Strange smell from oak branch after baking/sterilizing

I decided that I'd like the look of oak branches in my vivarium, so I soaked them in boiling water for 30 minutes, then baked them at 425-450°F in the oven for 1 hour. I've done this in the past, and each time the branches come out, they produce this unpleasant smell with the slightest touch of water. I'm sure some of you know exactly what I'm talking about and I have no clue how to resolve this problem.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

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The mildew smell?

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

The mildew smell?

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It's definitely plant-based. Nothing moldy or chemically, I can't pinpoint it exactly unfortunately

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Yup that happens especially when it is not entirely seasoned. Think of it as being lightly roasted and you are smelling it like you would a roasted coffee bean. Within a week or 2 it will be gone.

if its red oak, thats how the fresh wood smells.

I cut a ton of it every year on my land from windfall trees and it has almost a cheesy/pungent smell to it that is unlike anything youve smelt before. Its just the tree, nothing wrong with it.

I've never soaked prior to baking. I also bake at about 250 degrees. It sounds to me like you're actually beginning the "cooking process" because you've soaked and your temps are to high and the wood is beginning to burn.

The purpose of baking is to kill parasites. Adding water is counter productive. Simply bake at lower temps for an hour or two, you'll be good to go.