Question from Barb
My husband and 3 children are renting a home that was renovated 4 years ago.
There is a strong odor in the home; I think it’s coming from the cabinetry in the closets, laundry room, mudroom, etc.
I purchased an IQ air filter for my toddler’s room, but just one is not enough, as my other boys, my husband and I, and a baby on the way, are all breathing the air elsewhere.
Is there anything more I can do to help removed these odors? I’m guessing they are VOC’s (formaldehyde). I have a baby on the way and am concerned for our health. (P.S. I had the house tested for mold and the results were negative.)
Thank you Debra for all your knowledge and expertise!!!!
Debra’s Answer
I am guessing the odor is formaldehyde as well, if the odor is coming from the cabinetry. I would recommend that you get an inexpensive formaldehyde test kit and check.
There are four things you can do.
Remove the cabinetry, which is probably not practical in a rental.
Seal the cabinetry with a vapor barrier sealant, such as AFM Safe Seal, a clear sealant that is highly effective at sealing in formaldehyde. If that isn’t possible, you can put foil over all the cabinets inside and out (use foil tape to seal the seams, but that wouldn’t be attractive.
You could buy more air filters.
Open the windows and ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.
