We all know the usual suspects when it comes to bad smells in the house—old food in the fridge, overflowing bins, or maybe even a wet dog lounging on the sofa. Even a small bathroom is known for trapping in some of that odour too, right? But what about those odours that don’t seem to have an obvious source? Sometimes, smells can stick around, and the cause is far more sneaky, lurking in places you wouldn’t think to check.
Plus, sometimes, you can keep cleaning, but an odour still lingers, no matter what you do. So, if you’ve got an odd scent that just won’t disappear, it could be coming from one of these hidden culprits.
Hidden Mould in the Walls
Mould can be tricky—just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. It loves damp, dark spaces and can grow behind walls, under floors, or in poorly ventilated corners. And while it might be out of sight, it’s not out of smell. That musty odour you’ve been noticing, especially in places like bathrooms or basements? It could be hidden mould. But yes, even a small leak or condensation issue is enough to let it thrive, and once it starts, it can be hard to detect unless you really start digging.
Soft Furnishings and Carpets
You’d be surprised how much odour soft furnishings like rugs, carpets, and sofas can hold onto. It’s not just about spills and stains either—everyday life can lead to a build-up of dust, pet dander, and oils from skin, all of which can make fabrics smell over time. It usually takes years of build-up, but that odour will eventually happen.
And if these materials trap moisture, they’ll start developing even more stubborn odours. So, ideally, it’s best to start giving them a deep clean now and again, which is the best way to keep things smelling fresh and prevent that “something’s off” scent.
Poor Air Circulation
Sometimes, it’s not so much about what’s causing the smell but how long it sticks around. If there’s poor air circulation in your home, smells can linger much longer than they should. In the colder months, when your window isn’t open, you notice a stench, right? But when the window is open and the space airs out, it smells better, right?
Well, air circulation is really a part of all of this. So, that stale air feeling can make even mild odours seem worse. Investing in an air cleaner and purifier can help get rid of dust, allergens, and lingering smells, leaving the air in your home feeling fresher and cleaner.
Unwashed Curtains and Blinds
So above the carpet and furnishings were mentioned, but you really shouldn’t forget about window treatments either! So, curtains and blinds often get overlooked during the cleaning routine, but they’re big odour magnets. Like carpets and sofas, they absorb smells from cooking, pets, or even just the dust that builds up over time.
Again, it takes years, but it’s bound to happen. Because curtains aren’t washed as often, those smells can linger for ages without you even realising it. Giving them a good wash or cleaning them every now and then can make a big difference in how a room smells. It is easy to clean curtains, and depending on the blinds, there might be a special way to remove the odour.
