Need To Find A Bad Smell In Your Home?

Every once in a while, there is a lingering smell that no amount of scented candles, air freshener, or burning matches seems to get rid of. Most of the time, you can find the source of the smell and deal with it quite quickly. 

Sometimes, it can be a combination of smells like crumbs that have made their way into crevices, food that has fallen and rolled under counters and fridges, or the bottom of the big trash bin. 

Other times, though, the smell just hangs around – slowly becoming more pungent and overwhelming until you can't stand it any longer. Let’s take a look at where some of the most common smells are and how you can find the source! 

Ask Someone Else 

This one might be embarrassing, but sometimes the best thing you can do is ask someone else to come and have a sniff. You have become used to the smell, and it won’t be as pungent – even if you do still smell it. Asking someone else can put a fresh nose on the case, and they might even be able to identify the smell. 

Close The Doors

Isolating each room can help to trap the smell at the source. You might find that it is wafting through to a specific area, but it is not originating from there. Once all the doors are closed, wait a short while and head into each room. Sometimes, this can help narrow down the search and give you a clear idea of what it could be. 

Drainage 

The bathroom can be the source of many household smells – but sometimes the smell manages to travel from the starting point and into the pipes elsewhere. Start to look for leaks and listen for dripping water – this can often give a musty smell, and you’ll need a plumbing company to tackle this one properly. 

Eggs?

Even the slightest whiff of eggs, if you haven’t cooked them, is a cause for major concern. Call your gas company if you smell anything sulfur or eggy. Gas leaks, even the smallest ones, release a smell that is often confused for rotten eggs. If you do suspect it might be a gas leak, avoid turning on the stove, turning lights on and off, or anything else. 

Mold

Mold and mildew love to hide in dark, damp corners and can go for a while without being found in the right conditions. Mold can grow behind wallpaper, in between bricks, and hidden under cabinets. Start checking anywhere you don’t normally clean and anywhere that might be prone to dampness. 

Pests

While many pests are small, and perhaps they don’t bother you too much – they stink. Mice and rats, in particular, are big culprits for making nests that ultimately stink the house out. The smell is a combination of stolen foods, pee, and droppings. 

Not to mention if they die behind the walls or if they get trapped somewhere. A single dead rodent is a sign that there are others, so setting traps – and being vigilant enough to check them regularly is essential. 

Pests can be tricky to get rid of; here are some top tips to help: 7 Important Tips to Deal with Pests in the Kitchen.