Helen,
I know that smell very well. When I was very young we visited one of my aunts who was caring for her mother in law who was in the final stages of cancer. The two things I remember are the woman in a hospital bed in the dining room and the horrible smell. If it weren't for that smell I probably would have long since forgotten all about it. The closest thing I can relate it to is acetone.
As for other ways of clearing, Priestess once gave me this, repeat three times with conviction. "Anything that is not mine must leave now" It has worked for me on many occasions.
Hope this is some help.
Walk in beauty,
Rebecca
