How do I eliminate general cat odor from an otherwise very clean townhouse?

Question

I just moved into a three story apartment. The top and bottom floors are carpeted, and the middle is hardwood. The owner (who is also the previous resident) had a cat, and the whole place still has a general cat odor. The carpets have been professionally cleaned, and all the furniture is mine so it's not coming from there...

Any ideas on how to make my apartment not smell like a cat?

Answer 1

Sprinkle the carpets with a mixture of baking soda and salt... Leave it on overnight and vacuum the next day....Actually, vacuum EVERYDAY for about the next week or so.... You'll see the baking soda/salt mixture turn from light to GREY!  That's means it's working!  Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer and salt pulls loose dirt/debris from carpets... It's cheap and easy to do and not harmful to people or pets....

It's also good if the previous owners cat was indoor/outdoor and may have had fleas.... If you keep up with vacuuming you won't have a flea problem.....

Good luck

Answer 2

The underside of the carpet or the floors underneath may have staining or has absorbed the smell. Ask the owner to have that taken care of.  

If that's not the problem, try having the walls/fans/air ducts of the apartment wiped down with soap & water or vinegar. Smell can persistently cling to them sometimes.

You can also try buying a product called Febreeze. Spray that around and see if it helps.Another suggestion is to purchase carbon/baking soda based air fresheners for refrigerators and placing a handful around the house.

Good luck!

Answer 3

The carpet pad underneath is probably the problem.  You can't get the smell out by steam cleaning.  Since you are renting, tell the owner about the problem.  They need to completely remove the carpet.

Answer 4

get a room freshner/febreze draperies and rugs

litterbox outside!