Our sense of smell is linked closely with memories and emotions, so unsurprisingly, the way your rental smells is important. Former tenants can leave behind stubborn odors that may be bad enough to deter prospective tenants; in some cases, these bad smells may even keep your unit vacant. So, how can you get your property smelling great and move-in ready after a particularly odiferous tenant moves out? Here are a few DIY tips for some of the most common smells landlords and property managers encounter:
Rotten Food and Garbage
Hopefully, your tenant will throw out any unwanted food and garbage before they leave, but if not, you could be in for a smelly surprise next time you enter the unit. Depending on how long it’s been there, you might also find fruit flies or other types of pests. Start by opening all the windows. Throw out the food or trash, then scrub the area it was resting on with some soap and water. Afterward, spray the area with some Lysol to disinfect it. This usually takes care of any odors. Insects will often go away on their own once the food or garbage has been removed. You can also put out traps or hire an exterminator for any pests that refuse to leave.
Pet Odors
Pet odors have a way of saturating the walls, carpets, and even fabric window coverings. The best approach is to start by opening the windows and thoroughly cleaning the unit. Vacuum and steam clean the carpeting. Scrub all hard surfaces with a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. You can also use a black light to pinpoint any source of the odors. Wait until it’s dark, turn out the lights, and walk around the room with a handheld blacklight. Any urine stains will be illuminated and easy to spot. For particularly tough stains or odors, you may want to use an enzymatic cleaner. Make sure to follow the directions on the label and allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended amount of time; otherwise, it may not be effective.
If this doesn’t get rid of the odors completely, you can hire a company that specializes in pet odor removal. This will save you the cost of replacing carpeting or repainting.
Strong Foods and Spices
Some foods and spices can leave behind a very strong smell that lingers long after the tenant has left. Change all the air filters in the unit, and scrub all surfaces using a vinegar and water solution (one cup of water and two tablespoons of vinegar). Pay special attention to the kitchen area, and make sure to get around the stove. If the smell is especially strong in the kitchen, spray down the surfaces with the vinegar and water mixture, so they’re damp. Keep the windows open to allow the home to air-dry.
Cigarette Smoke
Like pet odors, cigarette smoke has a way of permeating everything. The process of removing smoke odor depends on its severity. If your tenant was smoking in the unit for many years, you might have to contend with stubborn resin and tar contamination. In this case, you may want to consider replacing the carpeting and any other fabrics, like curtains or lampshades. Open all the windows and use fans to circulate the air. Scrub down hard surfaces using a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and hot water.
Make sure to scrub down everything – walls, doors, light fixtures, ceilings, and fan blades. Steam clean any carpets you’re planning to keep. You may also want to replace the air filters or even have the ductwork cleaned. If the smell remains after you’ve cleaned everything, you can place activated charcoal or bowls of white vinegar around the rooms to absorb the odors. Stay away from scented odor removal products, as these generally will just mask the smell.
Marijuana Oil and Methamphetamines
The legalization of marijuana in many states has made it increasingly likely that you may encounter smells caused by indoor growing or oil production. With these odors, the cleaning process will depend on the severity. Like cigarettes, marijuana contains sticky resins that can cling to surfaces. Start by cleaning the walls, ceiling, and hard surfaces with soap and hot water. This should cut through the residue and remove the smell, but if you’re dealing with a more severe case, you may want to follow up with a 50/50 mixture of hot water and vinegar. Then, steam clean the carpets.
If your tenant was using methamphetamines at the property, you might notice odd chemical odors similar to nail polish remover or cat urine. Since meth is water-soluble, you can use the same method as with marijuana. Make sure to scrub all surfaces thoroughly, and steam clean the carpets. If your tenant was manufacturing meth at the property, you’ll need to take a different approach. The process of cooking meth can leave behind toxic, combustible residues that can contaminate every surface in the home. In this case, your best course of action is to have the property tested for contamination and hire a professional cleaning crew. You’ll also want to check with your local laws, as many areas have specific regulations regarding how to handle getting your property ready to rent again.
Getting rid of bad odors may seem like a daunting task, but with some deep cleaning and patience, they can be removed. And, if you’re short on time, you can always turn to the professionals to remove those stubborn smells. The cost of cleaning will be worth finding new tenants who want to occupy your rental!
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