I'm told the carpets and the padding will need to be replaced. I was thinking of placing down hardwood. Should I have the subfloor cleaned and sealed to be safe, or is it enough to just remove carpeting and padding? There were two large dogs in the house. I would also paint the interior walls. I'm wondering if I should consider buying or if I should walk away from the deal. Thanks. No flames, please.
2006-11-20 16:54:40 · 11 answers · asked by Denise 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
Normally, I recommend a product called Oil Eater for cleaning and deodorizing items (http://www.oileater.com .. it's by Kafko). It will certainly work on carpets and just might save your padding as well. I've used it on our rental properties for years, with great success.
If, however, the subfloors are contaminated as well, it would be wise to remove carpet and padding and sand the floor after a thorough cleaning. Be sure to wear a mask. Anything that you can smell has microscopic particulates, and you do not want these particular odor particulates in your respiratory system. After sanding (which you can do yourself, with a rented sander...it saves a bundle), use a waterproof sealer such as polyurethane or deck sealer. These will also add a barrier against moisture and vapor seeping into your new floor and carpet.
Check the drywall at floor level .. chances are, the contamination has seeped into the first three or four inches of drywall, which will have to be treated and sealed (or replaced).
Make sure the urine contamination has not affected any electrical fixtures below (if you have a basement, that is)
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You do not have to invest in wood to get a hardwood-floor look. The new laminates like Pergo have tongue-and-groove placement to make installation a breeze. (My daughter did her home with Pergo over a weekend). Don't forget the cushion/barrier material. It will cut heating and cooling bills as well as limit noise.
Engineered wood flooring can provide a compromise between the laminates and the costly woods. Bamboo is also considered to be an environmentally-friendly flooring.
The kind of flooring you use will depend on whether your floor is on, above or below grade (meaning ground level). A main floor is on grade, 2nd story is above grade and basement is below grade.
Get the house. ANYTHING can be cleaned, but a charming house is a rare find.
2006-11-20 17:45:45 · answer #1 · answered by ax2usn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure you reallly love the house. The dogs have obviously urinated on the floors. This has soaked into your subfloor. I would wash it with bleach, let it dry very well and then seal it. The walls are no problem. Paint will take care of that. There is one general rule when buying a house. "If it smells - don't buy it". If you can walk away I think you should. Somethings are just not meant to be. Maybe it's means you'll find even a better cheaper house. Good Luck.
2006-11-20 17:01:40 · answer #2 · answered by k h 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do think the removal of the carpets & padding should do the trick. For added security, I think a nice swabbing with a disinfectant on the subfloor would also put your mind at ease.
A fresh coat of paint will also freshen your the home.
My friend's house smelled of her cat (cat box) but once the cat died... the odor went away very fast. If the house is right in all other ways.. don't let the dog smell make you shy away.
2006-11-20 17:05:06 · answer #3 · answered by Cambria 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they have these really cool devices that are used in cars to remove odors, I thinks it called an ozoneater or something like that. It will take all the smells out. You might be able to rent one and save yourself some bucks. If the dogs have peed in the house then yes you will need to clean the subfloor and sealed. If they peed on the walls, then you'll need to replace those places too. Paint will not keep the smell out. Good luck.
2006-11-20 17:02:00 · answer #4 · answered by Texanborn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Home Depot carries a primer that will seal in odors. just give the whole house a good coat of primer and then paint. the primer is oil based but that's ok you can use latex over it. this will help to eliminate odors as for the floor you might want to remove the carpet and see how bad the underneath is. if you have black then the urine has gotten down and not been cleaned properly you might want to consider replacing the sub floor.
2006-11-21 00:48:58 · answer #5 · answered by bluedanube69 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
After getting rid of the carpets you shouldn't animal smells fade fairly quickly.
If the smell is just dog smell not urine just sprinkle down lots of baking power and vacuum. Then deep clean the carpets (you would anyway) that smell could save you a small fortune.
2006-11-20 17:35:31 · answer #6 · answered by Sid B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The carpets are ruined. The floors may be stained but fixable with a solution of bleach and water for washing, then dry and seal with a coat of polyurathane.
2006-11-20 17:02:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Offered there are no pet accidents in your carpet padding,i would reccoment plugin oil scents. They work like a attraction and fill the air with good smells. I've 2 cats and a couple of dogs.......Wouldn't be without it.
2016-08-09 23:04:43 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the carpet goes the smell will too...You'll be pleasantly surprised. New paint and carpet will take care of it just fine...be glad it is not cigars; now THAT is a problem. eeeweee..
2006-11-20 17:09:39 · answer #9 · answered by ronibuni 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do a real GOOD deep cleaning inside and out
2006-11-20 16:59:04 · answer #10 · answered by Beautiful1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋