Do you smell something in your home, and it’s massively unpleasant? Does your houseguest find your home uninviting because they smell something funny? If you don’t know where that horrid odor is coming from, check these couple of things— and you might find the culprit where you least expected it.
Culprit #1: Sewer Odors
If you smell some sulfuric and rotten egg smell in your house, then you might want to have your sewer checked. Sewer odors are one of the nastiest and problematic odors that we can encounter in our home. According to the experts at https://septictank.com, if your septic tank location is bad or the structure is substandard, you will undoubtedly have issues with it sooner or later. Another reason for sewer odors is if the sink or bathrooms are not commonly used. It is best to run down water and have it clean once in a while.
If the smell is persistent, it would be best to have it checked. The professionals can assist you and recommend the best solution to get rid of the awful smell.
Culprit #2: Gas
Gas odor in our home is not only annoying, but it can be dangerous for our health. While gas is used for cooking and heating, it can be an extremely dangerous hazard if it leaks. A gas leak can cause fire or explosion within seconds of leakage. A sign of gas leakage can be:
- Sulfur smell
- Hissing or whistling sound near a gas line
- White cloud or dust cloud near a gas line
- Damaged gas pipe
- Dead houseplants
In case you smell gas in your home, never try to repair the leak or turn on and off lights or household appliances. If you can’t find the source, evacuate the house right away. Do not do anything that can ignite the gas. Just call 911, the fire department, or the utility company right away. The gas odor can dissipate right away; however, there are a lot of ways you can remove it, such as using vinegar, baking soda, and alcohol.
Culprit #3:Mold
The stale and dank smell in your house can be from mildew or mold developing somewhere. Mold odor is pervasive in houses, especially in moist areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and basements. While it produces a bad odor, it can also be a health risk. Mold exposure can cause respiratory and allergy issues. Moreover, it can worsen asthma or lung problems in people with preexisting lung conditions.
To get rid of the smell, you should first remove the mold source, may it be leaks in roofs, windows, pipes, paper products, cardboard, wood, and wallpaper. They live off moisture and will continue growing if you don’t eliminate the source. Use a mold cleaning solution of bleach and water to kill the remaining mold. And lastly, use a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. If you want, you can opt for a cleaning company that will handle everything for you.
Culprit #4: Cigarette Smoke
Lingering smoke is a very persistent smell; right when you enter the house, you can tell right away the smell traces of smoke. Cigarette smell can stick to anything, may it be clothes, carpet, curtains, and even house structures. Moreover, the smell is burdensome to get rid of since it’s a mixture of chemical compounds. They stay and settle in the area and can be inhaled even after the smoke has vanished from the air.
You can remove the bad odor from cigarette smoke, but it will require extensive cleaning throughout your house. Even an air purifier will find it hard to eliminate it since it consists of gaseous pollutants and particulate matter, and an air purifier is not made to remove that. What you can do is air out your home, put in activated charcoal or vinegar (any variant), and let it absorb all the odor. In addition, be careful of using air freshener as it can just mask the smell instead of eliminating it.
Culprit #5: Animal Odors
The animal smell can also be a source of bad odor in your house. The smell of their pee, poo, and wet fur, most significantly, can be off-putting. Moreover, these odors can stay for a long time and stick to the fabrics or any surface. To remove them, you also have to alter your pet’s routine or move away from their place or cage outside where there is fresh air or a low traffic area. You should also ensure that the hygiene practices of your pets are strictly followed. Next, use cleaning solutions that can eliminate the smell but are also safe for animals.
Culprit #6: Trash Smell
Last but definitely not least, household trash is one of the revolting and off-putting smells that can greatly affect your home. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste can equally be a source of bad odor. There are plenty of ways you can do to get rid of or lessen the stench.
- Clean the trash can thoroughly until you get rid of the rotten smell. You can use cleaning solutions, bleach, and water or baking soda. Rinse it away and deep clean regularly.
- Segregate your trash accordingly; use separate containers for dry and wet waste in the kitchen and whole house.
- Throw your trash on schedule, and don’t let things rot before getting rid of them. Preventing the smell is better than the laborious work of removing them.
You can also put your trash bin where it is away from the main points of the house, such as the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. You can put it outside as long as it is secured and can’t be opened and tip-off by animals.
Here are the most common culprits of foul odors in your house. Hopefully, through this guide, you get familiar and have enough knowledge to prevent them. Be attentive to what’s happening inside your house as it can not just be unpleasant but also harmful to you. And remember, coming home to the right smelling house is one of the relaxing and comforting things.