Musty odors and mold: Is your home's health at risk?
While we often associate food-related smells with the refrigerator – the primary storage for quickly-spoiling food items – it's crucial to note that this isn't always the case. The smell of fish or rotten eggs might suggest different issues, some of them life-threatening.
11:13 AM EST, December 18, 2023
Identifying unusual smells at home
If your home smells of fish, you should inspect your electrical appliances. According to a video on the Bright Side channel on YouTube, a fishy smell could indicate damaged cables, faulty fuses, or overheated electrical systems. The plastic coating on these items emits a fishy smell when it overheats.
On the other hand, the smell of rotten eggs usually requires the attention of a plumber. The odor of rotten eggs could be a sign of a broken water heater, drainage pipes, sewer pipes, or even a gas leak, which can be extremely dangerous for the home's inhabitants and their surroundings.
The telltale sign of a musty smell
If you enter your home and detect an unpleasant musty smell, it could indicate the presence of mold. Characterized by a distinct, earthy odor, mold can be difficult to eliminate and aside from indicating issues with humidity or drainage, it can pose health risks.
Eliminating mold depends on its location. If you spot mold in various areas of your bathroom, use gloves to clean it with a cleaning product or dish detergent. If the smell of mold is due to stagnant water or debris in the drain, you may need to call a plumber. However, you can mask the odor with essential oil. Simply pour a few drops onto a hung toilet paper roll and the smell should decrease substantially.
