I moved into a home that is two years old. In some rooms there is an unidentifiable odor - not terrible...?

Question

...but still bothersome. I know that I may become used to the odor and guests of my home would smell it greatly. So, my question is...what's the best way to find the source of the odor? I somewhat recall a slight odor when the home was empty...and the previous owners had a dog. It's not an animal urine smell...but it could be a covered up one :-). Thanks so much!

Answer 1

If it is urine, a black fluorescent light, similar to the black lights at parties, will cause any protein in urine stains to glow white in a darkened room. Be sure that it is a fluorescent tube light.

You can buy a small counter top unit at a hardware store and can usually find the bulbs at better pet supply stores. Some pet supply stores sell the units with bulbs or even rent them by the day.

Once you locate the affected areas treat them with Nature's Miracle which will break down the proteins and remove the odor. It may take a few days or weeks after treating but the odor will be completely removed once the Nature's Miracle dries. On hard surfaces wipe wherever a stain appears, on carpet you need to really soak the area down to where the urine went to be effective.

I've never used this company but here is a link to an example of what I'm talking about:

Answer 2

does your home have poly-urethane sprayed foam inthe walls? that would be one source as the foam is settling and de-gassing. also check for sewage back up arround the foundation out side, and under the foundation where it is not readily visible or detectable.. get a strong vent fan for the basement/ crawl spaces, you should notice a marked drop in odors in about a week, if not keep searching and get a radon test kit from your local home supply or hardware center, the results may not be what you expect.

Answer 3

Steam clean all your rugs, and mop the floor with a really good cleaner. If this doesn't help, it might be an odor in your walls. Have you ever had mice? They leave lotsa smelly stuff between walls...maybe try having your ducts cleaned too...lotsa stuff gets stuck down there! Sorry I couldnt be of more help! Good luck!

Answer 4

clean the carpets and wash down the partitions and ceilings. do no longer forget approximately the closets. If the scent basically looks in some rooms, attempt preserving the doors closed as much as available. If the scent is coming from only one or 2 rooms, this might help provide up the scent from spreading and can assist you pinpoint the source.

Answer 5

I hope it wasn't a meth lab!