Why Is There a Strange Curry Smell in My House?
Although curry is undoubtedly tasty, a persistent curry odor in the house, along with other atypical smells, can be quite bothersome.
The first thing you need to do is find its source.
Have you recently cooked one at home? If so, maybe you just need to open the windows to let the air circulate.
Read on to find out the causes that could be behind the strange curry smell at your home.
What’s the Reason Behind the Strange Curry Smell in My House?
A strange curry smell in houses can stem from a variety of reasons. Let us explore some of the primary causes that may result in this issue.
Remember, the first step is to find the source of the odor (see all of the steps below).
The second step is to remove the smell with a scent air machine or an air purifier.
1. Mildew and Mold
The presence of mold and mildew in your home may, strangely enough, emit a pleasant odor.
Whether it is in the basement, kitchen, or bathroom, mold and mildew build-up can cause a curry, pungent fragrance, or a curry sticky smell.
Mold and mildew result due to the presence of water, fluid, and moisture in certain areas of your home.
While the scent of mold and mildew may seem curry and pleasant, it can still be injurious to your health and hygiene.
2. Vinegar
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of walking into your house and being greeted by the smell of curry, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of.
The strong, pungent odor seems to linger in the air for days, no matter how many windows you open or candles you burn.
Surprisingly, the source of this offensive smell may be hiding in your pantry.
Vinegar is a common ingredient in curries, and when it’s heated, it can release a powerful odor that quickly fills a room.
So if you notice that curry smell every time you cook, chances are it’s coming from vinegar. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to combat this problem.
First, try cooking with less vinegar. If that doesn’t work, try boiling a pot of water with some citrus peels or rosemary sprigs to help neutralize the smell.
With a little trial and error, you should be able to get rid of that curry smell for good.
3. Hot Spice Mixture
The curry smell in your house can be coming from a hot spice mixture. When you cook curry, the spices release their essential oils into the air.
These oils are then carried by the heat of the stove and spread through your house.
If you have an open window or door, the smell can quickly escape and be noticed by your neighbors.
The best way to prevent the curry smell from spreading is to cook it in a closed pot or pan. This will help to trap the spices and prevent them from escaping into the air.
You can also try using a slow cooker or crockpot, which will cook the curry at a lower temperature and prevent the spices from becoming airborne.
If you find that your house still smells like curry after cooking it, you can try using a natural air freshener to disperse the scent.
4. Furnace Leakage
Another source of a curry scent circulating your home could be a leaking furnace.
In most cases, the heat exchanger in the furnace pumps hot air via the air ducts. If it spills, it will emit a curry-like smell.
However, unlike the other reasons, this curry smell is out of the ordinary, potentially signifying a threat that must be addressed right away.
If your heat exchanger starts to give off a curry smell, shut it down immediately and get it looked at by a professional.
5. Lack of Air Circulation
This is a rare occurrence, but a curry smell in your home can result from reduced air circulation.
This is typically the case when you come home after a vacation and encounter a faint curry smell diffused in your home.
When you go on vacation, your house does not receive enough ventilation and air circulation.
Consequently, you may notice a curry odor when you return home. In general, this odor does not linger around for long.
6. Additional Chemicals and Gasses
We use many electrical devices, all of which contain an array of chemicals and gases.
Curry smells may result due to such gas or chemical leaks. Cyanide gas, for example, might leave your home smelling like a delicious almond.
FAQs
How can you get rid of the curry smell from your home?
If you know the root cause of the issue, you can direct your eradication efforts accordingly to get rid of the smell.
What to do if the smell is due to molds?
If the curry odor is the result of mold and mildew build-up, you must clean them to eliminate the smell.
Clean any areas that are exposed to persistent wetness like the kitchen, bathroom, and basement, for example.
Cleaning carpets, rugs, mats, and other such items can also be beneficial.
How to fix refrigerator and air conditioner leaks?
To address a refrigerant or air conditioner leak, it is best to seek expert assistance.
How to deal with a furnace leak?
If you suspect a furnace leak, get professional assistance right away and evacuate your home because carbon monoxide leakages can be very dangerous.
Can I fix the ventilation problem?
You can remedy a ventilation problem by ensuring that the house has adequate ventilation.
Open the house’s doors and windows and switch on the fans to allow air circulation.
I am experiencing chemical odors. What to do?
If you notice other gasses or substances that have a curry fragrance in your home, you should seek professional help because you may not be aware of how hazardous the fumes or chemicals are.
Final Thoughts
There can be many causes behind the unusual curry smell in your home. We hope that the causes discussed above the help you in determining the source of this smell.
One cause that’s often overlooked is when you have cooked or brought take out curry at home, which can also leave some trace smells.
With that said, make sure to wash the dishes well. After cooking, wipe your kitchen counter clean with vinegar and water.
It’s also a good practice to let the air out by opening the windows.
The causes and solutions mentioned above will cover most of the curry smell situations at home.
However, if the strange smell doesn’t get better, then don’t hesistate to call for professional help. That way, you can rule out any serious problems that this smell could be an indication of.
