I recently bought my first house, and it turns out the previous owners left their dogs in the basement for long periods, leading to a pretty strong smell. Oddly, I didn't notice any odor during my visits before signing, but now it's quite overwhelming. I've never had pets before, so I'm unsure how to tackle this issue. I've tried using OUT! Pet Stain & Odor Remover on the walls and floor corners, but the smell persists. The basement has newly painted concrete floors and a mix of concrete and wood walls. I really need to get this sorted out since I turned that area into my son's gaming room, and it's really bothersome for him. Any advice would be appreciated!
6 Answers
I had a similar problem with a cat in the vents. We ended up needing to replace all the ductwork because they had been using it as a litter box! He also found hidden air fresheners in there, which masked the smell initially. So make sure to check the ducts if the smell persists after cleaning.
If you've painted everything, you might still need to scrub the surfaces to really get rid of the smell. Just beware of any permanent damage that might have already been done. In the meantime, you might have to explain to your son about the "big dog smell" until you can get it sorted out.
Enzymatic cleaners can sometimes do the trick as they break down the odor-causing substances. Just be warned, if the smell is as strong as you say, you might need a professional service to really resolve this issue once and for all.
You may also want to consider thermal fogging and using a strong primer like Bulls Eye or Killz after cleaning. Depending on how bad it is, a restoration specialist can really help, especially for situations that might involve smoke or fire damage.
I've dealt with a similar situation. An ozone generator is often the best bet for tough odors, but be super careful with it – they can be harmful to you and pets, and possibly damage your home. It might be safer and more effective to hire professionals who specialize in this type of cleanup.
Hiring a pro for odor removal is definitely the safest option if you're feeling overwhelmed. I felt the same way after my ex left and the place stunk, but time and some patience helped in my case too! Enzyme cleaners can help, but they do take time to work and need reapplication. Just keep at it for the best results!
Totally agree about the ozone generator; just make sure to follow all the safety guidelines!