Cleaning and Stain Removal - stink in an apartment from last occupant
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skx172
08-05-08, 06:55 PM
so, i got this apartment which was vacant for a good 4 months before i got the keys. when i came in it smelled kind of bad/rotenish (i cant really define it). given the condition of the apartment it looked like the last tenant did not touch a damn thing for 20 years and the apartment had a roach problem (eggs in every place imaginable). so i repainted the entire thing and laid new laminate flooring throughout. now that the paint is dry and does not smell the old smell still remains particularly in the closets. what should i do? is it under my new flooring? is there a super deodorizer bomb that i can unleash in the apartment to get rid of the smell?
ps i dont live there now and can have it be vacant and expose it to harsh chemicals if need be.
ps i dont live there now and can have it be vacant and expose it to harsh chemicals if need be.
Docduck
08-05-08, 11:00 PM
it may be subflooring or baseboards....painting isnt the same as sealing...you may want to look into a good primer/sealer then repaint....all surfaces ceilings, walls, trim...if its that bad anything pourse..drapes carpets and etc..just toss out...would take you a long time to trouble shoot..also hvac systems need to be cleaned....
ozone machine would work wonders as well if empty
ozone machine would work wonders as well if empty
magictouch
08-07-08, 08:44 PM
:confused: Vinegar sometimes eliminates odors.
My car sometimes reaks of cigarette smoke.
So over night, I'll leave a bowl of vinegar and throw it out the next day.
You could try that in your closets.
If you have any carpet you can sprinkle baking powder to help neutralize.
You can also wipe things down with vinegar. It works wonders.
good luck!
My car sometimes reaks of cigarette smoke.
So over night, I'll leave a bowl of vinegar and throw it out the next day.
You could try that in your closets.
If you have any carpet you can sprinkle baking powder to help neutralize.
You can also wipe things down with vinegar. It works wonders.
good luck!
twelvepole
08-22-08, 12:26 PM
If apartment is still vacant, is the HVAC system running to control temperature and humidity as well as air circulation. Closed up dwellings tend to have their own unique odors.
A fresh coat of paint and new floor coverings should have eliminated a lot of odors. Depending on the source of the odor, a good primer/sealer on the walls would have sealed odors in wall cavity. You identify closets as being the most potent areas for odor, so you might want to seal and prime closets to see if that makes a difference in the odor. Leave closet doors open so that air can circulate.
If the apartment is over a crawlspace, an investigation of that area may be warranted. A dead animal, depending on size, can take several months to completely decompose and odors to dissipate. If poisons were used for rodent control, dead rodents could be trapped in walls.
Standing water and/or broken sewer pipe can also be a source of odor. Crawl space should be dry, well-ventilated, and soil covered with 8 mil minimum polyethylene sheeting, overlapped & taped, and run up sides of foundation and held in place with silicone caulk.
If there is an attic space, this area needs to be investigated as well for signs of wildlife infestation, dead animals, feces, etc. Also inspect for visible signs of fungus and mold/mildew which can be a source of odor and a health threat.
There are commercial enzyme foggers and ozone machines available. Check at your local rental equipment center. Do not remain in the apartment if using deodorizing equipment.
A fresh coat of paint and new floor coverings should have eliminated a lot of odors. Depending on the source of the odor, a good primer/sealer on the walls would have sealed odors in wall cavity. You identify closets as being the most potent areas for odor, so you might want to seal and prime closets to see if that makes a difference in the odor. Leave closet doors open so that air can circulate.
If the apartment is over a crawlspace, an investigation of that area may be warranted. A dead animal, depending on size, can take several months to completely decompose and odors to dissipate. If poisons were used for rodent control, dead rodents could be trapped in walls.
Standing water and/or broken sewer pipe can also be a source of odor. Crawl space should be dry, well-ventilated, and soil covered with 8 mil minimum polyethylene sheeting, overlapped & taped, and run up sides of foundation and held in place with silicone caulk.
If there is an attic space, this area needs to be investigated as well for signs of wildlife infestation, dead animals, feces, etc. Also inspect for visible signs of fungus and mold/mildew which can be a source of odor and a health threat.
There are commercial enzyme foggers and ozone machines available. Check at your local rental equipment center. Do not remain in the apartment if using deodorizing equipment.