Home Odors You Should Never Ignore

How to figure out where that stench is coming from and then make it go away

By Janet Siroto

Typically, household odors present little more than an unpleasant nuisance. But there are times when you should heed your nose’s warning. Read on for situations where it’s smart to track down and remedy the root cause of unusual smells in your home.

Smells Like: Dirty Socks

This odor could be due to bacteria that can thrive in central air conditioning system coils, says environmental engineer Ian Cull, chief science officer at Indoor Science, an indoor air-quality consulting service based in Aurora, Ill. If that’s the case, an HVAC contractor can come in and clean and seal the system to help prevent such fumes in the future.

Smells Like: Fruit

Mold usually smells musty and earthy but may sometimes give off more of a sweet, fruity (or tangy) odor. For any suspected mold, if you’re not sure of the source, check spots that aren’t always in your line of vision, like under the kitchen or bathroom sink. A leak that has allowed mold to grow may be hidden behind cleaning products stashed there.

Smells Like: Decaying Cabbage

If it’s not, in fact, old cabbage, you may have a dead mouse (or other small creature) in your home. Can’t find the critter? It may be decaying inside a wall or ceiling. You can wait out the couple of weeks it will take for it to decompose and stop stinking (an odor-eliminating spray may provide temporary relief) or call an exterminator.

Take Action Fast If You Sniff One of These

Rotten Eggs
This could be a natural gas leak, which could lead to an explosion. Don’t do anything involving electricity (even flipping on the lights), and leave—now. Close the door of your home and get at least 300 feet away. Then call 911 and your gas company’s emergency line.

Smoke
Unless you can quickly identify and deal with the source (like a pot of stew left cooking too long), get out and call the fire department. If the issue is on the simpler side—say, a burned saucepan that has smoked up your kitchen—turn off the stove, open the windows to let in fresh air, and place packets or bowls of activated charcoal around the room. Sprinkle baking soda on nearby floor coverings and let it sit overnight. Vacuum the next day to help remove any remaining odor.

Burning Plastic
This smell may signal some overheated wiring in an electrical appliance or your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. If you also see any smoke or sparks, leave the house and call 911. Otherwise, shut off the appropriate circuit breaker and contact an electrician ASAP.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the October 2024 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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