You’ve tried clearing out the refrigerator, putting away the garbage, and washing all the damp towels, but there’s still a terrible smell that you can’t quite identify. In order to make your house shine, you scrub, dust, and polish it. It still doesn’t smell fresh for some reason.
The smell of a house has a significant impact on how clean it feels to you and your visitors. We’ve compiled a list of all the unseen odors that can give a house a dirty feeling to help you identify the issue.
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Smells That Make a Clean House Feel Dirty
Mold and Must
A home that has mold and mildew will smell musty. Regretfully, the source of the smell is frequently concealed. Perhaps there is a plumbing leak somewhere, or perhaps your basement is very wet. Humidity can be improved with a dehumidifier. Since mold can lead to health issues, leaks and moisture should be handled by a professional.
Pets with a bad smell
Although we adore our dogs, they can cause a lot of odors in the house. It doesn’t always matter how regularly you scoop the litter box or how thoroughly you vacuum. Determine all of their preferred sleeping locations, then wash the dog beds and pillowcases (you might also need to scrub the carpets). Give your pet a bath while you’re at it.
Smells of Cooking
The odor of cooking materials frequently persists the following day, even if you’re adamant about throwing out the garbage. When cooking, always run your vent hood or break a window to provide proper ventilation, which is essential for getting rid of odors. Other solutions for persistent odors include boiling potpourri on the stove or using an air filter. We like the smell to linger, unless you’re preparing cookies.
Plumbing Not in Use
Are you aware of the subtle sewage odor emanating from the immaculately clean guest bathroom that is never used? This can be a sign that the P-trap beneath the sink has dried out, meaning that water is no longer preventing offensive odors from ascending.
Blockages in Drains
However, a blockage or decaying debris in the pipes may be the cause of an odorous drain that is frequently used. After clearing blockages with a drain zip tool, use hot water and baking soda to freshen drains.
Smelly Shoes
Your shoes might be to blame if your mudroom or closet has taken on a locker-room feel. Get rid of any outdated shoes you don’t desire. Washable shoes, such as synthetic sandals, should be soaked and scrubbed. Add baking soda or deodorant to your sneakers.
Old Mattresses
Mattresses eventually absorb smells, regardless of how frequently you change the sheets. A musty-smelling mattress can also be caused by dust mites and moisture. Vacuuming and airing or sprinkling with baking soda could help, but it might be time to get a new mattress.
Pests in the Home
Dead mice or other pests may be hidden in the walls or beneath the flooring if you smell something foul. It’s time to contact a pest control firm if you detect an ammonia odor coming from your house, which indicates an active infestation.
Old Papers
Does your house have the smell of an old bookstore? Humidity can lead to the growth of mildew or the development of a musty odor in stored documents. As the paper and adhesives in old books deteriorate over time, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also released. You might want to scan old documents before discarding them, depending on their worth and degree of damage. One way to get rid of musty books is to open them and fan the pages.
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