In a bid to create a home you love and cherish, you are likely doing much to make your home smell good. You may have added plants and flowers to certain rooms in the house, for example. And it might be that you regularly bake things in the oven, not only to eat but to make your home smell delicious too!
These are all excellent things to do but if you are doing so to mask any unusual house smells, you need to beware. There are some odours that you should never ignore, and no amount of houseplants will protect you from possible health hazards and faults that may exist in your home.
Consider the following. If your nose picks up any of these unpleasant scents, you need to take action before things get worse for you.
#1: A rotten egg smell
Do you have any eggs in your kitchen? It might be that they are well past their used-by date, hence the terrible odour. But if this isn’t the case, then the rotten egg smell could be coming from your blocked drains.
In some cases, you can deal with the smell yourself by unblocking the drain with a homemade mixture or something you can buy from your local store. However, if the smell persists, you may need to call out a plumber. And you should make this a priority, as sewage gas might be leaking into your home if your sewage treatment system has become damaged. Sewage gas can be hazardous to your health if you have constant exposure to it so it’s wise to get it dealt with as soon as possible.
#2: A burning smell
The burning smell may be coming from your oven, especially if you have left something baking in there for far too long! It might also be coming from your fireplace if you have one. However, after ruling out these obvious examples, it might be that the burning smell is indicative of a problem with your electrics.
In some cases, the burning smell may be coming from one of your appliances. It might also be coming from one of your electrical outlets or from any wiring that is hidden behind the walls. The same is true if you notice a fishy smell. In the case of both of these bad smells, your best course of action is to turn off the power in your home and call out an electrician. They will deal with whatever the problem might be and will give you further advice to ensure your safety at home. Reaching out to experienced professionals, such as the team at Clements Electric Inc, can ensure that the issue is resolved efficiently and prevent any further risks to your electrical system.
#3: A stinky dog smell
If you notice a stinky dog smell, then the likely source is probably your four-legged friend sitting innocently in the corner. You might pick up scents associated with dirt and other things they have picked up from the outside. If their fur is wet, you will also notice a damp smell. These bad odours can be dealt with by giving your dog a good shampoo.
But what if the smell isn’t coming from your dog? And what if you don’t even have a dog in your home? In such cases, the smell is probably coming from other animals living in your home. And by animals, we are talking about anything that you aren’t aware of, such as rodents or other small critters that have taken up residence behind your walls or under your floorboards. In such instances, you should call out pest control. They will deal with your unwanted house guests and reduce the chances of ticks and diseases that such creatures can bring into your home.
#4: A cigarette smell
If you’re a smoker then you can expect the smell of cigarettes in your home. The same applies if another member of your family smokes. But if you don’t smoke, and if nobody else in your family does, then the cigarette smell can be something of a mystery. Just where is it coming from?
Well, it might be that smell is coming from past residents of your home. If they were smokers, it’s likely that smoke and tobacco residue has impacted your walls, carpets, and other surfaces. Third-hand smoke can impact your health even though you don’t smoke yourself, so it’s something you need to deal with. You can eliminate the smell and any cigarette deposits by giving your home a deep clean, either through your own efforts or through the skills of a professional cleaning service.
Finally
It’s not uncommon for our homes to smell and in some cases, you might have nothing to worry about. However, in the examples we have given, you should be worried as there could be an impact on your health and wellbeing. Your home could be in danger of damage too. So, follow your nose and if you experience any of the smells we have discussed, adhere to the steps that we have discussed in this article.