How to get rid of this indescribable smell?

Geminian_Dragon

I recently did a mutual exchange into a council property from housing association.

I obviously viewed the council property before exchanging and it was beautiful; laminate floors through out and freshly plastered walls ready for painting that the previous council tenant had done in order for exchange to go ahead smoothly. There was nothing wrong with the property, it looked like a new build from the inside.

Now, these mutual exchanges, especially with councils can take up to 90 days to process.

In those 90 days, the previous council tenant had left a dog in the kitchen and never cleaned up after it. Obviously you could imagine the state and smell of the place as it has been left for a long period of time.

I have had to buy a quick and cheap air purifier as I am asthmatic and the whole flat smells of wet dog and smoke, the kitchen is the worst. It was not like this when I first viewed it. I've bleached the walls and floors but still cannot get rid of this awful indescribable smell in the kitchen.

The council have told me that I have to accept the property in the condition when I signed the tenancy agreement. I did not think that the property would of changed, yes, it is my mistake for not checking in before signing the tenancy agreement, but the person I did the mutual exchange with claimed she was no longer living at the property due to mental health reasons and was not intending to return to the property.

I personally believe from the previous tenant having trouble to hand over the keys and admitting to living elsewhere that she allowed someone to keep their dog(s) there when she was not at the property.

I have a 2 year old and I won't leave anything let alone cook in this room as I am scared for obvious hygiene reasons, although I have left an air purifier on overnight in there without a bin. The smell came back stronger.

What else can I do to get rid of this awful smell? The floor is just typical Birmingham council tenant tile flooring as I recognise the flooring from my first council flat many years ago.

Would my only option to be to get a professional cleaner in and would it grantee to be able to get rid of the smell?

Many thanks

newbutold

Have you tried cleaning with bicarbonate of soda? It is very good at neutralising smells.

Also if there are any carpets or curtains left in the house, I think you will need to rip them up and bin them. Steam cleaning them is only likely to make the smell worse.

I would imagine if you have bleached the kitchen, it is safe to cook in.

ka7e

If a dog has been using the kitchen as a toilet, bleach can react with dog wee and make the smell worse. Use a strong solution of bio washing powder or a specialist product like this -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Solution-Stain-Odour-Remover/dp/B004GBX8N0/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_13

phill99

No professional cleaner will guarantee to get rid if smells.

My sister got rid of a bad smell once. She divorced him.

Pipkin

A friend once let some eggs boil dry in a saucepan in her flat. The smell was unbelievable, it clung to everything, furniture, clothes (even just going in and out of the flat your clothes stunk), and she rarely opened her windows. I bought her some Neutradol gel air freshener, and dotted the liberally about the flat. It took a few days, but they did work, so they might help you.

Geminian_Dragon

Thank you for all your replies!

I have used bicarbonate of soda to make pots and pans shine again, never knew it could also help odour - would it be the same method of cleaning pots and pans; warm water and add enough to make a paste, then leave for 10-15 mins?

ka7e wrote: »

If a dog has been using the kitchen as a toilet, bleach can react with dog wee and make the smell worse. Use a strong solution of bio washing powder or a specialist product like this -

Wow, if I had only known! I hope it's reversible!

Neutradol gel air freshener - I have a few of them in there of the same scent, doesn't seem to do much! I've tried Oust too and just opening up the windows all day!