How do i get rid of odors in my new place?

Question

I just moved into an adorable 2 story duplex, but the previous owners NEVER cleaned the place, i know this because my best friend lives on the other side of it, so it stinks, the carpets have been cleaned and a cleaning agency came to clean as well, but there is still an odor in the air, like a pungent odor, how do i go about getting rid of it? its upstairs and downstairs

renters, i'm renting

Answer 1

Honestly, you pose a good question. Since odors are the result of bacteria - the main goal is to find the primary source of the bacteria. In many cases, odors come from the matting under the carpet, sink and tub drains, or even certain building materials such as dry wall. If the cleaning agency did a thorough job, and the odor persists - you really only have a couple of options - check these areas yourself, or call management and report the problem. Generally, the solutions are easy - dry out and or replace soiled carpet and matting, put fresh paint on the walls, and clean out drain pipes.
It must be mentioned however, that the odor may eventually dissipate on it's own. So your first course of action may be as simple as allowing fresh air in daily and burning a few candles. Good luck,

Answer 2

Something is causing the smell. It could be drains or carpet or anything else. Febreeze is a good stop gap. It can cover oders I had to live upstairs from some real pigs in my first apartment and it helped alot. Burning candles and incense can help too. But you need to track down why things are stinking. You might have to replace the carpet. Is the house on a slab or does it have a crawlspace or attic. Check both for trash or dead animals. Sometimes cats or other animals will get into a craw space or attic and die. The smell can be everywhere in the house and HORRID.
Annothe trick in the meantime is to keep all doors and windows open. Let as much air come through the house as possible.

Answer 3

I've discovered a product called Fridge It odor absorber. It is a small cube of activated carbon that is fantastic. I now use it everywhere - my refrigerator, freezer, under my sink, near all my trash cans, closets and even near my reptile tank.
It's really great. I've tried so many other spray products and frankly, they work for awhile, but later the same day, smell still there. Don't fall for other "carbon" products - they don't work. Honey, by yourself a bunch of these and place them anywhere that the odor may be coming from.
I know you can get it at Walmart. Not sure about other places.

Answer 4

1. open the windows as often as possible
2. use Febreze
3. burn vanilla scented candles
4. set out shallow dishes of baking soda

number one is most important to get rid of the chemicals that the cleaning services used...that may be your odor. if those don't work you will probably need to replace or have the owner replace all fabrics like carpets and curtains.

Answer 5

There is a product called Fire D. It is a spray kind of like a bug bomb. You push the cap on and it continuously sprays until all gone. They use it to clear the smell after house fires. It smells really good. Just set it up by your A/C and it will carry it throughout the house. Leave for the day, and your all set.

Answer 6

Wash the walls and windows. If that doesn't help, place containers of baking soda around.

welcome home

Answer 7

close the windows and breakwind.