How Can I Eliminate a Strong Dog Smell in My Basement?
Asked by CleverPineapple42
I just bought my first home, and I'm facing a tough situation. The previous owners had left their dogs unattended in the basement for long periods, and now there's a strong odor lingering in the air. Interestingly, I didn't notice any smell during my visits prior to closing, but it's become quite overwhelming now. I've never had pets before, so I'm feeling a bit lost on how to tackle this. I've already tried spraying the walls and corners with OUT! Pet Stain & Odor Remover, but it hasn't helped. The basement has freshly painted concrete floors and some wooden walls, so I need assistance in making it a pleasant space, especially because I'm working on setting up my son's gaming area down there. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Answers
I faced a similar smell when I moved in, and it turned out the previous pet owners had been letting their cat pee in the vents. We had to replace all the ductwork because the smell was pretty bad. I wouldn't be surprised if there's something like that happening in your case, especially given the old odors.
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Professional odor removal is really the way to go for tough situations like this. They have the tools and products that can really clear out any deep-set smells.
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I’ve dealt with a similar problem before. Your best bet might be to invest in an ozone generator. Just a heads-up, though, these can be dangerous for both you and any pets, plus they might cause damage to your home. Hiring a professional might be the safest option.
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If you’ve already painted the floors and walls, maybe consider scrubbing or washing the ceiling too. It’s possible that a thorough clean could help. Just tell your son that big dogs bring big dog smells and that it’s maybe a part of owning a home!
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Enzymatic cleaners can work well to combat pet odors, but if it's as bad as you say, you might need to call in professionals. Some odors can be quite stubborn!
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WittyAvocado92: Yeah, definitely be careful with ozone generators; I've heard they can be intense!