A lot of unpleasant smells can arise in the household. Worst yet, they can be very discomforting. This becomes even more concerning and frustrating when the smell lasts longer than a week. If you’ve done everything you can to eliminate bad odor, but to no avail, fret not. The good news is that most of them can be easily removed—usually without much effort and expensive cleaning agents. On that note, here are four tips to get rid of a bad smell in your home.
Identify the cause.
Some odors are easily identifiable. You can tell the source just by the smell, intensity, or proximity. This usually includes smells from the kitchen sink, toilet, or sewage tank. Those from electrical sources may be a bit trickier to figure out. When an appliance is functioning well, it’s normal to assume there’s nothing wrong.
Places like the furnace can generate this peculiar odor akin to formaldehyde. In such a situation, a broken heat exchanger is the most likely culprit. This can indicate a serious problem that might cause further damage. When you identify the cause, switch off the device and call the requisite HVAC technician to tackle the issue.
Ventilate your home properly.
Another reliable way to get rid of bad odor is through proper ventilation. Adequate ventilation provides good airflow. This helps rid the home of common odors that originate from simple things like moisture buildup due to high humidity.
No doubt, keeping your windows open is a tried and trusted ventilation method. In addition to this, you can also install a quality air conditioning unit on the wall in your hallway. And if you don’t mind floral scents, an air freshener or scented candle will also come in handy. This will give your home the air quality and ambiance of living the West Coast dream.
Carry out regular maintenance on your home appliances.
An unpleasant odor in the home can also be caused by damage from an electrical item. The best way to understand if an electrical is broken is if there is a metallic smell—which indicates an electrical problem. You can rectify all this with the help of a qualified technician like an HVAC expert, a plumber, or an electrician. They can check your appliances periodically and make sure the vent, air ducts, belts, and filters are regularly changed (in home systems that have such parts).
Clean your home frequently.
As mentioned earlier, there are many causes of bad odors. One common (and obvious) reason is poor hygiene. Not cleaning your house frequently or leaving the bins indoors for too long are common examples of poor hygiene. The less obvious examples include odors caused by lack of maintenance.
For example, a blocked chimney triggers bacterial growth, like mold. More so, the warmth and dampness in the corners of the home can cause the proliferation of mildew and mold as well. It’s, therefore, important to maintain the condition of your home. Wash your curtains at least once a month, vacuum your carpet and rugs weekly and make sure you don’t leave dishes unwashed overnight.
Properly handle your laundry.
Laundry gives out a putrid musty smell when left out for a few days. This is because the microbes already existing in your clothes can thrive and multiply when kept in a dark humid space. Most homeowners tend to keep their laundry in their bedrooms or a space close by.
If you do this, it’s advisable to regularly wash your clothes. This will naturally limit the time for microbial growth that can result in nasty smells. Generally, it’s best to keep your dirty clothes in a small corner in your bathroom as a reminder to wash them regularly. Also, try and place them in an area where the bad smell won’t rapidly affect the entire home.
