As busy parents, we often depend on several household appliances to see us through a smooth day. However, what if some sort of smell started emanating from your refrigerator, oven, or washer? Unwelcome odors given off by appliances aren’t simply annoying; they could well hint at more serious problems. Knowing what these smells mean could help you resolve minor problems before they turn into costly repairs. In the following article, we’ll break down the science behind appliance odors and what those smells may be saying about your home’s most valuable tools and when you need to call immediately to appliance repair services.

No one ever wants to ignore a burning smell in appliances. This might be evidence of many problems that relate to electrical issues, malfunctioning motors, and many others.

  • Fridge: Odors of burning from your fridge might be due to an overheated motor or compressor. Over a period of time, dust and debris clog the fan and vents, which results in overworking of the motor and an emitted burning smell. This problem could be avoided by maintaining your fridge regularly.
  • Washing Machine/Dryer: If your washer or dryer smells like something inside is burning, it may be overheating. There could be a blockage in the vent or lint trap and it is a fire hazard unless you get it taken care of right away.

Gas Smells: Possible Leaks

One of the more hazardous odors you may encounter is a gas smell. If you have any appliances that run off of natural gas, like a stove or hot water heater, a gas smell might indicate there is a leak present.

  • Stove/Oven: It is common to have a slight waft of gas smell when turning on an oven; however, if it persists or there is a strong smell, a gas leak is considered near. Turn the device off right away, open windows, and call in help who can have it looked at and fixed by a professional.
  • Water Heater: Gas leaks in water heaters are especially hazardous because carbon monoxide poisoning can result. If you smell gas near your water heater, contact a technician right away.

Mildew and Musty Smells: Mold and Bacteria Growth

Most mildew or musty smells are an indication of moisture accumulating inside an appliance. When this occurs, molds or bacteria can begin to grow; both are potentially harmful to your health.

  • Washers: The front-loading washing machines tend to take on mildew odors. This is usually because of water standing in the seal of the door or the detergent drawer. Often cleaning off this seal and running a cleaning cycle with vinegar or baking soda will clear these odors.
  • Dishwasher: When your dishwasher emits that musty smell, check if food debris has been caught in the filter or if water has accumulated. Also, regular cleaning of the filter with hot water and a dishwasher cleaner will go a long way in keeping odors at bay.

Rotten or Sour Odors: Decomposition of Food

No one likes to reach into their refrigerator and be blasted by the odor of spoiled food. While that is a surefire sign something has spoiled inside, occasionally the issue runs a bit deeper than an old container of leftovers.

  • Fridge: A smell emanating from your refrigerator can be due to the blockage in its drain tube, that hampers the proper draining of condensed water. Cleaning the tube will help prevent odors and avoid further damage.

Chemical Smells: Freon/Refrigerant Leaks

In the unlikely event that a person detects their refrigerator to emanate some chemical or acetone smell, they might experience a leak of refrigerant. This decreases the cooling capability of one’s refrigerator, whereby the food can get spoiled quickly. A professional appliance repair service shall handle this matter because handling refrigerants improperly can be dangerous.

When to Call Professionals

While some odors may require a little more elbow grease than anything to handle, others are symptomatic of serious issues that really require the expertise of an expert. If you have fought the good fight against foul odors despite all your cleaning and maintenance, it is time to call appliance repair. A professional will quickly locate any problem and get the right fix for you so that your appliance will also be safe to use.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore What Your Nose Knows

Your appliances are major parts of your daily life, and those weird smells that show up seemingly out of nowhere are so much more than an irritation; they’re a sign that maybe something’s wrong. By knowing what those different odors mean, you’re well in time to spot early problems, therefore saving yourself the headaches and costly repairs or replacement later in life. Be proactive, listen to your nose, and call a professional if you have any doubt, for assurance that your home will continue to run smoothly.

For more home tips and expert advice, please visit A Nation of Moms.