Expert: Jan Hayner - 3/20/2008

Question
hello Jan,  I own a wood lot. Knowing that, my new wife of 2 years thought it would be a good idea to heat totally with wood this year. So we brought in the woodstove from the cabin, got pipes and it worked well. Since I had my own trees to cut we did not have to pay the $2800 for heat like last year. The problem now is the scent from the wood burning. No matter how its done you have to open the door to add wood. Some smoke will get out.
  How and what is the easiest way to get the smokey smell out. My mother is 81 years old and long ago lived in a home heated by wood. She tells us the only way is to physically wash/ scrub all the walls, furniture, cabinets, etc. I cringe at that idea. But if it must be done then no choice. Myself I don't notice the scent much because the cabin is a hunting cabin and I'm used to it I guess. My son and grandkids notice it easy. what is the easiest way? And what cleaner?
wayne

Answer
Hi Wayne;
It sounds as though you want ideas for things that you can do as a fast and easy cleanup and then to do a thorough cleaning when the heating season is over with. Well, you came to the right place! I always look for the easy and inexpensive way of doing things, so I do have some things that will help you.

First of all, make sure that you always remove the 'cold' ashes immediately and move them to the outside ash bin. Don't leave them in the house any longer than necessary.

Now, short of washing the walls,upholstery,carpeting and mirrors etc. these little tips will make everyones life a little more pleasant.

1.  Set vinegar around the room in small fancy little containers. The fancy little containers are just going to disguise the ingredients and make your wife feel better about doing this. Vinegar will absorb the smell and the odor of the vinegar will not be known to anyone.

2. Another source of absorption is 'charcoal', although this is harder to hide from view, it also will eliminate the odor.

3. During the heating season it is wise to wash the curtains more often. A greasy residue builds up and with the fabric of most curtains, will weaken the threads.

4. Put baking soda on the carpets and furniture and if possible, do this at night and then vacuum off in the morning. Baking soda will absorb some of the grease and leave a fresh odor in the room.

5.Simple Green is great for washing walls, although I am going to give you a recipe, using baking soda, that works great too.

6. Spray the upholstery, curtains and carpeting with Odor Ban or Fabreze (odor eliminators) to help to take away smoke smell buildup.

7.Recipes for Baking Soda Cleaner:This is great for washing walls, most upholstery (try a small area first), glassware (although you can use vinegar and water too) and carpeting.

To use in a spray bottle
1 Tbs. baking soda
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 cups of water
Mix completely by shaking the bottle and spray. Can be kept in the bottle and used when needed.

To mix in a bucket
1/2 cup of baking soda
1/8 cup of lemon juice
2 gallons of hot water
Mix and wash walls etc.

Vinegar is also a great cleaner when used for removing dirt and odors, I use a strong solution of 2 cups of vinegar to 2 gallons of water.

This website also has some information that I know would be of interest to you:
http://www.epa.gov/woodstoves/efficiently.html

I hope that I helped Wayne, I know that your wife and mother will notice a big change (with minimal effort) in the home.
Happy cleaning,
Jan Hayner