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May 18, 2009
Odors from Neighbors
I live in a large pre war tenement apartment building in Williamsburg with about 30 units. My neighbors are doing SOMETHING very smelly (god knows what!). We share a wall with their laundry room and stale smelly feet/dirty laundry odors seep through into our bedroom somehow. Does anyone have any suggestions how to neutralize these odors or prevent them?
Comments
I use an ozone generator. The extra molecule of oxygen attaches itself to whatever causes the smell and eradicates the odor. The air will resemble the smell of the air after at thunder storm. I love it, my wife doesn't, therefore I keep it at the shop. It's better than the stink.
Posted by: southslope at May 17, 2009 11:24 PM
Isn't ozone dangerous?
Posted by: Bob Marvin at May 18, 2009 9:25 AM
lol i totally thought this was written by one of my neighbors.
suggestions:
febreeze
lysol
keep your windows open
(dont live in williamsburg. that is the smelliest neighborhood in brooklyn to begin with!)
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at May 18, 2009 9:42 AM
Was there an old man or woman, perhaps a grandparent, whom you are not seeing as much anymore???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at May 18, 2009 9:44 AM
oh that's a good point dave. it could be a dead rodent in the wall... dead mice and stuff actually do smell like dirty feet / dirty laundry. i am not sure what dead humans smell like that and hope that is something i never get the opportunity to smell.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at May 18, 2009 9:46 AM
Maybe something's wrong with the draining of their washing machine or the vent line and you're getting the smell of stagnating water. I'd ask them if they're having problems on their side of the wall with either draining or the odor; if so, it's a plumbing problem they'll have to pay for.
Posted by: zeebee_in_bklyn at May 18, 2009 9:49 AM
bed bath and beyond sells something called "Air Sponge" or "Odor Sponge" or something like that--look for little canisters, near the checkout area. I've found it surprisingly effective. And much less awkward than asking the neighbors who died.
Posted by: toadie at May 18, 2009 9:55 AM
Have you any idea what room in your neighbor's place is behind the smell? If it is a bathroom/laundry room, zeebee's idea may be the culprit. If it is a kitchen, they could have some problem with food or something behind/under the fridge etc.
I would approach them in a "let's solve this together" friendly way - with the assumption they either don't smell it, as it is between the walls or out of their range, or that they are as puzzled as you. That way they aren't offended or embarrassed, and if it IS actually a hygiene issue, you may nip it in the bud.
Posted by: Nokilissa at May 18, 2009 9:56 AM
Yes, you gave no indication that you've spoken to them or the super about it. It could be a dead rodent in the wall or it could be something they are doing. No need to make it a big issue just investigate.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at May 18, 2009 10:02 AM
If you haven't spoken to them about it, it could be that they think the smell is coming from you & were embarrassed to ask.
Posted by: Arkady at May 18, 2009 10:14 AM
Go knock on their door, and ask them if they can smell the terrible odor too. It might not be what/where you think. You might discover your upstairs neighbor OD'd 2 weeks ago, or started raising pet turtles for fun and profit, or maybe there's a leak somewhere, the possibilities are endless. I'd talk to all my neighbors.
Posted by: Maly at May 18, 2009 10:40 AM
I agree with Maly- go ask and do some research instead of trying to knock the smell out on your own.
Posted by: grip100692 at May 18, 2009 1:37 PM
If it's a blocked vent, could the building blow up?
Posted by: mopar at May 18, 2009 2:11 PM
Try the product, Anti-icky Poo. It will neutralize any odor. It's used to clean crime scenes.
Posted by: superstooper at May 19, 2009 8:42 AM
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