All buildings smell. They have their own scents, even if there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them. It certainly doesn’t increase the chances of selling or renting a commercial building to greet tenants or buyers with a strange smell when they check out your Florida Keys commercial building though. So, you need to figure out whether there is a genuine problem in the building or if the weird smell comes from a lack of air circulation from sitting empty.
If you can’t locate an origin for the smell, you might just be battling the typical stale smell of a lack of air circulation. Check the HVAC system to make sure the filter is fresh and new. The longer the building sits empty, the more noticeable this scent will be. Thankfully, there are ways to fight this smell. Virtually none of them should include adding a fragrance to cover the scent up though. Your potential renters and buyers will see through this in a hot second. That’s not to say that you should never use air fresheners, this is only to say that covering up an issue will get called out.
First of all, deep cleaning your building can make a world of difference and should be done regularly, even if it’s been sitting empty. Dust will still settle and it will still need to be cleaned, even if no one is in the building. Hire a professional cleaner to mop floors, wash windows, clean toilets and wipe down surfaces weekly if you can afford it, just as you would hire someone to maintain the lawn. Cleaning with original Pine-sol gives the noticeable clean smell and the pine oil in the product will actually continue to kill surface bacteria for some time.
While your professional cleaners are cleaning, give instructions to open any windows and air the place out. Let them know that you’re not interested in perfuming the area. If your commercial building’s windows don’t open, turn on the air conditioning until to a reasonable temperature to get the air moving.
You can absorb odors a couple of ways. You can leave an open box of baking soda in rooms, cabinets and the refrigerator after you have cleaned the area for starters. If the place has excess moisture in the air, you can purchase or rent a dehumidifier to fix the issue. You could also purchase a product called DampRid, but that isn’t a product you’d want to use all the time. It works better if you are fighting the lingering smell after a bunch of rain or a leak that you have repaired.
You can also purchase box fans and leave them running. This will help keep air moving. Stop in every few days to run the water so that stagnant water isn’t in the pipes and flush and clean the toilets too. Sometimes, sinks are left off for so long that the traps beneath them actually dry up. This can cause sewer gases to escape out! If that’s your culprit, the fix is as easy as remembering to run the water occasionally. This is also a good time to check out the building to make sure there are no issues. After all, if the building is vacant, there will be no one there to notice a problem.
If you must use an air freshener, avoid the artificial fragrances. They scream cover-up and do no actual benefit. If your commercial building really needs to freshen up quickly, use an air freshener that’s natural that can actually fight germs, mold and more. Get one pint of water and add one tablespoon of white vinegar and one ounce of mint, pine, orange or lemon essential oil. Mix these ingredients together and add them to a spray bottler. Then, lightly mist the room, including in cabinets and closets. This will actually help stop the odor, not just mask it.
<
Hot Key West Business Opportunities
Are You Looking for Commercial Property in the Florida Keys?
Use our site to search commercial real estate in Key West and all of the Florida Keys. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new properties every HOUR. By creating a Property Manager account you can stay on top of the newest businesses that go up on the market and get Price Change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the best deals!
In the meantime, check out these 1-click searches:
- All Businesses for Sale
- Office Buildings
- Hotels, Motels & Bed & Breakfasts
- Bars & Restaurants
- Marinas for Sale in Key West
- Investment Properties
- Business Opportunities
Newest Key West Commercial Properties on the Market
![2710 Roosevelt Blvd Boulevard N KEY WEST, Florida Prime Restaurant/Bar location for lease in Key West. Seller is motivated and will consider all serious offers. Very visible endcap location in Overseas Market. 6,000 sf. interior available and includes all Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment. Licensed for over 200 Seats. Includes an SRX/COP liquor license and a large full service bar inside with bar seating and tables. Comfortable Indoor AC dining and outdoor patio seating available. A ton of parking surrounds the restaurant. Perfect location for a major national Restaurant and Bar or other Retail uses are possible. Favorable, long term 20 yr. lease in place, started in Feb. 2017 with approx. 14 yr. balance. Landlord Approval required for any Lease assignment. Current Denny's franchise is optional and would require Denny's application and approval. Denny's opened in Key West back in 1996 at another location by current franchisee. Overseas Market just went through major improvements. Current tenants in Overseas Market include Winn Dixie, Ross, CVS, Five Guys, Domino's, Advanced Auto, US Post Office, Jersey Mike's and other retail and office tenants.](https://cdn.photos.sparkplatform.com/flk/20240524160808514044000000-o.jpg)
2710 Roosevelt Blvd Boulevard N KEY WEST, Florida
2 Baths 6,000 SqFt
![295 51St Street Gulf MARATHON, Florida Exceptional 6-unit multi-family commercial property conveniently accessible from both 51st Street and 50th Street. This property offers unparalleled convenience and charm in the heart of Marathon. Comprised of three buildings surrounding a serene courtyard oasis complete with a sparkling pool, tiki bar, and grill. Boasting a total of five efficiencies and a separate two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit, making it an investor's dream. Each unit has undergone extensive remodeling, featuring tile floors, impact windows, AC systems, state-of-the-art appliances, cabinets, and quartz countertops. Ample off-street parking for over eight vehicles. Zoned MU Commercial with six TBRs (Building Rights), this property offers versatile opportunities for investors, whether for short-term rentals, long-term leasing, or commercial endeavors.CA/NDA and proof of funds or bank pre-approval is required.](https://cdn.photos.sparkplatform.com/flk/20240408235334380252000000-o.jpg)
295 51St Street Gulf MARATHON, Florida
7 Beds 7 Baths 2,614 SqFt
![243 61St Street Gulf Street MARATHON, Florida A rare and unique income producing Hotel in Marathon. Tropical Cottages is a boutique & very profitable Mom and Pop Motel. Total of 11 valuable Transient Licenses, 13 Rooms plus office with kitchen & check in room. There are 9 buildings on the property, 8 adorable free standing cottages and the main building with 3 rooms. Each room has been tastefully and tropically renovated inside and out. Each room is unique and comes fully furnished. Most of the units have small kitchenettes including sink with microwave and refrigerator. All units have refrigerator & microwave. Each of the cottages have shiny new Victorian shingle roofs. Additionally, there is a large Tiki Hut & Bar along with Food Truck with seating area. The Food Truck is leased for $5,000 per mos. and the Tiki Bar operations are owner operated. Both add to income and a great amenity for the guests. On site is a full laundry room with Commercial grade washers/dryers and storage rooms throughout. All housekeeping is done on site. Small but friendly efficient staff has been there long term and willing to stay on with new owners. There are a total of 6 lots encompassing over 1/2 acre of land, total .56 Ac or 24,384 sf. There is ample off street parking for guests. Zoning is GC and land use is recognized as Hotel/Motel. Bonus of Deeded waterfront access at the end of 61st St. which has a boat ramp and staging area for all types of watercrafts and sports. Same family ownership since 2010. Tropical Cottages was started back in the mid 1950's as a Fish camp and is one of the few remaining Mom & Pop Motels throughout the Florida Keys. Priced at just over 7% cap rate. Motel generates substantial Net income year after year to current owners. Sellers may consider Seller Financing to a qualified buyer and must have 40%-50% or more down payment. Terms to be negotiated.](https://cdn.photos.sparkplatform.com/flk/20240306215504991065000000-o.jpg)
243 61St Street Gulf Street MARATHON, Florida
13 Beds 14 Baths 4,461 SqFt
[button size=”large” url=”https://homes.floridakeyscommercial.com/i/newest-commercial-properties-for-sale-in-key-west-fl” newtab=”true” expand=”true”]View ALL[/button]
Experienced Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Company
RE/MAX Keys Connection’s owner and broker Curtis Skomp is one of South Florida’s top commercial real estate brokers. With over two decades of experience and a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation, Curtis has brokered commercial real estate including industrial properties, shopping centers, strip malls, trailer parks, bars, restaurants, hotels and multi-unit apartment buildings. Unlike many brokers, Curtis isn’t intimidated by bank foreclosures either.
RE/MAX Keys Connection offers clients international exposure with local service.