If You’re Having Trouble Figuring Out Where That Nasty Scent In Your House Is Coming From, Here Are Some Likely Causes
Homes can harbor all sorts of aromas, ranging from pleasant to putrid. When the latter occurs, many people tend to use air fresheners and room deodorizers to get rid of household odors.
However, these products sometimes only work to mask the problem rather than resolve it. It’s important to identify the source of the stench before attempting to cover it up with cleaning sprays.
Stinky smells aren’t just offensive to the nose. They can also indicate potentially hazardous issues in your home. If you’re having trouble figuring out where that nasty scent is coming from, here are some of the likely causes. Once you determine the source of the smell, you’ll be able to breathe easier.
Pets
As much as you love your furry family members, you have to admit that they can be pretty smelly at times. Dogs and cats are constantly shedding their hair, and bacteria can grow in the places where their hair piles up.
To combat this, bathe your pet often and clean the spots they tend to frequent with soap and water. Additionally, vacuum under couches and beds to prevent hair buildup.
If you don’t have a pet, but your house still smells like animal urine for some reason, it may be due to the previous homeowner’s pets. The odors may have gotten trapped in the carpet, and your nose will start to notice if there’s too much moisture in the air, which brings those trapped smells out. You can neutralize the odor with an enzyme-based cleanser.
Garbage Disposal
Perhaps you’ve traced the stench to one room in your house, and it happens to be the kitchen. The garbage disposal is a common culprit for kitchen odors.
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Grime can get caught underneath the drain, so make sure you wipe the inside of your garbage disposal. There are several brands of garbage disposal deodorizers on the market. Or you can create your own by grinding thin strips of lemon, lime, or orange peels in the disposal. That way, you can give your kitchen a nice, natural citrusy scent!
Trash Can
Over time, small crumbs and various liquids that leak out of trash bags can lead to a foul smell that sticks to your kitchen trash can even when you take the garbage out regularly.
Spray your can with diluted bleach and let it sit for a few hours so it can work its cleaning magic. Afterward, rinse it out thoroughly with water and soap.
Dishwasher
Another common cause of kitchen smells is the dishwasher. Your dishwasher is in constant contact with water, creating a damp environment, which is what mold needs to grow.
And when there are food particles involved, that makes conditions even better for mold.
This issue can be fixed by regularly running an empty dry-heat cycle. If the silverware basket gets moldy, soak it in warm water and diluted bleach for thirty minutes. Rinse well before placing it back in the dishwasher.
Front-Load Washer
Like the dishwasher, your washing machine can also grow mold and generate funky odors. When you open and close the door of your washer, you are trapping the moisture from each cycle.
To prevent mold, leave the door open for a few hours after your last load so the machine can air out. If you do happen to spot some mold, use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to attack the moldy areas.
Wet Clothing
People often toss damp towels into their laundry baskets after finishing up their showers. If this is you, stop this habit immediately. It’s a recipe for bacteria and releases a musty smell in your home.
Bedding
Your bedding can also contribute to stale, musty odors. Sheets and pillowcases become riddled with oils, dead skin flakes, and grime when they’re not washed often enough. As a rule of thumb, clean your sheets every two weeks if you shower at night and every week if you shower in the morning.
New Furniture
Some people love the smell of a new car or new furniture, but the chemicals that produce that scent can actually be harmful to your health. The scent is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. In severe cases, it can cause liver or kidney damage.
To eliminate the smell and toxic chemicals, air out your home by opening the windows and turning on fans. If you’re particularly sensitive to VOCs, invest in an air purifier that contains a carbon filter.
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