Places to Investigate When Your House Stinks

Today’s post is for those times when things stink. No, not when things are going poorly, but when they are malodorous. This happens around my house on occasion.

Most of the time we know the source of the odor, but on occasion we’ll catch an unpleasant whiff and we’ll be uncertain of the source. When this happens, we start investigating.

Common causes of home odors

• Trashcans. Is there trash that needs to be taken out? Has some trash fallen or leaked beneath a trashcan liner and is making a trashcan stink?
• Kitchen sink. Is there food waiting to be ground down the garbage disposal? Does the garbage disposal need to be cleaned? Does the sink or drain need to be cleaned?
• Refrigerator. Are there certain foods (e.g., onions, garlic, fish) that need to be stored differently so they don’t make the whole fridge smell? Has anything spoiled? Has anything leaked?
• Dishwasher. Is there any food trapped in the bottom? Is it draining properly? Is there any food stuck around the gasket of the door?
• Clothes washer. Are there clothes in it that you forgot to wash or that you washed but forgot to toss in the dryer? If you have a front-loading washer, is the door free of mold?
• Toilets. Is there a toilet that needs to be flushed? Does a toilet bowl need cleaned? Did someone miss the toilet and there is urine around the toilet that needs to be cleaned up?
• Furniture and upholstery. Are there any spills or potty accidents that need to be cleaned up? Have the cushions absorbed odors from people or pets? Have food or clothing items slipped under the cushions?
• Clothes hampers. Are there dirty clothes that need to be washed? Have clothes or towels that were wet begun to mildew?
• Carpets. Are there any spills or potty accidents that need to be cleaned up? Has the carpet been exposed to a lot of ambient odors that it may have absorbed?
• Closets. Have any dirty clothes been misplaced in a closet? Have pieces of stinky sports equipment or shoes been placed there? Have cleaning supplies or other chemicals stored in a closet leaked? Has moisture somehow entered the closet and caused its contents to mildew?
• Kids’ rooms. Has a dirty diaper been forgotten in one? Did one of the kids take some food into his or her room and forget about it? Did a potty accident occur in one of the beds and it has been overlooked?

Less common causes of home odors

In our house, the culprit is usually one of the places or objects listed above. However, experts warn that odors can sometimes be indicative of serious issues (source, source, and source). If you haven’t identified the issue after checking the common sources, then consider what type of odor you are smelling. This can lead you to the source.

• Rotten eggs. If you smell rotten eggs, you could have a natural gas leak. Leave your home immediately and call the gas company so they can send a representative to check for a leak. If the representative does not find a leak, then smell your drains and around your toilets. It could be a plumbing issue.
• Sewage. If you smell sewage, you may have a simple issue with a trap. Drains have U-shaped traps under them. The purpose of these plumbing fixtures is to trap debris and prevent sewer gases from entering the home. There must be liquid in a trap for it to function correctly. In infrequently used drains, the traps can dry out and sewer gasses can enter the home. If pouring a quart of water down a drain doesn’t stop it from emanating the scent of sewage, then call a plumber because the problem may be more complicated.
• Fish. If you smell fish, it could indicate an electrical issue. Take a look at your electrical outlets and check the power cords of anything you have plugged in so you can address any obvious issues. Don’t hesitate to call an electrician to identify and fix issues because most electrical problems aren’t things you can safely address yourself.
• Mustiness. A musty scent often indicates the growth of mold. You can look around for anything obvious (check around water sources and other areas where there is likely to be water). However, for safety, it is wise to bring in a professional who can check hidden places.
• Chemicals. If you smell chemicals, then you may be storing your chemicals (cleaning supplies, paint, etc.) in poor locations or something may have spilled. Check all the locations where you store these products. Clean up any spills and air out the areas. Make sure you are storing chemicals in cool locations that are away from HVAC systems.
• Decaying animal. Unfortunately, animals (mice, squirrels, opossums, etc.) sometimes get into homes and die. When this happens, the stench can be overwhelming. If you smell a decaying animal, then check for one behind appliances, in chimneys, and in attics. If you can’t find one or feel that you need help removing one, then call an exterminator.

Next time you smell something funky in your home, I hope you are able to easily identify and remedy it!

What locations or concerns would you add to this list? In what places have you found odors lurking?

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Home Matters, Tuesdays with a Twist, What’d You Do This Weekend? and Over the Moon.