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Help! Awful Smell

93 replies

GrossedOutted · 19/10/2020 16:19

There's a really awful smell in our bedroom, which I can only smell when I am lying down in bed...

It sort of smells like rotting flesh / used tampon / sanitary pad but I cannot find anything...

Making me ill (and crazy) does anyone have any ideas please to what it may be?

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TheRealJeanLouise · 19/10/2020 16:21

Dead mouse/rat/squirrel in the wall cavity or under the floor boards?

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LagneyandCasey · 19/10/2020 16:21

Could it be you? A tampon left in for a few days smells god awful.

Or a drainage issue? Is there a drain outside your window?

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JaJaDingDong · 19/10/2020 16:21

Something dead. Either under the floorboards or above the ceiling.

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autumnboys · 19/10/2020 16:25

Have you been unwell at all? Could it be your sinuses. I have all manner of trouble with mine. Try a sinus rinse (the neilmed one is good)

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unmarkedbythat · 19/10/2020 16:27

Something in/ on the mattress or pillows?

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Sleepingdogs12 · 19/10/2020 16:29

Bird fallen down the chimney and died?

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SlopesOff · 19/10/2020 16:33

I wondered where my DH had gone. No need to send him back.

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OnCandyStripeLegs · 19/10/2020 16:35

Is it your pillow?

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Lipz · 19/10/2020 16:36

Have you normal bulbs in your light fittings? These can caused a fishy, flesh burning smell.

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SlopesOff · 19/10/2020 16:36

Have you sniffed your bedding? Along the top edge of the duvet especially.

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GrossedOutted · 19/10/2020 16:37

Dead mouse/rat/squirrel in the wall cavity or under the floor boards?

Have pulled up the floorboard and had a look under them (we have sanded floorboards)

Could it be you? A tampon left in for a few days smells god awful

Haven't used tampons in years and have had a smear since I last did so don't think it is that but that was one of my first thoughts...

Or a drainage issue? Is there a drain outside your window?

OP posts:

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CheeryAlmond · 19/10/2020 16:38

What's above/below your bedroom?
Can you smell it anywhere else?
Can anyone else smell it?

Thanks

GrossedOutted · 19/10/2020 16:39

We've got pots on the chimney and it's all plastered.

Not sure if it could be my sinuses? Can i do a rinse with just salt water - have never done that before.

Not pillows - swapped them around the rooms to check that (ie swapped the bedding) - same with the duvet.

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GrossedOutted · 19/10/2020 16:39

Just in bedroom and we can both smell it but not when standing up!!

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MellowMelly · 19/10/2020 16:40

Who sleeps in the bed? I was doing some studying earlier and funnily enough it was about people’s sweat and different smells that can be associated with different bacteria, health problems and so forth. It can leave the oddest of odours on beds/pillows/duvets when people sweat at night hence my question!

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NeutralJanet · 19/10/2020 16:41

Have you got a cat? Any chance they could have brought you in a "present" while you were asleep and stashed it somewhere awkward?

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EggysMom · 19/10/2020 16:42

@GrossedOutted

Just in bedroom and we can both smell it but not when standing up!!

Lie down on the bed the other way (feet to pillow) and see if you can still smell it. That'll help you narrow down the location of the source of the smell.

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JaJaDingDong · 19/10/2020 16:44

My money is still on something under floor or above ceiling I know you've looked.

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CheeryAlmond · 19/10/2020 16:44

Something under the bed?

Have you spilt anything on the carpet recently? Sometimes the underlay can get a bit whiffy.

Mattress/headboard. Both harbour bacteria and can start smelling.

Do you have an en-suite? Could be drains.

Thanks

SlopesOff · 19/10/2020 16:46

Who sleeps in the bed? I was doing some studying earlier and funnily enough it was about people’s sweat and different smells that can be associated with different bacteria, health problems and so forth. It can leave the oddest of odours on beds/pillows/duvets when people sweat at night hence my question!

Yes, that is what I was thinking of when I suggested sniffing the bedding. A heavy sweat can dry out and stink later on, as can a 'not quite dried properly when washed' duvet. If it is when you are in bed then maybe feet or bum, armpits, nightclothes. Detergent and soap/shower stuff doesn't clean like it used to and you think you are clean but sometimes need a really good scrub.

I am in no way implying you are a minger, it just happens sometimes, bacteria grows and it stinks.

Unless there is something manky under your bed?

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GrossedOutted · 19/10/2020 16:47

Can still smell it when lying the other way...

No carpet, no cat. How do I figure out of something is above the ceiling (now slightly nervous as we just moved in six months ago)

No en suite.

Bed sleepers are me and on/off (splitting up) soon to be ex partner...

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EggysMom · 19/10/2020 16:48

Get rid of your partner and see if you can still smell it

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cushioncovers · 19/10/2020 16:49

It's got to be your bed then surely? If neither of you can smell it until you lay down ( on the bed presumably) then it's the bed I think. Have you got pets or kids has any of them peed on it ?

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Covidcovidcovid · 19/10/2020 16:50

Go up to the attic and check anything unusual up there? You can get a mattress cleaner service too bit like the carpet ones might be worth while trying that

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CheeryAlmond · 19/10/2020 16:51

Do you have a loft hatch? You might need to climb up and investigate.

Do you live near fields? I did once and the smells emanating of a night were vile.

It sounds like the mattress/headboard/under the bed though.

Thanks

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