getting smell out of rent house

My BIL bought a rent house a couple of weeks ago. My husband and I have been trying to get it cleaned up so he can move into it. But you would not believe how nasty these people was. There was thousands of roaches, been sprayed 2 times profesionaly and we spayed 3 times hopefully those are gone, but you would not believe the fowl odor from that house. My daughter went over to see it and stepped in the front door and started gaging had to go back out. We have ripped up all the carpet and threw it away now we are going to start cleaning. What can we use to get rid of that awful odor? Can we go in and use deluted bleach on the floors and everywhere and try to clean and disinfect everything? All help is appreciated. Thanks Judy

 

It is likely that bleach would not be enough.

Before you can know what to do about the odor you need to know where it is coming from.
There is a good chance that whatever has soiled the carpet has leaked through to the floor and maybe subfloor that was beneath the carpet.
An aquaintance had a similar problem with a rental he bought and had to rip up the floor and subfloor to get rid of the offending odor.
Let your nose be your guide and just get close to everything to source out the problem.

 

Continue to treat for roaches on the interior, but also along the foundation along perimeter of structure at least monthly. Depending on neighborhood, roaches can re-enter the home. Residual insecticide is important for roaches to encounter. A roach bait product is also important for roaches to carry back to their colony where it will be distributed. Simply spraying for roaches will not eliminate those that have yet to hatch from egg cases.

In addressing odor issues, it is best to identify source of odor. All hard surfaces will need to be cleaned with disinfectant cleaner. Pet urine settled into subfloor typically requires sealing of subfloor before reinstalling carpet cushion and carpet. Urine spray along baseboards and lower walls will also need to be sealed before painting. Moisture issues in basement or crawl space can cause mold/mildew odor, so moisture issues should be addressed. If odors are from dead rodents or other animals in wall voids or other conspicuous places, they will have to completely decompose before odor will abate.

Cleaning and sealing all hard surfaces will seal in odors. Disposal of all fiber materials like carpet and upholstered furniture, etc. is important because odor-causing bacteria is trapped within where cleaning can not be addressed. Moisture and urine issues beneath vinyl will require removal of vinyl, sealing of subfloor or replacement if there is decay.

Check humidity levels in rooms with hygrometer (sold where thermometers are sold) to see if humidity is between 35-55%. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity. Run fans to improve air circulation. Airing out house may also be helpful. Use enzyme digester deodorizer to digest organic odors. Avoid scented air fresheners that temporarily mask odors. The home should smell clean.

 

Use enzyme digester deodorizer to digest organic odors.
What is this and where can we get it?

We think most of the odor is from dog and cat if that helps any. Plus the toilets are so nasty they are black. We got acid to clean out the inside of those. We got a sealer and put on the walls before we paint. What kind of sealer do we need to put on the floors? I think he is going back with linolium instead of carpet. Some are wood and some concrete.

Thanks

Judy

 

Id rent an ozone generator as long as the home is empty!

 

what is a ozone generator and what does it do?

Judy

 

Ok as soon as i saw dog and cat problem this is what i think:

Your problems are in the subfloors and lower walls...ozone may help but is not going to get rid of the odor 100%...only way would be to clean and seal everything..if its not past the point of no return

if cleaning doesnt remove odor..rip it out and replace...THEN do the ozone..basicly ozone machine filters the air and uses ozone particles to destory any odors remaining in the materials in the house...not safe for occupied houses. Go with a professional if you go with the ozone...a matter of fact im sure you may not be able to rent one... I would check subfloors and you may want to consider cutting out and replacing lower foot to 6 inches of drywall

 

BIL has very limited budget. He is in his late 70's and I do not think he can replace that floor. What is plan B? Also where do yo get the enzyme cleaner that was mentioned earlier? What is that, do you think it will work? Thanks for all the replies and input I appreciate it.


Judy

 

enzyme cleaners digest and help break down organic material..they can be found at pet stores, some home improvement stores and janitoral supplies.

Basicly i think it would IMPROVE the odor...apply to the surface of subfloor as directed on the label...allow 10-15 mins to break down and rinse and then let dry for a day or 2...then seal the subfloor with a quality sealer...if its concrete thompsons makes serveral...they also make some for wood...

Dry wall may be damaged as well..most of the time with the drywall thou its cut and replace

again it may only improve

 

Thanks Doc I appreciate all your help. I will give it a try and will let you know how it comes out.

Judy