How do you get curry smell out of an apartment?

Question

I just moved in, and they already cleaned the carpets and painted the walls, but it still smells like curry. The landlord told me to get cleaner at home depot, so I can already tell they're not going to be cooperative. Someone said if they didn't paint the ceiling, that could be it? I just want the smell gone ASAP. Any ideas?? Thanks.

Answer 1

I second the cinnamon and nutmeg or "mulling spices" idea. I simmer water with those spices in it all winter to counter the dry air. It's a pretty strong smell and after a while, it sticks around just like the curry smell.  Adding some orange peel really helps, too. Don't boil, just a very low simmer. Refresh with more water when it gets low and change every other day.

The white vinegar trick works, too.

Also, I'm a big fan of open windows. Every day it's not too cold or hot, my windows are wide open.

Answer 2

The air purifier idea is on the right track but you need one that generates ozone or see if you can rent an ozone generator somewhere. Some air purifiers generate low levels of ozone which eliminate any organic odors by oxidizing them. A machine that generates higher concentrations will work faster but you can't be in the house for an extended time while it is on.

I once had to clean a basement that had the septic tank collapse and back up into the basement. After 3 days with an ozone generator in the basement, the odor was completely gone including the stains on the concrete floor.

Answer 3

Febreze everything including the ceiling and carpet.

Answer 4

Put some cinnamon and some nutmeg into some water and simmer on the stove. You might have to do this a few times for the smell to be totally gone. Also leave the windows cracked while you are at work or school. I totally sympathize - I used to live in an apartment building where my neighbors on both sides were Indian...the curry smell seeped into my apartment. The above suggestion worked pretty well.

Answer 5

if you have white vinegar simmer some on top of the stove, set the timer as a reminder just in case you forget about < just a safety tip !

Answer 6

air purifier leave it on as much as you can and leave all windows open when possible. use baking soda as a carpet deodorizer or you can steam the carpet (carpets hold every smell adn that can be the issue here). light candles and clean with pinesol. set some vineger on the stove YES it will smell liek vinegar BUT that takes many smells away and after an hour or 2 the vinegar smell will vanish with all other odors. clean the walls even though there painted adn paint  the ceiling.

light candles and use the plug ins (the good pricy ones)

Answer 7

Make sure the vent in the kitchen is clean and perhaps replace the filters. Also try running an air purifier. Your cheapest and easiest solution is to open the windows and let the unit air out.

Answer 8

use the coal..the coal is the best thing to absorb any smell whether it is really a sharp smell...

Answer 9

I know it's not the best or fastest solution, but I would suggest a thorough cleaning, and if possible, leaving the windows open.  Candles could help, as well as an air neutralizer - like Lysol Neutra-Air.