Do you have a used, smelly jigsaw puzzle? There’s nothing quite like finding a fantastic jigsaw puzzle at a thrift store, garage sale, or secondhand shop. The thrill of scoring a rare or vintage puzzle at a great price is exciting! But sometimes, that amazing find comes with an unexpected surprise – an unpleasant odor. Yep, you’ve got a second-hand smell jigsaw puzzle problem
Used Smelly Jigsaw Puzzle Problem
Don’t worry! If your new-to-you puzzle has a musty, smoky, or overly perfumed scent, you don’t have to give up on it just yet. In fact, it’s important to realize you could be speed puzzling this very find one day, you just need to clean the puzzle. There are plenty of ways to freshen up your jigsaw puzzle and make it enjoyable to work on. In this guide, we’ll go over common smells found in secondhand puzzles, how to remove them, and when it’s time to move on if a puzzle just can’t be saved.
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Common Second-hand Jigsaw Puzzle Odors and Why They Happen
The majority of Jigsaw puzzles are made of cardboard and paperboard, both of which absorb scents easily. Depending on where and how the puzzle was stored, different smells can develop over time. Here’s a look at the most common ones:
1. Musty or Moldy Smell
This is one of the most common odors in secondhand puzzles, and it usually means the smelly jigsaw puzzle was stored in a damp environment like a basement, attic, or garage. Over time, cardboard absorbs moisture from the air, allowing mildew or even mold to develop. A musty smell doesn’t always mean there’s mold present, but if it’s especially strong or accompanied by dark spots, extra caution is needed.
2. Smoke Odor (Cigarette or Fireplace)
If a puzzle came from the home of a smoker or was stored near a fireplace, the pieces may have absorbed smoke particles. Unlike some other odors, smoke can be particularly tricky to remove. The smoke lingers deep within the cardboard and the smelly jigsaw puzzle might not be fully salvageable. Even years later, a puzzle can still carry the scent of smoke, making it unpleasant to work on – especially if you’re sensitive to this odor.
3. Overwhelming Perfume or Scented Candles
Many people love using air fresheners, scented candles, and perfumes in their homes, but sometimes, those fragrances transfer onto puzzles. If a puzzle was stored near potpourri or fabric sprays, it might have an overpowering floral or artificial scent that creates a smelly jigsaw puzzle. This might seem better than smoke or mildew, but for those with scent sensitivities, strong perfumes can be just as bothersome.
4. Chemical or Factory Smell
Brand-new puzzles sometimes have a strong chemical smell due to the adhesives, ink, and materials used in production. However, secondhand smelly jigsaw puzzles can also develop this odor if they were stored in plastic containers, exposed to cleaning chemicals, or made from lower-quality materials. If the scent is extremely strong, it may be off-gassing from cheap glue or laminate.
5. “Old Paper” or Stale Smell
Some older jigsaw puzzles, particularly vintage ones, can have a distinct stale, dusty paper smell. This happens when a puzzle has been sitting untouched for years, allowing dust and air particles to settle into the pieces. While not as unpleasant as mildew or smoke, the “old paper” scent can still make a puzzle feel less fresh and enjoyable to work on.
How to Remove Odors from Smelly Jigsaw Puzzles
The good news? Most puzzle odors can be eliminated or significantly reduced! Here are some tried-and-true methods for freshening up your secondhand puzzles.
1. Air It Out (Best for All Odors)
Fresh air works wonders! Lay the puzzle pieces on a clean, dry surface and let them sit in a well-ventilated area or outside in indirect sunlight for a few hours. If possible, keep them spread out overnight so that airflow can help dissipate lingering odors. This method is gentle and works well for almost any type of smell.
2. The Baking Soda Method (Best for Musty and Smoke Odors)
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and fantastic for absorbing strong smells. Place the puzzle pieces in an airtight container with an open box of baking soda (or sprinkle some on a paper towel inside the container). Let them sit for at least 48 hours, but for deeply embedded odors, a full week might be best. Shake the pieces off before reassembling to remove any residual baking soda dust.
3. Dryer Sheets or Charcoal (Best for Perfume and Chemical Odors)
For puzzles that have absorbed overwhelming perfume, candle, or plastic-like smells, placing them in a bin with unscented dryer sheets or activated charcoal bags can help absorb and neutralize the scent. Unlike baking soda, which works best for musty odors, dryer sheets and charcoal help tackle more artificial, chemically based smells. Let them sit for a few days before checking for improvement of your smelly jigsaw puzzle.
4. Vinegar and Sunlight (Best for Musty and Stale Smells)
White vinegar is a fantastic natural deodorizer! Lightly dampen a clean cloth with vinegar and gently wipe the puzzle box and pieces (without soaking them). Then, let the pieces air dry in a sunny spot for a few hours. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries, leaving your puzzle fresher than before.
5. Freezing (Best for Moldy and Uncertain Odors)
If you suspect mold or mildew, placing the puzzle in a sealed plastic bag and freezing it for 48–72 hours can help kill bacteria and neutralize odors. This is a great way to prevent mold spores from spreading while eliminating musty scents. After freezing, let the puzzle return to room temperature before using.
When to Say Goodbye: Signs a Used Puzzle is Beyond Saving
While many puzzles can be salvaged, some odors are just too strong to remove. Here’s when it might be best to let go:
- The musty/moldy smell doesn’t fade, even after multiple treatments.
- There are visible mold spots, warped pieces, or discoloration.
- The cigarette smoke smell remains deeply embedded, even after airing out and using baking soda.
- The chemical odor is overwhelming and persistent, indicating poor-quality materials.
It’s Time to Bring Your Jigsaw Puzzles Back to Life!
For the most part you can restore many secondhand puzzles to their former glory.
However, some puzzles might not be worth the effort, especially if mold or deeply embedded smoke lingers despite your best efforts. Knowing when to clean and refresh versus when to move on will save you time and frustration.
So next time you find a thrift store puzzle with a funky smell, don’t be afraid to give these odor-removal methods a try! If you are loving the puzzle image and feel that you can alter the smelly jigsaw puzzle, then give it a try. Nothing is better than finding the perfect puzzle (which doesn’t have an odor) and you can sit down to solve.
