Common Causes for Hard-To-Remove Odors

No one likes going home to a smelly house. Not only is it off-putting, it can be harmful to your health to breathe toxic odors. In most cases, odors can be remedied by simply removing the source and cleaning the area. But in cases where you can’t locate the source of the smell, or the odor doesn’t dissipate, professional odor removal services may be required.

Below, we’ve listed the most common causes for hard-to-remove odors in your Jacksonville home. Though the causes for these odors are quite common, they often can’t be removed by common methods, and require professional help.

WATER DAMAGE

Water and flood damage can be devastating to a home. Whether it’s from a leaky roof, a broken pipe or even floods from a hurricane, water damage can quickly fill your home with unpleasant odors.

Excess water can cause wood to rot, which can affect the integrity of your home’s foundation, and create foul odors as well. Water damage can also lead to mold and mildew. These fungi create musty and sour odors that can linger for weeks, even months, if not properly treated.

SEWAGE DAMAGE

Sewage damage is often something you can’t see, but something your nose will notice right away. One of the most common reasons for sewage damage are old pipes. If you live in an old home, chances are the sewage pipes are not up to code. Unlike modern-day plastic pipes, old pipes were made of cast iron and clay, which will rust and break down over time.

Clogs can also cause sewage damage. If your toilet backs up with sewage after you flush, it means your main sewer line is clogged. This will cause bacteria-filled sewage to run through drains and toilets at the lowest part of your property, which will cause very strong odors and can be harmful to your health.

PETS AND RODENTS

You probably love pets as much as we do. Unfortunately, the hair on our furry friends can be odor magnets. And their waste can cause lingering smells that you may not even notice until you’ve left the house for a while. Once pet odors become embedded deep down where normal cleaning cannot reach, your best bet is to use professional odor removal services.

Rodents can also cause putrid smells in your home. When an animal such as a rat, squirrel, opossum or raccoon dies in an inaccessible area of your home, the smell can be overwhelming and very hard to pinpoint. A professional will be able to locate the source of the smell and safely remove the animal, while eliminating any lingering odors.

MOLD AND MILDEW

Mold and mildew are fungi that attach to surfaces in your home, especially anywhere that’s warm, dark and damp. Along with causing a dank smell in your home, airborne spores caused by mold can be harmful to breathe and are very troublesome for allergy and asthma sufferers. Mild cases of mold and mildew can often be removed with common household cleaners, but more serious cases may require professional mold and mildew removal services.

SMOKE DAMAGE

Smoke from a house fire or indoor cigarette use can cause a seemingly-permanent odor in your home. The smoke gets absorbed in various household materials, including the walls, carpeting, furniture, drywall, wood, drapes and clothing. This makes it extremely difficult to remove smoke odor from your home. In most cases, it’s best to have a professional provide deodorization services to eliminate smoke odor.

If you’re experiencing hard-to-remove odors, let the experts at Elements Disaster Recovery handle it. Our certified odor technicians will use safe, effective methods to remove the odors, and will have your home smelling like new again!