We moved home last month and the new house stank. It was overpowering, stale smoke and pets.

The carpets were removed, we sugarsoaped everywhere and re-painted every ceiling, wall, door, radiator, all woodwork. Now that the smell of paint has gone the house is back to smelling of smoke and pets :(

I have every single window open a fraction but due to our own 2 cats not being allowed out yet can't have them flung wide. We do however shut off a room at a time and air it to it's fullest but still to no avail. I bought the Air Wick timed wall fitted fresheners with an odour stop 'fragrance' and have hem dotted around emitting every 18 minutes.

I know the smell is going slightly but it still hits me when I first get home.

It looks lovely fully re-decorated but I still don't want to invite people in as I'm too embarrassed. Any ideas of how to get rid of it without making my home smell like a florist would be greatly received.

Hi Angela

Sorry I havent been about- been madly getting the house ready for my new au pair who arrived tonight

OK,

I am struggling to think where the smell actually *is* if the carpets are gone and walls have been painted. Have you put new carpets down? I would have suggested baking soda on the carpets but if they are gone ...

Do you have any idea what it is that still smells?

I know you can spray febreeze on walls, so amybe thats worth a try?

Jules xx, Dreamteamgirl, Proud Mum to Sam born Feb 05

A _ C _ H _ L

Sometimes alcohol IS the answer ...

CL on Mum's Club Feb 05, Good Housekeeping and Slimming World

Hi Angela

We had that problem when we moved in to our house (5 yrs ago). We bought loads of plug in fresheners - and also some feliway plug in from the vets (for the cat to feel settled). We found the same as you the smell does come back - even though we painted the skirting boards they returned to their smoke-fumed yellow after a few months.

So my sympathies, but I don't think there is a quick fix solution, just patience. You may be surprised that other people won't notice as much as you. My cat went through a stage of peeing on the front mat and i was paranoid about the house reeking but none of my visitors noticed - even when I specifically asked those who I knew would be truthful.

HTH

Hi,

The smoky smell is the tar that's leftover from the previous occupants and it does hang around for a long time. Using vinegar on woodwork and walls is good to get rid of it as the acid cuts through the grease. I don't know how this will work as you've redecorated but I don know it works! As well as bicarb for pet smells socks or fabric bags filled with charcoal or cat litter do the trick by absorbing the smell.

HTH

Hi Jules,

I can only assume that the smells have penetrated into the PVCu windows, vinyl tiles on the ground floor and actual wood and floorboards upstairs. It's definately still hanging in the air when you walk in.

My sisters assure me it is actually getting better and less noticeable. I am adjusting to it much quicker myself. Before I would get a headache after being home for an hour or so and could still smell the smoke, now although the odours there when I first walk in it disappears after barely a few minutes. 

Guessing the others are completely right it's going to be a case of patience and perseverence. Daily cleaning with products is helping. Cat litter is not an option as we have 2 cats but regular air fresheners seem to be making a difference. I think some of it is also just our natural smell taking over, clean washing, cooking, bubble bath and shower gels!

I'm assuming you are very close to myself and James. We too are  North Hampshire with about an hours drive to Southamptons new IKEA. We went in February when it first opened and bought some great things :)

Hope the au pair appreciates all your hard work