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Some households have a grimy smell? What causes it?

57 replies

Bronzeacorn · 08/09/2026 14:53

When I was a teenager I dated a guy and his home house (he lived with his mum and dad) was just grimy, not even particularly messy or cluttered... just badly maintained and never truly clean. Think brown rings on bath/sink grime on every surface. Their house had a smell I can't explain.... its not like a sick to your stomach smell, no animals in the house so not cat wee it was bearable but noticeable.... i can only describe it as greasy?? But I don't even know if that'd the right description.
I recently went into.a neighbours house and I noticed the same smell for the first time in 20 years. There is no judgment here I was just interested if other people have noticed this and what causes the smell? Do the homeowners get it? Could my house smell like that and I dont know? Just looking for others experiences I suppose out of curiosity

OP posts:
Bronzeacorn · 08/09/2026 15:03

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 08/09/2026 14:58

It's not a smell from frying is it? Certain foods seem to hang around in the air as a kind of 'old chips' smell and I've noticed quite a few houses having that smell.

I think it's really just people who don't open their windows enough.

Yes I think its this! Old chips! I think my neighbour probably cooks a lot so that could explain it she has 2 teenagers but weirdly my exes mum didn't cook they mostly ordered takeaway

OP posts:
XigDoop · 08/09/2026 15:01

Stagnant air

Westfacing · 08/09/2026 15:01

Not opening windows, dirty carpets & upholstery and clutter all contribute to a grimy smell, plus the occupants lack of personal hygiene

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 08/09/2026 14:58

It's not a smell from frying is it? Certain foods seem to hang around in the air as a kind of 'old chips' smell and I've noticed quite a few houses having that smell.

I think it's really just people who don't open their windows enough.

Missedquirks · 08/09/2026 14:57

You describe how unclean the houses are

but then express bafflement about the grimy smell

Missedquirks · 08/09/2026 14:56

So one house two decades ago

and a neighbours house the other day.

So both these two families weren’t too bothered on cleaning.

FeliciaFancybottom · 08/09/2026 14:55

It's caused by not cleaning and not opening windows. If the bath and other things are covered in grime, then it's going to smell.