6 Reasons Your Home Smells Unpleasant and Super Effective Solutions

Upon entering your home, you always sense an unpleasant odor lingering in the air. Discovering the root cause of this odor and promptly addressing it will help create a fresh and enjoyable living space.

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There are many reasons why your home may not be well-ventilated, fresh, and may even have unpleasant odors like cooking smells, leftover food, or unwashed clothes…

However, there are hidden dangers like mold in places you can’t see but can smell. This can be dangerous for the health of everyone living in the house and needs to be addressed promptly.

1. Moldy Walls

If you notice a musty smell in your home, it may be due to hidden mold in the walls. Mold can have a negative impact on the aesthetics of your home and can also be harmful to people’s health. Therefore, it is important to detect and remove them as soon as possible. Areas with plumbing, water pipes, or ventilation fans in the bathroom and kitchen are common places for mold growth.

What to do:

If the moldy area is small, you can clean it yourself with soap and water. Alternatively, you can use soap mixed with vinegar for cleaning. For larger areas with mold growth, it’s best to call in professionals to find the best cleaning and prevention solutions. Try to keep everything in your home dry and well-ventilated, and pay attention to moisture control.

2. Electrical Issues

If you notice a foul and rotten smell coming from a certain area in your home, it may be a sign of electrical damage. According to experts, burned or melted plastic wires and components can emit a fishy or urine-like smell.

What to do:

In this case, even if you can identify the wires or power source emitting the smell, it is best to call an electrician as electrical issues can be extremely dangerous.

Once the issue is resolved, the area will stop emitting the smell, and you can be assured of the safety and ventilation of your home.

3. Gas Leaks

For households using gas stoves, gas leaks can be both dangerous and emit an unpleasant odor in the house.

What to do:

In this case, the first thing you should do is turn off the gas valve, leave the house, and call a gas company to check and repair any related issues. Once everything is resolved, open doors and windows to ventilate the area and allow the odor to dissipate.

4. Carpets

If your apartment has carpet flooring, it’s inevitable that during periods of high humidity, dirt and dust that haven’t been cleaned in time can cause a foul odor in your home.

What to do:

Naturally clean your carpets by sprinkling baking soda on them and then using a vacuum cleaner to suck it up. Baking soda will absorb the odors. Leave it overnight for a more intensive odor removal.

You can also try a chemical carpet cleaner designed specifically for carpet washing and steam cleaning. If the odor persists, it’s best to hire professional cleaners and carpet cleaning services.

5. Dishwashers

Dishwashers can also emit odors after prolonged use. Just like washing machines, they occasionally need cleaning. So, if there’s an unpleasant smell in your kitchen, even if it’s clean, the dishwasher might be the issue.

What to do:

Try running the dishwasher with a bit of vinegar and place a bit of baking soda at the bottom of it. This will help remove significant odors. One thing to do for a deep clean is to locate and clean the machine’s filter, where all the food residues are trapped.

6. Walls

You wouldn’t expect walls to be the source of odors. That’s why it’s important to wipe down the walls and ceilings to remove mold and keep them fresh over time.

What to do:

Start with something simple and natural. Use white vinegar and warm water mixed in a spray bottle and spray it on the walls, then wipe them clean. It will clean the surface and eliminate any odors. You can always paint a fresh coat, but it’s better to clean the walls first.

 

Source: Phụ nữ Việt Nam

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Frequently asked questions

There are several reasons why your home may have an unpleasant odor. It could be due to poor ventilation, pet odors, cooking smells, smoke, mold, or bacteria. To get rid of the smell, identify and address the source of the odor. Open windows to improve ventilation, use air purifiers, and clean your home regularly. For stubborn odors, use natural odor absorbers like baking soda or charcoal, or opt for commercial odor neutralizers.

Improving ventilation can help reduce unpleasant odors and stuffiness in your home. Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and odors. Ensure your air conditioning and heating systems are well-maintained and consider using a mechanical ventilation system if necessary.

Pet odors can be a common source of unpleasant smells in homes. Regular grooming and bathing of your pets can help reduce odors. Clean pet bedding and toys frequently, and use odor-neutralizing products specifically designed for pet odors. Training your pets to use a litter box or pee pads can also minimize odors.

Cooking smells can linger in the kitchen and permeate other areas of the house. While cooking, use exhaust fans to remove odors and steam. Clean your stove, oven, and surfaces regularly to prevent the buildup of grease and food particles. Boil cinnamon, lemon slices, or vinegar in water to neutralize odors naturally.

Smoke odors can be stubborn and permeate walls, furniture, and fabrics. Open all windows and doors to air out the house. Wash walls and hard surfaces with a mixture of water and vinegar, and launder or dry clean curtains, furniture covers, and clothing. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture and remove smoke particles from the air.

Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas, causing musty odors. Identify and fix the source of moisture, such as leaks or condensation. Clean and disinfect surfaces with a mixture of bleach and water, or use natural disinfectants like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Ensure that areas like bathrooms and basements are well-ventilated to prevent future growth.

Baking soda, charcoal, and coffee grounds are effective natural odor absorbers. Place open boxes of baking soda in refrigerators, freezers, and cupboards to absorb odors. Charcoal bags can be hung in closets, cars, and bathrooms to neutralize odors. Coffee grounds can be placed in a bowl and left in the refrigerator or freezer to absorb odors.