Floorboards smell of urine

[MuBuPlu]

Hello.

The title says it all!

We moved into a house where an old lady lived, and unfortunately one of the bedrooms has the albeit faint smell of old urine. I've used a bicarbonate of soda and vinegar mixture on it twice which has helped but the odour is still there.

We're actually going to put carpet over the floorboards anyway, so my question is can I get away with the faint smell of carpets once I put underlay and carpet over it, or shall I just get some basic floorboards to replace them?

Also, I read that plywood over the floorboards and under the underlay is good for cushion, before laying the carpet, is that right?

Many thanks.

 

[rob_j20]

Might be cheaper to hire an ozone generator. I have used them on cars before and they work really well at getting rid of odors.

 

[MuBuPlu]

Thanks. So they just effectively suck up the smell?! If hiring, how long for?

 

[rob_j20]

I usually get one for the day, the ozone kills the bacteria causing the smell.
Used these before.
http://www.brandontoolhire.co.uk/en/cooling-ventilation-and-heating/221-ozone-generators.html

100mg/hour unit usually does a car in about 30 minutes.
The 1g/hour isnt much more for the day.

You can also pay for a service and they will come and do it all for you.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Another possibility is to wash down with a strong mixture of warm water and biological washing powder/liquid. This works for cat and dog urine, although it sometimes takes 2 or 3 applications. Cheaper than an ozone generator - and without any associated health risks (you shouldn't be in a room with a commercial ozone generator for extended periods)

 

[JohnD]

I'd consider taking up the floorboards.

you could either replace with new (I like 18mm WBP ply) or hose them off in the garden and let them dry thoroughly.

you might need to scrub the joists with bicarb.

 

[geraldthehamster]

Wee on the other floors, then you won't notice it in the bedroom

 

[SFK]

Mu,
Never used them, but there are Urine Neutraliser chemicals:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?cli...-e_VAhXOKFAKHSSaCLMQ7xYIIygA&biw=1920&bih=950

With a common one being "Prochem Urine neutraliser":
https://www.google.co.uk/search?cli...18...0j33i160k1j33i21k1j0i13i30k1.qtiR9B3m078

With reviews of that product here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prochem-Urine-Neutraliser-carpets-fabric/dp/B008LBA8DO

sfk