Home Improvement Tips – What is causing that funky smell in your home?

Stale Closets

Clothes that have been hanging too long without being cleaned or aired can emit odors that can cramp your style. Closet odors can often occur due to a buildup of dirt. To clean, sprinkle some baking soda on the floor and let it sit for a few minutes before vacuuming it up. You can also place scented bar soaps and dryer sheets.

Moldy smell in your air-conditioning/ heating vents

Your central system is used very often no matter in Summer or Winter,  but it can emit an unpleasant odor if not cleaned regularly. They include a burning metal or plastic smell, a scent of sulfur or rotten eggs, and finally the odor of moldy, stinky socks.  Each smell signifies potential danger to you and your central air system. It’s either mold and mildew, bacteria build-up, mechanical issues, or a natural gas leak, any of this is a sign of air filter replacement, or have the ductwork cleaned or get a new system installed. Depending on each home, air filters should be replaced every 3 months for those households with more than 2 people or pets. Also, annual duct cleaning for those who want it done right! Keeping family safe from airborne particles and bacteria is very important these days.

Musty bedroom and stinky mudroom

Want to learn the best way to eliminate musty odors from your mattress?  This easy home remedy will help you get rid of those old, stale smells and leave you with a fresh-smelling new mattress. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface, and let it sit for a few hours. Once complete, vacuum it well to ensure all debris. Have you thought of how to clean those shoes and sneakers that are causing that smell in your mudroom? Try using vinegar, water, and spray inside the shoes and then let dry. This will help hide any odor throughout the room. If the weather is nice, open your windows and doors and let both mattress and shoes air-dry for the best results.

Sewerlike sink drains

Knowing what to do when you have a sewer-like smell from your sink drains can be very helpful.  Use an old toothbrush to clean areas that are difficult to reach. Then pour baking soda into the drain and immediately pour vinegar into the drain can help dissolve some of the mildews. Lastly, for your garbage disposal, there are these garbage disposal lemon balls. First, you run hot water, then drop a ball into the drain and turn on the garbage disposal right away, you will then smell the lemon scents from the drain.  One of the signs of a deeper problem in the sewer system is when the same smell comes out from multiple drains in the home.  This could be a problem deep in your pipes and require a plumber to investigate.

Author: Susanna Leung

Susanna Leung’s goal as a real estate professional with Haylen Group is to help her first-time home buying clients find that perfect home where their families can grow, thrive, and live their dreams in the United States. She applies her experience in remodeling, resource networking, negotiations, and advanced marketing to provide her clients with dedicated, full coverage service.