eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Jul 29, 2014 11:59:33 GMT
We recently moved to our new rental home (military...) it has awesome bones, love the house, great location, hate the 20 years of grime it came with. I actually have given myself a bruise on my palm from the scrub brush.
And then there is the basement. It smells like wet dog, teenage boy and a basement. Yummy. It is carpeted. The carpets were cleaned but how they were dried could be part if this problem.
So, how do I fix it? Clean carpets again? There is an egress door out but it isn't great at circulation. I'm afraid to rip the carpet out because I don't want to be responsible for what is under the carpet. Plus it would be about $1500 minimum. I don't know of any carpet scent stuff that would actually remove the grossness vs short term mask.
We've been here about 2 weeks and my friend is coming to visit next week. Guess where the guest bedroom is? It is embarrassing to me. She won't care. She lives very different but her DH is a critical guy (not bad, just an engineer who is into details- every detail comes with an opinion).
Help!
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Post by AN on Jul 29, 2014 12:04:23 GMT
Is it actually moist down there? They make these desiccant bags you can hang up that will absorb some of the moisture - have used them after floods. Home Depot sells them - Damp Rid in the paint department.
I'd also put a box fan or two in the door, and if you have a window you can also use, I'd put one pulling air in and one pulling air out.
Charcoal will also absorb some scents.
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Post by disneypal on Jul 29, 2014 12:08:23 GMT
I would try cleaning the carpets again and ensuring they are dried properly (perhaps get a professional co.) Also, get some Damp Rid tubs (available at big box stores) and set around in closets, under beds, etc. basements tend to be damp and these really help. Get some new plug ins the day before their visit. Is it possible to give her your room and you sleep downstairs during their stay? |
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,402
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Jul 29, 2014 12:15:22 GMT
I would rip up the carpets to see what is lurking beneath.
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Post by AN on Jul 29, 2014 12:17:11 GMT
I would rip up the carpets to see what is lurking beneath. No way I would rip out the carpets in a rental. If you really have concerns about if there is mold or moisture underneath, you should have the landlord come over and assess with you. As for cleaning the carpets again, what is a normal way to dry them? I've always had them just let them air dry, sometimes adding a commercial fan to bring in more air. I don't think re-wetting the carpet is going to make them smell better unless they have some sort of special drying mechanism. I think it could make it worse if there isn't a lot of air flow in the basement. |
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Jul 29, 2014 12:22:15 GMT
It's not a mildew smell per se, but there is a sump pump so water has been a concern at one point. When we toured the home, the basement was the boys lair. His room, gym, and TV hangout. It's mostly that stinky boy funk smell. I used to work at a hockey rink and that smell never really goes from your memory which is why I'm pretty sure it is more human stink than mildew. That and the dog smell. Thank god it isn't urine but just dog. You know that smell dog owners claim their house doesn't smell like? Yeah, that x 10. We are former lab owners and I'd bet a grand they had at least one lab! The smell and the hair are my CSI indicators.  I have a Damp-rid that I could pull out. Can't hurt! Think I could sprinkle that stuff right onto the carpet?? Can't switch rooms due to the kids sleeping arrangements (theirs and ours). I could ask that they bring their dog and then I can blame it on her!  |
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Jul 29, 2014 12:28:01 GMT
I would rip up the carpets to see what is lurking beneath. Our landlord wouldn't care. They welcome the improvements. However, I can tell that the floor is uneven and I'm afraid that the concrete would need more work than just putting new carpet down. I don't want to be responsible for getting it fixed- time or money. However..... I can't handle the smell so if I can't fix it taking it up is my only option. If I re-clean them I'd make sure I got them dry with fans, etc. I'm almost certain they cleaned them on their way out and just shut the door behind them. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 14:26:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 12:33:20 GMT
What about recleaning it, making sure it dries properly and then using some of that stuff you sprinkle on carpets, especially for pet odors? I would also use Damp Rid to help absorb the smell.
I've noticed that my basement has been smelling better since we got a dehumidifer.
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Post by lovetodigi on Jul 29, 2014 12:46:49 GMT
Pick up a dehumidifier to keep in the basement and run it until the smell is gone and again anytime the humidity is high. That should help if the smell is due to moisture. You may have mold/mildew under the carpet and pad. If you think that you will be living there for awhile, I would see if the landlord will pay or least go in on having the carpet replaced. There are products that you can "paint" onto the concrete that will help keep moisture from seeping in the house through the floor. I hope that you get it figured out soon. That would bother me too.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 14:26:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 12:48:20 GMT
You don't want to sprinkle any damp-rid products on the carpet. The powder attracts moisture from the air. You'd just be working to get the carpet wet. The damp-rid types of chemical dehumidifier needs to be kept in a container and the excess water poured off periodically.
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 29, 2014 12:57:46 GMT
I would call the landlord and ask him to come over. Explain the problem and take him downstairs.
It sounds like a dehumidifier would be a good idea, too.
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Post by needtime2scrap on Jul 29, 2014 13:00:36 GMT
Dehumidifier for sure! It will definitely help!
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
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Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Jul 29, 2014 13:01:43 GMT
Call around and see if you can rent an Ozone machine from anywhere. 24 hours should take care of it if it is really just stinky boy. If it doesn't to you have a bigger issue.
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Post by meriannj on Jul 29, 2014 13:11:05 GMT
Borax is WONDERFUL for getting the smell out of carpets. You can sprinkle it on let it sit a day or 2 and then vac up. I also think a dehumidifier would be great.
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 29, 2014 13:14:30 GMT
I would call a professional cleaner and explain the problem. Call a few, so you can get a feel fr who is blowing smoke and who actually has a solution.
A dehumidifier should help a lot. Damp Rid is another good product. You could put some baking soda on the carpet and let it sit for a few days. Or spray Natures Miracle on the carpets, but I would put a fan there to help the carpets dry.
We're military, too. I'm happy to put improvements into the house to make it our home, but I really hesitate to spend money for long term improvements like carpet. IMO, that's the homeowner's responsibility. You could try to contact them and let them know that the room smells. They may pay for the additional cleaning.
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akathy
What's For Dinner?
Still peaing from Podunk!
Posts: 4,546
Location: North Dakota
Jun 25, 2014 22:56:55 GMT
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Post by akathy on Jul 29, 2014 13:15:40 GMT
I think the only way you can truly get the dog stink out is to remove the carpeting. My brother recently moved out after living here a year with his dog. I vacuumed regularly and he was very careful to wipe the dog's feet before he'd let him inside. However, I still had the dog funk smell. I have steam cleaned my furniture, replaced all soft items like throw pillows, comforter, sheets, bed pillows, etc. and replaced all the rugs in my home and garage to get rid of the smell. It's finally almost gone. I'm having my carpet professionally steam cleaned but am toying with the idea of replacing it too.
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Post by onlywork2scrap on Jul 29, 2014 13:22:25 GMT
I would rent the ozone machine. Those work miracles.
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Post by rumplesnat on Jul 29, 2014 13:25:18 GMT
I would try adding Odo-Ban to the carpet cleaner and re-scrub the carpet. I get it at Sam's Club, I'm sure it is available elsewhere. It's a lifesaver for all things funky scented.
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,015 
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Post by Sarah*H on Jul 29, 2014 13:39:24 GMT
The Arm & Hammer pet carpet cleaner might help, it's pretty strong. It's worth a try at least before you spend a lot of money on something else.
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Jul 29, 2014 13:49:28 GMT
Thanks for all the ideas. Hadn't thought of an ozone machine that sounds perfect!
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Post by ChicagoKTS on Jul 29, 2014 13:49:52 GMT
There is a product called "Fresh Wave" that is amazing in eliminating odors. It comes in all forms including I believe stuff to sprinkle on the carpet. It also comes in sprays and various sizes of containers that contain a gel that absorbs odors. I would get a dehumidifier which I suspect dampness is part of the problem and a couple of big tubs of Fresh Wave to set around the area.
You can get Fresh Wave at Bed Bath & Beyond, order from Amazon, etc. It really is amazing stuff.
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 29, 2014 13:55:28 GMT
I would sprinkle something on the carpet -- maybe just baking soda. Then let it sit. Can you elevate the carpet at all? Once when we had a partial flood we untacked that side of the carpet, peeled it back, put several mid-size plastic bins down and then draped the carpet back over the bins. Then we turned on several large fans and left them blowing. Also opened the back door. It dried fine with no odor. (we got rid of it eventually anyway, but I know you said you didn't want to do that...)
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 14:26:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 14:16:01 GMT
It's not a mildew smell per se, but there is a sump pump so water has been a concern at one point. When we toured the home, the basement was the boys lair. His room, gym, and TV hangout. It's mostly that stinky boy funk smell. I used to work at a hockey rink and that smell never really goes from your memory which is why I'm pretty sure it is more human stink than mildew. That and the dog smell. Thank god it isn't urine but just dog. You know that smell dog owners claim their house doesn't smell like? Yeah, that x 10. We are former lab owners and I'd bet a grand they had at least one lab! The smell and the hair are my CSI indicators. I have a Damp-rid that I could pull out. Can't hurt! Think I could sprinkle that stuff right onto the carpet?? Can't switch rooms due to the kids sleeping arrangements (theirs and ours). I could ask that they bring their dog and then I can blame it on her! I'd re-clean the carpets, and when they're dry use plain baking soda on them. Sprinkle liberally, let sit for a day or so and then vacuum really well. For the walls, I'd wipe them down with a 1gal of water to 1/4c of bleach solution. And finally I'd run a dehumidifier 24/7 down there. You will be amazed how you can have a gallon or 2 of water in the air and what a difference it makes smell wise. |
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Jul 29, 2014 14:58:30 GMT
Ran to the store and bought 4 pounds of Borax and 4 pounds baking soda. I'll let it sit all day.
The next village over has a rental with an ozone machine which is only $24 a day!
Yeah!
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