An electrical heating specialist has identified common odours that could indicate hidden hazards such as electrical faults, mould and damp in your home
That odd whiff lingering around the house might seem harmless – but experts warn it could be an early sign of something far more serious. In November alone, there were 50,000 Google UK searches for ‘smell in house’, suggesting thousands of households are battling unexplained odours indoors.
Now a specialist is urging homeowners not to ignore unusual smells, warning that some can point to hidden hazards such as electrical faults, mould and damp – all of which can pose risks to health and safety if left unchecked. Ben Rawson, an electrical heating expert, has identified three smells that should immediately ring alarm bells – and explained what to do if you notice them.
The fishy smell you should never ignore
A strong fishy or metallic smell drifting through your home may be more than just unpleasant. According to experts, it can be a sign that electrical components such as wiring, sockets or outlets are overheating. Left untreated, this can increase the risk of electrical fires.
Ben Rawson said: “To avoid electrical fires, turn off and unplug any appliances that were recently in use as a first step. Following this, avoid using outlet sockets, switches or extension cables that feel warm to the touch. Don’t attempt to fix the electrical issues yourself, instead call a qualified electrician to diagnose the problem and make repairs.”
Burning smells from radiators
A burning smell is one of the most common odours noticed in homes – particularly when radiators are switched on for the first time after months of inactivity. Dust can build up inside radiators when they are not in use. Once the heat is turned on, those particles burn off, producing an unpleasant burnt scent.
Mr Rawson, of Electric Radiators Direct, said: “To avoid the burning smell in electric radiators, make sure to clean prior to turning them on. Disconnect the radiator from the power supply to prevent electric shocks and allow it to cool down completely.
“Use a vacuum, dry cloth, soft duster or hairdryer on a cold setting to remove dust between vents. For a deeper clean, use a microfibre cloth with soap and warm water to wipe down the exterior surfaces.”
Musty smells linked to damp and mould
A musty odour is especially common during winter months, when colder temperatures and poor ventilation allow moisture to build up indoors. But experts warn this smell is often a sign of mould and damp – which can damage property and trigger respiratory problems if not tackled quickly.
Mr Rawson said: “To clean mould, protect yourself with a mask and gloves. Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to scrub surfaces. To prevent future mould, regularly open your windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Consider a heater that uses radiant heat as this emits heat directionally, keeping walls and surfaces dry.”
He added that smells are often dismissed as minor annoyances, when they are anything but.
“Smells are often overlooked in the home, however they can be one of the earliest warning signs of serious problems,” Ben concluded.
“Acting quickly and putting preventative measures in place not only protects your health and safety but can also save you from costly repairs down the line.”
