What is it that smells bad in my home?

Bad odors in the home can have several different causes. Common and easily identifiable sources of musty or foul-smelling air include cooking odors, smoke, old garbage, or water traps and floor drains that have not been cleaned for a long time. These causes are often easy to address through cleaning and airing out the room.

 

Other common sources of bad odors include old textiles, damp piles of newspapers, or dirty carpets that collect dust and bacteria. These can also usually be resolved through thorough cleaning.

 

But sometimes bad odors can stem from more hidden problems, such as moisture damage, mold, or rotting materials in walls or floors. These causes can be difficult to detect, but typical signs include a pervasive, musty odor that does not disappear despite cleaning. In that case, it may be wise to check for leaks, hidden moisture damage, or organic material that has begun to decompose.

 

If you cannot find the source of the odor immediately, start by cleaning visible surfaces, throwing away old materials, and airing out the room. If that does not help, it may be time to contact a professional to inspect the home for moisture problems or ventilation deficiencies.

 

 

Here is a list of chemicals that cause unpleasant odors; we would like to clarify that the word “chemical” in everyday speech means one thing, whereas strictly speaking, linguistically, it also includes water:

 

• Cyclic compounds (methylpyrrole, pyridine)

Methylpyrrole is a cyclic amine with a strong, unpleasant odor. Pyridine is an aromatic compound with a sharp, irritating odor.

Example: May be found in certain cleaning products and varnishes.

• Aldehydes (octanal, nonanal)

These are organic compounds with a characteristic odor, often associated with overripe fruit.

Example: Found in perfumes and air fresheners.

• Acid-based compounds (isovaleric acid, hexenoic acid derivatives, acetic acid, thioglycolic acid)

Isovaleric acid has a strong smell of old cheese. Acetic acid produces a sour odor.

Example: Acetic acid can be found in vinegar, which is used in cooking.

• 2-Pentylfuran

A chemical with a sweet smell that can produce unpleasant odors when it breaks down.

Example: May occur in certain foods or as a contaminant.

• Thiazoles

These are heterocyclic compounds with a sharp odor, often associated with rotten substances.

Example: May be found in certain foods or products containing sulfur. 

• Thiols (methanethiol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanethiol)

Methanethiol has a very strong, unpleasant rotten-egg odor.

Example: Found in certain sewage systems and gases.

• Amines (butylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine)

These compounds have a strong, ammonia-like odor and can cause nausea.

Example: Found in certain cleaning products and foods.

• Sulfur-containing compounds (dipropyl sulfide)

Has an unpleasant rotten-egg odor and can cause irritation.

Example: May occur in certain sulfur-containing foods.

• Skatole

A chemical with a strong, fecal-like odor.

Example: May occur in sewage systems or waste.

• Morpholines

Has a smell that can be described as sweet and ammonia-like.

Example: Found in certain cleaning products.

• Fatty acids

Can give off a rotten smell when they break down.

Example: Found in food that has become old or spoiled.

• Fats

Rotten or oxidized fats produce an unpleasant odor.

Example: Can be found in old food and oils.

• Proteins

The breakdown of proteins can produce unpleasant odors.

Example: Found in rotten meat products.

• Blood

They have a metallic odor that is particularly noticeable in rotten food.

Example: May be found in waste or contaminated surfaces.

• Bacterial and fungal volatile organic compounds

These compounds can cause various unpleasant odors depending on the specific type of bacteria or fungus.

Example: Mold in damp areas such as bathrooms or basements.

 

This list presents a range of different chemicals and substances that can cause bad odors in the home, as well as their origins and effects on the indoor environment. It is not necessary to be able to identify or know all the chemical substances, but the list can be helpful if you have problems with bad odors in the home and are trying to find the cause. 

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Questions and answers

 

1. What can I do to avoid bad odors at home?
Answer: Clean, wash, and clear out rubbish. Preferably clean without fragrance to make sure you are not simply masking the bad odor.

 

2. Is dust or moisture the biggest problem when it smells bad?
Answer: Moisture tends to create bad odors.

 

3. Why does bad odor linger at home?
Semi-volatile odor molecules are adsorbed onto porous surfaces such as upholstered furniture. That is why it is important to find the source of the bad odor.

 

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