[AnnieMags]

Hi, I'm hoping someone has the solution to our smelly lounge! It is hard to describe the smell, it is akin to old boiled cabbage. I have had the carpets professionally steam-cleaned, vacuumed with baking soda, put out bowls of vinegar over a couple of days and used any number of scented 'odour-eating' candles, but the smell is still there. Is there anything else I can do?? I would be grateful for any and all suggestions.

[N0help4u]

I had a strong smell in a house. I bleached the heck out of the wood floor. It still stunk. I got Odo ban and it totally got ris of the smell.

[AnnieMags]

Many thanks for replying. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with this product as we live in the UK.

[LadySam]

Have you looked around and checked for things like water leaks under the kitchen and bathroom sinks or even under the house, do you know if the previous renters had pets, of course that is usually a very distinctive odor. I know during the rainy part of the year I pick up on an odd odor that I think is caused by moisture under the house, but my house is pretty low to the ground, it clears up as soon as things dry out. How long had the house been sitting before you moved in?

[AnnieMags]

Have you looked around and checked for things like water leaks under the kitchen and bathroom sinks or even under the house, do you know if the previous renters had pets, of course that is usually a very distinctive odor. I know during the rainy part of the year I pick up on an odd odor that I think is caused by moisture under the house, but my house is pretty low to the ground, it clears up as soon as things dry out. How long had the house been sitting before you moved in?

Thank you, LadySam - the house had been empty for two months, and I noticed the smell on my couple of visits in that time. I thought professionally cleaning the carpet would take care of it. The previous tenants had two dogs, but it is not a doggy smell, not even a 'doggy accident' smell - more of a stale old food/cigarette smoke smell. Houses in the UK are on foundations - there is no gap between house and ground, and there do not appear to be any leaks anywhere. The smell is only in the lounge, which is next to the kitchen - upstairs is fine. Perhaps it will remain a mystery...

[LadySam]

Perhaps after continued cleaning and living there it will clear up, old cigarette smoke tends to linger a while, I don't know what material your walls are made of but perhaps a good wash of the walls would help, that nicotine stain and odor can be foul.

[AnnieMags]

Perhaps after continued cleaning and living there it will clear up, old cigarette smoke tends to linger a while, I don't know what material your walls are made of but perhaps a good wash of the walls would help, that nicotine stain and odor can be foul.

Although the agent assured me they had never had smokers as tenants there, I did wonder when I saw a dark edge to a couple of places where they had taken pictures down from the walls. I will look into washing the walls down (they are plaster and paint - should be able to take a gentle wash). Oh, why is other people's dirt always so much worse than your own?? :) I suppose it is the feeling that they have left a mess in what is now essentially MY home. Thanks again!