Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Stinky hardwood floor -- need advice
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markdiy
01-24-05, 12:06 PM
I've had water come in under a door onto the hardwoods. They don't look too bad, but they smell musty. Every now and then, I'll walk by and get a huge wiff of musty odor. Short of replacing the floor, can I do something to eliminate the smell?
twelvepole
01-24-05, 04:49 PM
Once subfloor is wet beneath hardwood, it takes a while to dry out. Mold & mildew spores are everywhere in the air. When there is a dark, damp, poorly ventilated area, they tend to settle in. You can clean your flooring, but you can not clean the subfloor beneath. A dehumidifier and fans can expedite drying. With luck the area may dry out and odor dissipate. The only way to access the subfloor is to remove flooring. Major concerns are decomposition of the subfloor and the mold/mildew. Hardwood may show signs of cupping & crowning due to moisture.
You also need to address moisture issues to eliminate them. A bead of silicone caulk at threshold of door may prevent moisture from entering under threshold. Make sure gutters & downspouts are clear and draining water away from structure. Make sure porch or patio properly slope to carry moisture away from door threshold.
You can also use an enzyme digester cleaner/deodorizer to address odor problems. These are marketed under various names at home centers: Out, OdoBan, Nature's Miracle, & others. The enzymes will digest the organisms that cause the odor.
You also need to address moisture issues to eliminate them. A bead of silicone caulk at threshold of door may prevent moisture from entering under threshold. Make sure gutters & downspouts are clear and draining water away from structure. Make sure porch or patio properly slope to carry moisture away from door threshold.
You can also use an enzyme digester cleaner/deodorizer to address odor problems. These are marketed under various names at home centers: Out, OdoBan, Nature's Miracle, & others. The enzymes will digest the organisms that cause the odor.