You’ve just come in from a long day at work, and as you walk in the door, an awful smell hits your nose. It’s not just your dirty laundry – the entire house smells terrible. What could be causing this unpleasant odor, and more importantly, how can you get rid of it?
Causes and Solutions for Bad Odors at Home (Image Credit: Pexels)
Dirty Clogged Drains
One of the most common causes of foul odors is dirty and clogged drains. It results from bacteria and mold that grow in contaminated water and from drainage issues. Drain cleaning professionals can clear out the clogs and get rid of the bad smell. Note that drainage issues can lead to many health complications as harmful bacteria circulate in your home.
Bad Plumbing
Bad or poorly done plumbing may be why there are unpleasant odors in your home. Because your home’s plumbing system is responsible for carrying wastewater away from your home and into the sewer, any pipes that are not maintained or installed properly may develop cracks or leaks or may clog up, allowing waste to seep out or back up in your home.
The stagnant waste will then emit foul-smelling odors, especially in areas with many drains and pipes. Bad plumbing can also pose a health risk, as wastewater carries harmful bacteria and other pathogens that can make people sick. Have your plumbing system inspected and maintained regularly, and if you’ve yet to build your home, ensure your plumbing is installed properly by professional plumbers.
Moldy Basements
Basements are often damp and humid, making them a perfect breeding ground for mold. If your basement smells musty, there is likely mold growing somewhere. Mold can cause a wide range of health problems, so it’s vital to get rid of it as soon as possible. A professional mold remediation service can identify and remove the mold.
Rotting Food
One of the most common causes of bad smells in the kitchen is rotting food. If you don’t clean up spills and messes as soon as they happen, food can start to rot and create a foul smell. Dirty kitchens attract bugs and other pests, also contributing to the bad smell. Before retiring for the night, make sure to clean up any spills or messes in the kitchen. Regularly clean out your garbage and compost bins. Additionally, clean the appliances and sink regularly.
Animal Odors
If you have pets, inevitably, they will occasionally have an accident or leave their scent behind. Pet odor can be challenging to eliminate and often requires special pet odor eliminators. Be sure to clean up any accidents as soon as they happen and bath your pet regularly.
Smoking Indoors
If you smoke indoors, the smoke can create a horrible smell that is difficult to get rid of. If you can’t quit smoking, try to do it outdoors. You can also use an air purifier to help get rid of the smoke smell. Note that the smoke can cause health problems to your family, so it is best to quit smoking altogether.
Old, Damp Mattresses
An old and damp mattress is one of the most common causes of bad smells in the bedroom. The odor results from mildew and mold growth, which can be dangerous to your health. If your mattress is more than seven years old, it’s time to replace it.
You can also use a mattress cover to keep the moisture out. In addition, clean the bedding regularly, open the windows and clean under the bed every few weeks. Don’t bring dirty laundry or shoes to the bedroom.
Bad Ventilation
If your home doesn’t have good ventilation, it can cause foul odors to build up. This is often the case in bathrooms and kitchens, where smells can easily get trapped. Try to open a window or use a vent fan to move the air around. You can also use air fresheners to mask the bad smells, but the best solution is improving the ventilation.
Dead Animals
If an animal dies in your home, the smell can be overwhelming. Remove dead animals as soon as possible, and disinfect the area. Professional animal removal services can eliminate the dead animal and the odor. To avoid such instances, seal any cracks or holes in your home to prevent mice and other pests from getting in.
Your Home Is Dirty
A common cause of bad smells in the home is simply a lack of cleanliness. If your home is dirty, the odors will be much more noticeable. Be sure to clean all surfaces and appliances regularly, sweep and mop the floors.
Deep clean your home at least once a month to get rid of all the dirt and dust. Additionally, wash the curtains, carpets, and furniture. If the bad smells are still there, it might be time to call a professional cleaning service.
Cleanliness Is Vital
Maintaining a clean home is all you need to do to get rid of odors in most cases. However, if the smell persists, it’s best to call a professional to investigate the problem. Note that you may be dealing with much more than a foul smell. Dirty homes breed bacteria and other harmful pathogens, leading to persistent illnesses.
