Unpleasant smells aren’t welcome in any room of the home, but can be particularly unwanted in the kitchen. On top of putting you off your food, such odors could be hazardous. It’s not always easy to detect where a pungent smell is coming from, but here are a few common culprits that could be worth looking into.
Refrigerator spillages
Spilt milk or sauces within your refrigerator could be causing a nasty smell. Open your fridge and see if the odor becomes stronger. Take out all the food and inspect the shelves and inner walls for signs of spillage. A solution of warm water and baking soda is great for shifting stains and getting rid of bacteria. It could also be worth checking the outside of the door or even under the fridge, as liquids can sometimes end up here.
Drainpipe problems
Could the smell be coming from your kitchen sink drain? Build-ups of food, grease, soap scum and hair can cause bacteria to thrive in your drain, which may be causing the pong. There are solutions you can pour down your sink to dislodge any matter in there or you can try removing and cleaning the P-trap. If you don’t fancy doing any DIY plumbing, consider looking into professional drain cleaning services (it’s possible the problem may be deeper in the pipe, in which case you’ll need a pro).
Modly appliance door seals
Seals on fridge and dishwasher doors can sometimes end up harboring mold growth. This can create a musty smell, while also potentially contaminating food and reducing the cleanliness of your dishes. To clean these seals, consider using a toothbrush to get into the crevices. Soak the toothbrush in warm water and dish soap to help loosen up any grime. Afterwards, make sure to dry thoroughly to avoid mold regrowing. It’s worth noting that mold can also grow in other parts of appliances – thorough cleaning every so often is highly recommended.
Dirty garbage can
While a full garbage can is an obvious stench source, an empty smelly garbage can could be a sign that you need to clean the bin itself. Bin bags can often leak or food scraps can slip down the side of the bag. By thoroughly scrubbing the inside of your garbage can in the bathtub with hot soapy water, you can get rid of any grime and odors. A baking soda/warm water solution could be particularly effective at neutralizing any smells. A mistake that many people make is not drying the garbage can after – this will prevent mold growth afterwards.
Burning plastic
A sharp, acrid chemical smell should be a major concern – it’s the smell of burning plastic, which could be the result of faulty wiring or an overheated appliance. Sniff around the kitchen to work out which appliance or outlet it could be coming from. If it’s an outlet such as a wall socket or a light, you’ll need to call out an electrician. If it’s an appliance, you’ll need to hire an appliance technician. In the meantime, turn off the appliance or turn off the electricity at the mains to prevent a fire occurring.
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