Room stinks of previous occupants

[CreatureRetorts]

We've lifted the old carpet in one of the bedrooms to replace it. Underneath is a farking disgusting Lino floor then wooden floorboards underneath. Since pulling up the carpet, all I can smell is old stinky feet. It's really overpowering - disgusting.

Anyway, any ideas as to how to clear the stench?

Mop it with diluted bleach. I've never heard of floors holding the smell of someone's feet before - I hate to say it but might it be some sort of rot coming up from the sub-floor?

Rot? I hope not!! It's a Victorian house - half of the floorboards were replaced about ten years ago in that room, but no idea why.

(it might not be actual feet stench - maybe the smell of a dog or something?) - the window had been painted shut for before we moved in and crow barred it open.

Get rid of the lino and just have the wooden flooring.

rip up the lino and scrub the floor properly then see what it is like. It could very well be some sort of damp issue so best to investigate asap.

Lino has been chucked (a few mins ago!). Will leave window open overnight. I hope not rot or damp (no signs on the walls) but will smell again tomorrow.

Maybe there are some manky old work boots under the floor boards?

I hope not!!

I think the smell will be the Lino, if the wood can't breath under the Lino and the window has been painted shut it really doesn't sound like there has been much airflow in the room.

Was it proper old fashioned Lino or vinyl? I know the manufacturing process for Lino is very stinky so if it was starting to degrade/rot the Lino could well be giving off the stench.

they used to use a horrid glue for lino too so it could be to do with that if not enough ventilation and it was 'sweating' or something.

I had a look- it's rolled flooring of some kind laid over a very thin underlay nailed to the timber floor. One of the joists looks a bit rotten but the floor boards are so long, I don't know how to get them up without damaging them.

Ooh blimey, I hope it doesn't end up being too costly for you!

I think you will have to get a timber specialist in to take a look.

Dead mouse under the floorboards?

They really hum.

Previous occupant under the floor?

Cut up a few onions in half - they will absorb the smell - they will go black by morning - then throw them out !! Air the room and it should be fine after an hour or so ! :-)