we are buying a house that is dirty?

Question

okay i am looking into buying a house, it is a new house but the people who lived in it before were dirty like had dogs and let them poop on the floor and stuff, i have not been in the house yet, but i know i can fix it up, like pull carpet up and redo tile in the kithen floor if i have to, i need ideas on how do get the dog poop smell out of the house for good, i hate when someone house smells funny, and i dont want mine too! the question is if i pull the carpet out of the living room and clean the rest off the house really really good, would the smell still be there if so what do i need to do to get it out?

Answer 1

First, pull the carpet. I have always called wall-to-wall carpeting the petri dish of the house, and it is beyond me that people live with it. Also pull the pad. Once that is done, check the subfloor for signs that "matter" has passed through the carpet and pad into the floor (i.e. moisture stains, etc.). You can also buy a blacklight to check for "residue".

Wherever there is some, there is a product I use to clean up after my cats called Simple Solution. I found it through Drs. Foster & Smith catalog, but get it regularly at PetSmart. This stuff is flat-out amazing. You can spray it on a spot on the carpet and literally watch it disappear. Works great on odor too.
SOAK the subfloor area with this. Allow to dry completely, soak again. Let dry completely and then paint over w/ Kilz primer. Then relay whatever floor you want.

As for kitchen floors, if vinyl they are sealed. Only be concerned with these if there are signs of the vinly startin to curl around the edges. This means moisture has gotten underneath. If curling, pull and replace. If not, you can wash with bleach to kill germs and odor.

If kitchen is tile, same deal. Look for signs of loose tiles, meaning moisture has gotten underneath. Most tiles these days are sealed, and the odor will not get into the tile. The only concern here is the grout, which is easily removed w/ a grout saw and replaced.

Unlike some comments, I do not blame you for making the effort. I recently bought a house no one else wanted because of filth and TERRIBLE choices in colors. BUT, the location, neighborhood, layout, etc., make it worth the while to fix it up. A little bit of hard work never hurt anyone (well maybe my back and knees, but only temporary :-)). GOOD LUCK!!

Oh, a post note to the duct cleaning. I have never met a HVAC tech that has their ducts vacuumed. I have had several tell me that it is a scam, total waste of money. I will remove the vent covers, wash them, and wash what I can reach, etc. They tell me this is all that is accomplished with the fancy machines. Save yourself some money there, if you want. Plus, they just vacuum, getting rid of dust. Most odors are held deeper than that, in grime that adheres to the walls of the ductwork. would just recommend washing what you can reach w/ a good cleanser (Pine Sol, bleach - NOT MIXED, either or). I do agree that the filters should be changed often.

Oh, another great odor remover is distilled vinegar. Works great for cleaning tile.

Answer 2

Change the carpet and the pad! paint your walls, etc. This will help remove what's in the carpet and will cover the smell of dog and will make the house smell new again. Also, change your furnace filters and vacuum out the ducts, or better yet- have them professionally cleaned.

You're gutsy buying a house like that. Good Luck!

how can people be so NASTY!!!

Answer 3

pull the carpet, and paint then put down new carpet, or flooring of your choice. if the floor under the old carpet is stained with urine, there are cleaning supplies that will take care of the smell. they will not usually remove a stain, but, will get rid of the odor. All you need to do is mop the floor with it. I'd mop when the old carpet is pulled up and then once agian before ht e new carpet is laid down... Bleach water is the best for the odor and germs.. and probably the cheapest nad best.

Answer 4

definitely remove the carpet but also wash the walls and give them a fresh coat of paint before you put your new carpet in. That should remove the smell. have fun fixing up your new place!!

Answer 5

There is a product in Canada called NOK OUT. It works pretty well to rid the smell of animal droppings and also second hand cigarette smells. It has no smell so there is no risidual smells, either. They have a website too. www.nokout.ca

Answer 6

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Answer 7

If you haven't been in the house before than how do you know it's dirty? I would have the previous owner take care of the cleaning up. If you're intentions are to improve on a "fixer-upper" than I wish the best of luck to you! How much are you willing to put forth the effort?