We have a unit that has an odd smell. It’s not a dead animal, it’s not a...

We have a unit that has an odd smell. It’s not a dead animal, it’s not a plumbing, sewer or previous pet issue. It does smell “organic” though. Unit has concrete floors and brick, so fairly easy to clean. I’ve even pulled the refrigerator out thinking it could be a Freon leak. It’s so strange. Almost like a cat litter smell, but different. We have tried everything. New tenant moves in 10/28 and I’m concerned. Thoughts?

Josh McKibben

Debra Cooper Stepp Ozone machine

Josh McKibben Debra Cooper Stepp I have tried that too!

kay sachs Debra Cooper Stepp I’ve had luck with this. You have to repeat the treatment several times.

Allison Thombre Josh McKibben one more thought - have you checked the garbage disposal if there is one or snaked the kitchen sink drain in case food has backed up?

Josh McKibben Allison Thombre thank you. I’m sure we have but I’ll give it another look. Smell seems to be coming from around the brick. Honestly, we might just seal the brick and see if that takes care of it.

Guest Insider Just finished reading all the comments.… I work in Center City Philly and my building was built in 1920. We had to at one point have the brick repointed and sealed. They actually used a sealant and painted it a different color. Stopped some leaks we were having as well as humidity and moisture issues. Not sure if this is the Root of the issue, but I hope it helps.

Josh McKibben Thanks for your comment. That could do the trick. The property is a 100 year old building converted into lofts in 2019. Haven’t had these issues since the conversion, but who knows! I’ll try anything at this point.

Guest Insider Check the top of the cabinets. I had a unit once that we went so far as priming and painting the walls and ceiling, changing outlet covers, ozone, carpet replacement, and still couldn’t get the smell out. Turned out there was a layer of disgusting goo on top of the cabinets with dust, cooking grease and who knows what else. Cleaned it up and the smell finally disappeared.

Allison Thombre Josh McKibben have you tried using a black light on the walls to make sure it’s not a pet urine smell?

Guest Insider Ozone Machine. It will get it. Leave it sit over the weekend.

Guest Insider Haven't seen mention of baking soda and vinegar down kitchen snd bàth drains. Plug the system you're cleaning so that the pressure of the bubbling of bs/vinegar works to move debris down the drain. Add vinegar over and over again to each drain till no more bubbling. Then flush with very hot water. I use an electric water kettle for this, but do not let it get to boiling, as pvc joints could loosen. Just a thought, hope it helps.

Chris Finetto It’s the lime in the concrete floor and or brick mortar, faintly smells like cat piss. You could seal the brick and floor with a Thompson’s water seal or similar.

Josh McKibben Chris Finetto this could totally be it. The floors are sealed but the brick is not .

Guest Insider 1. Air Filters with Odor Control: Replace your regular air filters with ones designed to absorb odors. These filters often contain activated charcoal or carbon to trap odor-causing particles.
2. Essential Oils: Add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus, to cotton balls or small pieces of cloth, and place them near or inside the vents (without obstructing airflow).
3. Baking Soda: Place small containers of baking soda in the room near vents, as it absorbs odors over time. You can also sprinkle a little inside the ducts, though you’ll need to clean it out eventually.
4. Vinegar Solution: Spray a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1 ratio) around the vent area to neutralize odors. Vinegar dissipates quickly and takes bad smells with it.
5. Activated Charcoal: Place activated charcoal bags near the vents or in rooms with bad smells. They naturally absorb odors without releasing harmful chemicals.
6. Duct Cleaning: Sometimes, odors can be caused by dust, mold,... Show more

1. Air Filters with Odor Control: Replace your regular air filters with ones designed to absorb odors. These filters often contain activated charcoal or carbon to trap odor-causing particles.
2. Essential Oils: Add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus, to cotton balls or small pieces of cloth, and place them near or inside the vents (without obstructing airflow).
3. Baking Soda: Place small containers of baking soda in the room near vents, as it absorbs odors over time. You can also sprinkle a little inside the ducts, though you’ll need to clean it out eventually.
4. Vinegar Solution: Spray a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1 ratio) around the vent area to neutralize odors. Vinegar dissipates quickly and takes bad smells with it.
5. Activated Charcoal: Place activated charcoal bags near the vents or in rooms with bad smells. They naturally absorb odors without releasing harmful chemicals.
6. Duct Cleaning: Sometimes, odors can be caused by dust, mold, or debris in the ductwork. Professional duct cleaning can eliminate the source of the smell.
These methods should help freshen your indoor air without causing any harm to your HVAC system.

Brittany Stroud How long has it been vacant...P-traps? Flush thr hot eater heater? Hit that sucker with a blacklight EVERYWHERE.

bernadett galliher Maybe it’s in the wood ceiling

Charlene Newman Sealer is your answer!

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