Buzz
Photo: Mukhina1/Getty Images1. Leftover Food
If a foul odor is coming from your kitchen, it might be the result of old, decaying food—particularly items that were forgotten at the back of your pantry or fridge, left to rot out of sight. 'In my profession, encountering odd smells is just part of the job, and I've created a list of the many times I've thought, 'Ah, that's the source of that horrendous smell,'' shares Cian Ballentine, a professional cleaner and founder of Cannonball Cleaners. 'One classic case is the forgotten sack of potatoes or onions hidden in the back of the pantry.'
Your solution: Perform a thorough deep cleaning of both your fridge and pantry to locate the source of the smell, and ensure any mess is cleaned up.
2. Hidden Mold or Mildew
In general, moisture is a major contributor to unpleasant smells, as it fosters the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other foul-smelling (and unhealthy) microbes. 'Be extra cautious around areas with water or moisture,' advises Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly. 'Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are often the prime suspects.'
Your solution: If the mold or mildew is within reach—such as on a wall hidden behind furniture—you can use appropriate cleaning methods to eliminate it. However, if there's a large amount of mold or it's concealed behind walls, you'll most likely need professional assistance to resolve the issue.
3. Washing Machine
Your washing machine may not seem like it should have an odor—after all, it’s designed to clean things. But the combination of water, soap, and laundry residue can form a perfect environment for bacteria, resulting in an unpleasant smell. 'If not properly aired out or cleaned regularly, the washing machine can quickly develop a bad odor,' says Hord.
Your solution: Give your washing machine a thorough deep cleaning. Especially for front-loading machines, be sure to leave the door open between washes to let it air out—this helps keep bacteria from thriving.
4. Dishwasher—Especially the Filter
Water mixed with food scraps can provide a feast for bacteria. Since crumbs and larger food particles get caught in the dishwasher filter, they can become the source of a very unpleasant smell.
Your solution: If you can't recall the last time you cleaned your dishwasher filter, this is your cue to take care of it now. You should also give the entire dishwasher a proper scrub to keep it free of odors and grime.
5. Untreated Stains or Spills
If you have pets, children, or others who may not clean up messes properly (or at all), an odor can persist. Urine is often the worst culprit, but even spills like coffee or tea can develop a musty smell if left unattended. (These odors may not be easily visible on dark fabrics or patterned rugs.)
Your solution: Sniff your upholstery and rugs to locate the source of the smell, so you can treat it directly—or go ahead and give your sofa and rug a thorough cleaning.
6. Coffee Machine
If your coffee maker isn't cleaned properly, the leftover coffee grounds can create a thick, sludgy residue, resulting in a rather unpleasant smell, says Hord.
Your solution: Make sure to clean your coffee maker regularly to keep both it and your morning brew fresh.
7. Dead Animals
Pests like mice or even larger creatures such as raccoons may end up dying in the walls, garage, or attic of your home, and the smell is hard to ignore.
Your solution: Finding the exact spot where the animal perished in the wall can be tricky. Unless you can see the carcass, it might not be worth the cost and effort to open the wall. Most pest control specialists suggest leaving it alone and masking the smell with a deodorizer for up to two weeks while the animal decomposes.
If you can access the location of the deceased animal, it’s important to wear gloves and a mask to reduce your exposure to any bacteria or parasites it might carry. Use a disinfectant, such as a bleach solution, to sanitize the area.
Alternatively, you may consider hiring a professional animal removal service to handle both the removal and the cleaning of the affected area for you.
8. Bags and Backpacks
If you notice a foul smell as soon as you enter your home, it might be worth checking your bags and backpacks near the door. Items such as sports gear, sweaty gym clothes, shoes, or even old food or drinks could be the source, as explained by Ballentine.
Solution: Act quickly to remove the source of the odor, and thoroughly clean both the items—like workout clothes and food containers—and the bag itself.
9. Leaky Pipes
Both your water pipes and gas pipes have the potential to emit unpleasant odors—water pipes do so gradually as mold begins to grow on standing water, while gas pipes release a sulfur-like egg smell that quickly fills your home.
Solution: If you detect the sulfur smell in the air, it's urgent. Evacuate your home immediately and contact your gas company or the fire department to ensure there’s no hazardous natural gas leak.
If the musty, damp smell appears to be coming from your walls, you’ll need to hire a plumber to repair the water leak and professionals to deal with the mold.
10. Dry P-Trap
If you’ve ever checked under your sink, you’ve likely noticed the U-shaped bend in the pipes. This section holds a bit of water to create a seal that prevents sewer gases from coming into your home through the plumbing. (It can also be a handy place to recover a lost ring or other small item, as long as you didn’t force water through too quickly!)
However, if a sink or shower hasn’t been used for a while, the water in the trap can evaporate, allowing some of those unpleasant sewer gases to leak into your home.
Solution: This one’s simple—make sure all the sinks and showers in your house are used weekly, ensuring a fresh supply of water to block those sewer smells. If you’re going to be away for a while, you can pour a couple of tablespoons of mineral oil down the drain to help slow the evaporation.
11. Electrical Problems
If you notice a fishy odor in your home—and you haven't recently cooked salmon—it could indicate a serious electrical issue. (A burning smell from melting wiring can give off that odor!)
Solution: Try to locate the source of the smell by identifying a specific outlet or appliance, and cease using it until a professional electrician can inspect and address the issue.
