At NJW, your Columbus, Ohio contractors, we are always looking for articles or information that can help our homeowners remain happy and safe in their homes. We really liked this article from Allstate, found here, so we are posting it in hopes it can help you solve any of those “strange” smells you might encounter around your house!
How well can you sniff out a problem in your house? Masking a stink won’t eliminate it, and some smells are warnings of a more hazardous issue.
See what your nose knows, and test your odor IQ.
1) A smell like rotten eggs hovers around your kitchen. The most likely cause is:
a) A rotten egg in the fridge
b) A rubber seal in the sink
c) A fuel leak from your electric stove
d) Any of the above
ANSWER:
b) A rubber seal in the sink.
Bits of food from the garbage disposal or drain plug can stick to the underside of the rubber guard. Pull it out of the kitchen sink drain and sponge it clean with hot water and white vinegar, or run it through the dishwasher.
2) Your new carpet looks great, but gives off a sharp scent. The best way to remove the chemical tang is to:
a) Sprinkle on baking soda, then vacuum it up after a few hours
b) Spray with a commercial carpet deodorizer
c) Steam-clean with a HEPA filterable vacuum
d) Try each of those methods, in order
ANSWER:
c) Steam-clean with a HEPA filterable vacuum.
A deep cleaning with a “high-efficiency particulate absorption” (HEPA) vacuum is the best way to keep the carpet’s volatile organic compounds (VOCs) out of your air. Chemical deodorizers and air fresheners only mask the smells.
3) You’ve just finished dusting and vacuuming, but your entire home still smells musty. So you:
a) Hunt for dust bunnies under the bed
b) Duck into your ductwork
c) Replace the filter in your vacuum
ANSWER:
b) Duck into your ductwork.
Forced-air heating systems can accumulate dust. Have your ductwork professionally cleaned, and be sure to regularly replace your furnace’s filter.
4) It’s summertime, and your house has come down with “dirty sock syndrome.” The stinky source isn’t your son’s bedroom, it’s…
a) Your air conditioner
b) Your bathroom drains
c) Your laundry room
ANSWER:
a) Your air conditioner.
Proteins and mold can collect and multiply on the indoor coils of air conditioners (and heat pumps). Have your system professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
5) About that mildewy smell in the laundry room. What do you check first?
a) Your top-loading dryer
b) Your front-loading washing machine
c) Your dirty-towel basket
ANSWER:
b) Your front-loading washing machine.
Its door seal is airtight to keep water from spilling out—but that also means the dampness won’t evaporate once the door is closed after emptying the machine. If you can, leave the door open when you’re not washing a load. Or try washing every fourth or fifth load of clothes (such as bath towels) in hot water to discourage mildew growth.
BONUS ROUND
Your septic system is in fine working order, so why that sewer stench all through the house? You’ll find the answer:
a) In the basement
b) On the roof
c) In your shower
ANSWER:
b) On the roof.
Most plumbing systems vent through the roof, so they can release sewer gas into the air. A positive pressure in the vent, such as a high wind, can force the gas back into the house, especially if your vent isn’t tall enough. To avoid the draft forever, slip a five-foot section of corrugated high-density polyethylene pipe from the hardware store over the vent pipe.
Remember, as your trusted Columbus home remodeling company, we always have your safety in mind, we can help you with any home renovation, or remodeling, and in the meantime we will provide you with information to keep your family happy and safe!
We currently build in Westerville, Worthington, Whitehall, Upper Arlington, Powell, Pickerington, New Albany, Lancaster, Hilliard, Gahanna, Dublin, Bexley, Columbus and all of Central Ohio. Contact us today!
*Image taken from Allstate article