I recently pulled up some carpet as part of a flooring remodel, and now my room has a terrible smell. It's like a mix of ammonia and something super pungent. I started feeling lightheaded when I lifted it, and the smell was strong enough to give me a headache. The floor has some kind of pinkish layer on it that looks almost like paint. My wife and I have never felt good in this room, but we thought it was just the dirty carpet. Can anyone help me understand what's going on? Is this smell harmful?
3 Answers
First off, you should definitely clean up any leftover padding and tack boards before tackling the smell. Once that’s done, I recommend applying some Kilz primer or sealer. Just roll it right onto the floor—it works well on both plywood and concrete. I dealt with a similar issue in one of my properties, and once the Kilz dries, it locks that nasty odor underneath. Plus, make sure you get rid of any remaining carpet too—carpets can hold onto really gross stuff!
If the smell doesn't go away after cleaning, you might need to replace the flooring altogether. Sometimes, if the subfloor has absorbed too much of the odor, there's just no saving it, and the new flooring won't stick without that smell coming back. It’s tough, but sometimes it's the best option!
You might be dealing with cat urine here. It's known for its strong ammonia smell, especially as it gets older. I suggest you get some enzyme cleaning spray; you can find it in most pet stores. It works wonders on odors—just spray it, let it sit for a brief moment, and then wipe it away. You might need to do it a few times on wood floors to really get rid of any lingering smells, but follow the instructions on the bottle for the best results!