Why Is There a Strange Egg Smell in My House?
The familiar scent of eggs usually signals the start of the day to many, as it is a staple on our breakfast tables.
Because we are so familiar with it, unconsciously, we can easily tell when the smell just doesn’t seem right.
Trust your gut feeling in this because you’re right, a strange egg smell in your house, especially when it’s like something rotten, indicates that something needs immediate attention.
What’s the Reason Behind the Strange Egg Smell in My House?
A strange egg smell in houses can stem from a variety of reasons. Let us explore some of the primary causes that may result in this issue.
By knowing the cause, you can easily get to the next step of addressing this issue from the roots.
And while you’re at it, it’s a good idea to purify the air or use a scent device to completely get rid of this unwanted smell.
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 an egg, pungent fragrance, or an egg stinky 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 egg and pleasant, it can still be injurious to your health and hygiene.
2. Septic Gas
If you’ve ever noticed a strange egg smell in your house, it could be due to septic gas.
Septic gas is a result of sewage decomposing in an anaerobic environment, and it can build up in houses with septic tanks or other plumbing problems.
The gas is made up of methane and carbon dioxide, and it can be explosive if it builds up in a confined space.
In addition to the egg smell, septic gas can also cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems.
If you think you may have septic gas in your house, it’s important to ventilate the area and call a plumber to fix the problem.
3. Natural Gas Leak
A rotten egg smell in your house can be a sign of a gas leak.
Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinct odor so that leaks can be detected.
If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call your utility company.
Do not attempt to find the source of the leak yourself, as this could be dangerous. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the house and call your utility company right away.
Natural gas is flammable, and even a small spark could cause an explosion.
Do not turn on any lights or appliances, as this could also create a spark that ignites the gas.
If you have a conditioned space like a basement or crawl space, close the doors to those rooms to prevent the gas from seeping in.
Once you are safely away from the house, call your utility company and let them know there may be a gas leak.
They will send someone out to investigate and make sure your home is safe.
4. Furnace Leakage
Another source of an egg 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 pleasant, formaldehyde-like smell.
However, unlike the other reasons, this egg smell is out of the ordinary, potentially signifying a threat that must be addressed right away.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that may leak from heat exchangers.
While carbon monoxide does not have a distinct smell, it can occasionally give off a pleasant and egg odor.
If your heat exchanger starts to give off an egg smell, shut it down immediately and get it looked at by a professional.
5. Insect Infestation
It may sound strange, but an insect infestation can also result in an egg smell in your home. An egg odor can indicate a bug infestation, such as ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, etc.
If you come home after a vacation and detect an egg smell, be sure to consider a possible insect infestation.
6. Lack of Air Circulation
This is a rare occurrence, but an egg 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 egg smell diffused in your home.
When you go on vacation, your house does not receive enough ventilation and air circulation.
Consequently, you may notice an egg odor when you return home. In general, this odor does not linger around for long.
7. Additional Chemicals and gasses
We use many electrical devices, all of which contain an array of chemicals and gases.
egg 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 egg 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 egg 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.
How to get rid of pest infestation?
In most cases, bed insect infestations can be resolved by washing the bedsheets in warm water.
Furthermore, you can use vinegar or commercial remedies to repel mosquitoes or bugs.
If you suspect a massive infestation, however, seek professional assistance.
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 an egg 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
While our breakfast eggs do smell pleasant, an unusual egg-like smell in our house is not. This strange odor can signal a serious house problem, so it’s something you should never ignore.
Most of the time, the reason behind this annoying smell falls under the seven causes we have mentioned above. Make sure to take caution as you check and confirm this.
After identifying the issue, don’t waste time and do the appropriate actions to avoid any more complications.
If it’s mold and mildew, then get ready for some scrubbing action. However, if it’s something more serious like gas leak, then it’s time to call for professional help.
That way, you can rest assured without worrying about strange egg smells in your home anymore.
