odor on ceramic tile

We had two major water leaks in the past 4 years. 4 years ago our reverse osmosis line broke and flooded under cabinets in our kitchen. We had it dried up and repaired. Six months age our hot water tank gave up and flooded close to our kitchen.

Both times there was no visible water on top of ceramic tile but now the top of the tiles stink, stronger in areas close to the cabinets and outer edges of the floor. I do not know how the tile was installed but it is on a slab. Our insurance adjuster says there is no way water can get under tile. I have tried all kinds of cleaners, the smell comes back.
On windy days the smell is more noticable.

The tile was installed over 9 years ago. Can water seap into the clay under the glaze and get an odor?

Wouldn't know, but yes, moisture can and will get through
Grout, and any natural stones, should dry out though.

I believe your cabinets may be the source of the smell. Some cabinets are built with either mdf or particle board. They may be soaking up your 2 floods. Also, the smell may be from your framing. Wood rots, ceramics don't.

We had the cabinets pulled out and shelves are new after the first water problem. It does not smell under the cabinets, just on top of the tile. If water soaked into my framing, would there be any evidence of it? Can that make the tile smell?

Hi Julie, we also have a terrible odor that seems to be coming off the tiles on our cement slab floor. We've cleaned *everything* and still can't get rid of the smell. It's worse during warm & humid weather. The tile was installed approx. 6 years ago, by the previous owners of the house. If anyone has any idea what could be causing this, please chime in. Thanks.