Musty and moldy odors are a sign there is something not right. These two smells are similar in nature and both caused by the presence of mold and mildew. They grow in the presence of moisture and are both classified as fungi. The primary difference between the two is the strength of the smell. Moldy odors tend to be stronger. When you notice these smells in your home take action now to prevent extensive damage to your home. The longer these odors linger the more they are able to penetrate non moldy materials and prolong the unpleasant odor.
Decomposition odors can begin smelling within hours when in hot and humid climates. Upon death the body starts the decomposition process which is the breaking down of cells. There are 4 stages of decomposition: autolysis, bloat, active decay and skeletonization. The process of decomposition starts with enzymes eating cells from the inside out. Trapped gases are generated by bacteria in the intestinal tract which build up and release odors.
Common decomposition odors:
- Indole (musty odor)
- Cadaverine & Putrescine (rotting flesh odor)
- Hydrogen Sulfide (rotten egg odor)
- Skatole (feces odor)
- Dimethyl Disulfide (garlic like odor)
- Methanethiol (rotten cabbage odor)
Cigarette odors can linger long after a smoker has moved out of a home. The lingering odor is due to the pollutants and toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke. The oily pollutants coat surfaces of a home and seep into every crevice.
Other common odors we can treat:
Where is that odor coming from?
The key to finding the source of odors is to follow the odor to the source. The odor may take to places you would normally not think to look such as the attic, wall or crawlspace. The attic may harbor a decomposing animal or mold from improper ventilation. Crawlspaces can provide shelter for stray animals, rodent infestations, broken sewage pipes and standing water.
Other more common areas of the house include the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. All of these areas have one thing in common, water. Appliances can also harbor a bad smell when they are not dried out properly. Routine maintenance should be done to all appliances to prevent odors.
Most of these odors are impossible to get out with household cleaners. So call the professionals at Complete Restoration Services to take care of the stink.
Sources:
Providing Residential & Commercial Disaster Relief in Boise, Garden City, Hidden Springs, Eagle, Meridian, Star, Middleton, Emmett, Nampa, Caldwell, & Horseshoe Bend, Idaho.