Floor smells bad

[MayaP]

We are renovating the kitchen. We've torn down all the old cabinets, and at two places, the lower cabinets were directly on the floor (particle board), while the rest were on two layers of vinyl flooring. Where there was only particle board, it smells rather unpleasant, not like mold though, more sweetish. Feels like some kind of treatment of the original floor or glue. The house is from '79.

Anyone have an idea what it could be and how we can seal in the smell (some kind of sealant paint?)? New laminate flooring will be installed in the kitchen.

 

[Centano]

If I were in your position, I would try to replace the parts of the chipboard that smell bad.

 

[MayaP]

Right where we are
That would probably be safest. Getting the same smell after the new kitchen is installed and completed would be a disaster.
I think it's more likely that cute mice have peed the floor to death...