I recently bought a house that has a strong pet odor and cigarette smoke smell. I've applied Kilz on all surfaces and painted, and I've sanded and polyurethaned the floors, but I'm still noticing the stench in the kitchen cabinets and on the first floor. What else can I do to eliminate these lingering odors?
4 Answers
You might want to consider stripping the walls down completely and airing everything out. That's what I did when I had to deal with indoor smoker odors. Plus, while you're at it, it’s a great opportunity to inspect the electrical, HVAC, and piping, or even run some new cabling if needed!
Try placing bowls of white vinegar in every room and inside each cabinet. Leave them for a few days; the vinegar will help absorb the odors. It sounds simple, but it really can work wonders!
Make sure to give the cabinets a thorough cleaning and let them air out. I remember using a wood soap (can’t recall the brand) on mine, and it did the trick! Also, check that there’s good air circulation in the house. A solid air filter can help eliminate any persistent scents. Don't forget to check your curtains, blinds, and carpets too, as they can harbor smells.
Have you tried using an ozone generator? You can find one at a sporting goods store, usually in the hunting section. Just run it in a room (with no pets or people in there) for about fifteen minutes, and make sure to have a small fan to help circulate the air. You might need to do this a couple of times, but it should make a big difference!