Entering your room and realizing that a weird smell is coming from somewhere is really frustrating, right? But the question is, what type of smell is it, and where is it coming from?
If you are also struggling with a similar issue in your house and want to get all your answers, you have come to the right place. In this post, we will discuss specifically the acetone smell in your house, how to identify it, and the measures to take to remove it.
How To Identify If It Is Acetone Smell?
In order to identify the smell of acetone, first, you need to be familiar with it. So, acetone is a colorless, highly inflammable (catches fire easily) liquid chemical that can be either natural or man-made. It has a very strong significant smell and taste, which is commonly associated with a strong nail polish remover.
What Can Be The Possible Sources Of The Acetone Odour In Your House?
Refrigerant Leak
Acetone smell is usually a sign of a refrigerant leak in a house because AC refrigerants contain chemicals like freon (R-22), which is highly inflammable and smells more or less like acetone. This problem can be commonly seen with old refrigerators and even newer ones if they are not installed properly.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, locate the source and fix the leak. Then, call your local HVAC company immediately for repair and maintenance.
Mold And Mildew
Persistent moisture or leaks on surfaces create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. A variety of molds exist in nature that impart different chemicals into the air when they grow. The odors emitted by these chemicals can vary widely, including the putrid smell of rotten eggs to the sharp scent of acetone.
To resolve the issue, locate the moisture source, clean and disinfect the area, and thoroughly dry it with fans or dehumidifiers. Regular monitoring is crucial to prevent reoccurrence.
Caulk Odour
Caulk is a silicon-based sealant used to fill gaps and joints on various surfaces, such as windows and doors, walls and floors, bathroom sinks or toilets, and kitchens. It has a distinctive acetone or vinegar-like smell that may persist even long after the application.
You can easily get rid of its smell by allowing good airflow, using fans, or spraying a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar on the surface.
Sewer Gas
Sewer gases consist of various volatile organic compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide and volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are formed due to bacterial activity, decomposition of organic matter or industrial activities. These gases can seep into your home through cracked and leaking sewer pipes that run through your walls.
To address the issue, conduct a thorough inspection of the sewer pipes for any cracks or leaks, and have them repaired promptly. Ensure proper ventilation and pour a solution of baking soda and water down the drain to neutralize the odors.
Electrical Wire
Although it is the least likely scenario, it's still possible that this could be the culprit behind the acetone-like smell in your home. Wires are made of PVCs (polyvinyl chlorides). When these wires spark, they release harmful chemicals, which may resemble acetone.
In such a condition, turn off the electrical supply, contact your local fire department for inspection, and get the damaged wires replaced.
Conclusion
Acetone is a colorless, highly inflammable liquid having a very strong significant smell and taste. If you can sense this smell in your house, then surely there is a big issue waiting over for you, and you need to take prompt action against it. It could be due to a refrigerant leak, growth of mold and mildew, caulk odor, smell of sewer gas or spark in an electrical wire of your house. Whatever may be the reason, you must consult a professional and get it treated as soon as possible.
I hope you found this article helpful. If you still have any questions, you can comment below or contact us. We will try to reach you as soon as possible.
