What do you use to eliminate odors?

Question

I manage single family homes and have had a run of bad tenants.   The carpeting/flooring is not ready to be replaced and there is a lingering odor of pets or cigarettes.  I am considering purchasing an ozone generator for odor elimination.  Ideas or suggestions?

Phil Trietsch · Answer

Jeanette,

I manage property in Texas and we have come across this problem as well.  We have not used an ozone machine but I hear good feedback on results.  I have used a fogger with a liquid enzyme and gotten good results.  Here is a link to the one we use:

http://www.namcomfg.com/namco3/shop/item.aspx?item...

Please read instructions carefully so you get best results and stay safe.

Hope this helps,

Phil

Poem Turner · Answer

I've had great success with hydroxyl generators. They take a little longer, but are less destructive to plastics, window seals, etc. Very cost effective considering your bang for the buck!

Good luck!

Scott W. · Answer

ah, the ol' odor thing again. ain't it grand? I haven't used it but a COMMERCIAL ozone machine is the way to go/last resort. if it's still there, you can use zillsner paint to seal it up on the floors/behind the walls.

you can rent one and try it out before you buy one. they retail for about a grand.

Jeannette Lopez · Answer

Thank you for your help and product suggestions.  Do the ozone machines work?  I have another cleaning company who uses an enzyme product that they promise will absorb any odors.  Neither is inexpensive, but is cheaper than replacement.

When a tenant walks in, if it doesn't smell fresh, it doesn't matter how clean it may be, the tenant is going to pass.  I manage these properties for the owners and if it was my choice, I would rip carpet out of all my houses and put down tile.

Mindy Jensen · Answer

@Jeannette Lopez , if there is a lingering odor, the carpeting is indeed ready to be replaced. Carpeting just sucks up those smells and holds on for dear life. Febreeze is a great beginner step - and can neutralize the carpet if someone smoked in there once, yesterday. For long-term smokers, febreeze is a waste of money.

Glenn R. · Answer

I've read that Febreeze will neutralize all kinds of odors, even Skunk.

Michael Boyer · Answer

Not a big carpet fan, but if already in place and serviceable, here are a few steps I have tried:

1) I have had some luck with sprinkling in the Arm and Hammer (big Costco bag) in the carpet, then brushing it in with a stiff broom (gets dusty so wear a mask). Then I vacuum it up the next day.This is for fairly easy smells (probably not effective for indoor chain smokers or male cat gone wild).

2) I like the Nature's Miracle for pet odors. Also I have worn a respirator and fumigated with Lysol before with some luck. Then let the unit air out. Also for fairly manageable odors.

3) Professional Cleaning/Odor Removal. This can be worth it with a good service provider.

4) Then double check and see if the carpet is still smelly (when your nose is close). If not, but you still have a smell in the unit, it may be in the walls. I have been about to pull the carpet after above steps when I found it was the walls (and I use the TSP solution, water rinse, let try and then use a Zinser or Kilz odor sealing product on the walls--use a respirator. Then paint).

5) Remove carpet and replace with vinyl plank products. May be last resort but makes turn around faster. Add an area rug in high traffic areas to preserve it.

Best of luck!

What do you use to eliminate odors?

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