz it onto spots where odor persists. Let the hydrogen peroxide remain in place for five minutes. Then mop those spots with water and wipe them dry using cloths.

Step 4

Check by smell whether any odor lingers on the hardwood floor. If it does, prepare a mixture in the bucket using 1 part bleach to every 10 parts warm water. Before applying it broadly, test the solution on a hidden section of the floor to confirm it does not alter the wood's color. If no negative reaction occurs on the wood, mop the full floor with the bleach mixture. Follow by rinsing the floor with clean water. Wipe dry with cloths.

Step 5

Open every window in the room and let the space air out fully.