Bad odours at home - Possible causes

Do you find that your home smells bad even though you clean and scrub every day? Having bad odours in your home is really unpleasant - and often it's not even your cleaning efforts that are to blame.

Instead, it could be the home itself that smells bad. From mould spores and dampness to cat fur and stale tobacco, there can be traces of everything in the walls and textiles. Some odours won't go away no matter how much you clean, so instead you may need to use smart tools to get rid of them.

Identifying the origin of odours and determining where they come from can be difficult, but with the right tools it can be much easier to remove them.

Common causes of bad odours at home

According to Homeowners have approximately 40% of homes in the country have problems with bad odours at home. It is not only older houses that smell, but also newer homes can be affected. However, older houses are over-represented in the statistics when it comes to unpleasant odours, so it is a fact that poorly built houses are often a problem.

A well-known problem is that the frame of older houses was frequently treated with wood preservatives containing chlorophenol. Over time, these can be converted into chloranisoles - substances that emit a strong and unpleasant odour that is often mistaken for mould. The odour can be very disturbing to residents, although it does not always indicate active mould growth.

But if you have a smelly house that is newer or hasn't been treated with chlorophenol, what could be the problem?

Common causes of bad odours at home:

• Concrete slab If your house stands directly on a concrete slab that is poorly poured, problems can arise when moisture from the ground enters the house's foundation through the slab. Mould and bacteria take hold and a chemical process produces the gas chloranisole, which enters the house and has a very foul smell.
• Moisture in house foundation Poor drainage or lack of damp proofing can create dampness in the foundation of a building, which can lead to moisture damage and a poor indoor environment. To overcome this damp in the crawl space you may need install a dehumidifier. Remember to inspect the crawl space (and cold attic) annually!
• high humidity High humidity creates the perfect environment for mould and bacteria to thrive. It leads to a musty smell in houses that stings your nose and, in the worst cases, mould growth. Normal indoor humidity is around 40-60%, and higher than that can create a worse climate for both you and your house. Often found in basements and storage rooms.
• Moulds Mould spreads a musty, earthy smell in your house. It often grows in hidden places that can be difficult to detect, such as walls, ceilings and attics.
• Inadequate ventilation Poor ventilation causes a stale odour in houses because the smell stagnates and moisture builds up. Increased humidity levels create the conditions for mould growth. Poor air circulation also prevents old, contaminated odours from disappearing.
• Damp cellar Basements are often damp, especially if they lack good ventilation and drainage. Moisture can cause mould and fungal growth, and the odours created in the basement can quickly spread further up the house.
• Pets Our beloved pets can contribute to unwanted odours in many ways. Fur, saliva and urine can easily settle in carpets, furniture and textiles and create foul odours.
• Wall colours Older and cheap wall paints can release strong chemical odours if they contain solvents. Odours from older paints in particular can be difficult to ventilate away.
• Smoking Cigarette smoke penetrates walls, furniture, curtains and other surfaces, causing the odour to settle deeply and become difficult to get rid of. You may therefore have problems with bad odours in your home if a previous occupant smoked indoors.
• Drainage - Drains that are not maintained and become blocked can create serious odour problems. Odours from sewage or old pipes can seep up into the house, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, creating a smelly home.

There are many reasons why your home smells bad. As some odours can be more serious than others, it is important to find the source of them. For example, foul odours caused by mould or moisture damage are a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

But, what does excessive humidity that has developed into mould smell like?

What does mould smell like in houses?

Moisture damage can lead to mould growth in your home and this is something you always want to avoid. If you have damp and mould in your house, you will experience a pungent and pungent smell that irritates your nostrils. This is because gaseous hydrocarbons from mould make their way into your living environment and settle in all materials.

Down in crawl spaces, you often smell an earthy odour similar to that of a basement. This is because mould bacteria down here form a gas called geosmin. According to the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, three out of ten houses are affected by moisture damage in the indoor environment, which can lead to a variety of symptoms.

Solutions for stale odours in houses

If you have bad odours at home, there is a solution to the problem! The most suitable solution will vary depending on the cause of the odour.

Many people choose to try classic housewife tips using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar as these products are known to absorb and eliminate unpleasant odours. Others opt for a more modern approach setting out scented sticks or spraying scented sprays.

If that doesn't work, at Acetec we have tried and tested machines that take care of the odour problem in a powerful way.

⚠️ But remember - if you have, for example, mould or other major structural damage in your property, you should first address the underlying problem. For example, by sanitising or replacing, before you can start working on prevention.

Dehumidifier

With a desiccant dehumidifier you can effectively lower the humidity in basements and crawl spaces to prevention mould and moisture-related odours. The dehumidifier simply sucks moisture out of the air and can save you tens of thousands of dollars by preventing excessive relative humidity from making a mess.

Air Purifiers

With a air purifier you get better indoor air. Air purifiers remove dust, allergens and other airborne particles that can cause poor air quality and odours. It is important to think long-term with sustainable solutions.

FTX unit

Improving ventilation can give you a much fresher indoor climate with fewer unwanted odours. FTX ventilation unit also recovers heat from the exhaust air, which can help you save energy and reduce heating costs.

Acetec - Improving Indoor Comfort

You are not alone in having a bad odour at home. In fact, it's a big problem for many of us. By using a solution from Acetec AB, you help your house to feel good. Some homes simply need a little help when it comes to creating good air circulation and normal humidity levels.

However, bad odours do not have to be due to serious problems. Bad odours at home can come from a clogged drain or the dog may have accidentally peed indoors when no one was looking. By finding the source of the problem and then applying an appropriate solution, your home can soon start smelling good again!

💡 Need help choosing a product? Then we can recommend our digital tools to choosing an FTX unit or dehumidifier. You are also welcome to contact us - our technical sales team will be happy to help you find the right solution.