Do you notice a sudden bleach smell in the house, apartment, room, or kitchen! As a household product, Bleach can be used to clean up any household mess. So what is this bleach smell that you’re noticing?
In all likelihood, it is the smell of chlorine, a gas that is used to bleach fabrics and as a water disinfectant. It also has the characteristic smell of chlorine.
The smell will disappear when it gets diluted in the air, but if there is too much bleach around, you will continue to smell it.
This is because the bleach contains chlorine, which is a gas that will not readily dissolve in water; hence your nose can detect it only when the air is very still and there’s no wind to blow it away.
So there are a few reasons that bleach smell in your house, and that can be a serious issue too.
- What are Bleach and Chlorine?
- Why does bleach smell in the house?
- How to remove bleach smell from House?
- How long does bleach smell last in the house?
- What does it mean if you smell chlorine?
- Why am I still smelling bleach after cleaning?
- Is the bleach smell in the house dangerous?
- FAQs related to Bleach smell in house air
What are Bleach and Chlorine?
Household bleach is a chlorine-containing chemical compound with the formula ClO. It is an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite, NaClO, and is used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, and water purifier.
The product is sold in concentrated form, and when diluted with water, the chemical reaction between NaOCl ( Sodium Hypochlorite) and NaOH ( Sodium hydroxide) releases chlorine gas. This gas is also used for bleaching and disinfection. (source)
The standard household bleach sold today is usually 3–6% sodium hypochlorite and may be hypochlorite (when dissolved in water) or the anhydrous form (dried, powdered bleach sold for consumer use) the concentration of about 5–7%.
Household bleach may be used to disinfect cutting boards, countertops, vegetables, fruits, clean bathrooms, toilets, and other surfaces.
However, in some countries, the product is not recommended for disinfecting children’s toys or baby bottles.
In swimming pools, the concentration of chlorine in water is adjusted to 2–10 parts per million (ppm) for effective disinfection.
A variety of uses are commonly recorded for household bleach, including general cleaning, disinfecting, odor removal, bleaching of fabrics and hair, preparation of natural extracts used in the manufacture of perfumes, and in copy machines to remove streaks in photographs.
General household bleach may be used for cleaning, but this is likely to leave undesirable white marks on some fabrics, especially absorbent ones.
Why does bleach smell in the house?
There are many causes why you might smell bleach in your house. You may be cleaning with bleach, and the smell is lingering, or someone might have spilled bleach and not cleaned it up properly.
If the smell is strong and persistent, there’s a possible gas leak, and you should evacuate the house immediately.
Reason1. bleach smell in house after cleaning- Chemical Cleaners
If you’re using chemical cleaners in your house, the smell may be coming from the products you’re using.
Bleach products are not always effective at getting out tough stains, so some cleaners might produce bleach smells as they work.
If you’ve used any harsh cleaners recently, this may be what you’re smelling.
Chemicals should generally be kept away from a gas stove.
Note- Never mix bleach and ammonia or bleach and vinegar. Even if you aren’t using them simultaneously, if you mix these chemicals together, they can create a toxic gas that’s extremely harmful to humans.
Reason2. Sudden Bleach Smell in Your house, Kitchen, and Rooms – A Gas Leak
The most common reason for smelling bleach in your house is because you have a gas leak. When natural gas leaks into the air, it turns to methane.
The smell of methane is similar to the bleach smell in your house because both are in the same family. Gas leaks are hazardous, don’t attempt to fix them yourself.
Even if you can’t see or smell a gas leak, it may still be present. Not only that, but the gas can poison you simply by breathing it in.
Need to hire an exterminator? Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area.
Reason3. Why do I smell bleach when there is none- The Bleach Smell is Coming From Your Water
Another common reason you might smell bleach in your house is the water. Bleach has a distinct odor, and if the water smells like bleach, you may have too much chlorine in your water.
If you’re using well water, the smell could be caused by the water softener. If you have a new softener, it might use chlorine to get rid of calcium in the water.
Even though you’re not drinking the water, it can still have a bleach smell if there’s too much chlorine in the air.
Even if there’s a gas leak or water contamination, it’s not time to panic. If you smell bleach in your house and can’t seem to figure out a way to get rid of it, call in a professional from your local plumbing company.
A plumber can check for leaks, remove the bleach smell from your water, and ensure your house is safe.
Read More- Can you put bleach into the toilet tank?
How to remove bleach smell from House?
We live in modern times where bleach is being used for various purposes. Everyone has used it to get rid of dirt and germs.
The Medical field also uses this for various purposes. It might be used in the hospitals or by a person at his home to clean his house.
Many people use it to clean clothes and utensils, but it leaves a very bad smell in the house after using this chemical.
People might not tolerate this bad smell, and hence they try to get rid of it. Many people use other chemicals to get rid of this bad smell, but they do not have long-lasting effects.
Hence it would be better to try out the following method to get rid of the bleach smell.
Here are some tips on how to remove bleach smell from House?
1. Open all windows and doors to make cross ventilation. It will help air circulation and get rid of the bleach smell from your house.
2. Buy candles and scented oil and burn them in the rooms. It will help to neutralize the bleach smell and make your house look fresh. ( don’t apply if gas leaks)
3. Put ice cubes in a container and leave them in the rooms where you feel that bleach smell is more. The cold air will make the particles collide, and the smell will neutralize.
4. Take a bowl and cut lemons into it. Heat oil and add this to the bowl. After some time, your house will get rid of the bleach smell.
5. Place a container filled with half tea leaves and half baking soda in the rooms. It will help to get rid of the bad smell.
6. Put vanilla extract in a container and keep it in your room. It will leave a delightful smell in the room and neutralize the bleach smell.
You can follow these tips to get rid of the bleach smell from your house. Try these methods and fall in love with the result. After these methods, you will be glad to see that your home smells good. Or you can try my best ways to smell good in the toilet.
How long does bleach smell last in the house?
Some bleach fumes can linger for at least six hours in the house.
Bleach is quite pungent, and its smell tends to spread all over the house due to the heating and ventilation system.
However, this smell will eventually disappear as it is dispersed in the air outside.
What does it mean if you smell chlorine?
According to the experts, even a slight chlorine smell is not normal in a home. If you notice a strong chemical odor of this nature, something is definitely wrong.
There are two common causes of a chlorine smell in your house and water, and both are cause for concern.
1. Chlorine smell in the water
If you smell chlorine, the first thing you need to know is that it usually indicates there is too much of this chemical in the water.
The average person should not detect any chlorine in their home’s tap water for the most part. If you do, it usually means that the water has not been appropriately treated, and this is causing concern.
There are two potential problems at hand when you notice a chlorine smell in your water.
The first is that the metal components of the water system have been corroded, leaving rust and other particles to be released in the water.
· This is not only an issue for aesthetic reasons, but it can also cause serious health problems if consumed regularly over time.
The second potential problem is that the water has become contaminated with bacteria. If this is the issue, you should seek medical assistance right once because drinking contaminated water might lead to sickness.
2. Chlorine Odors from the drain
If you smell chlorine in your shower or other drains, there is something wrong with the water’s chemical composition.
This is most commonly caused by low pH levels or excessive chlorine levels. The easiest solution to this issue is to flush your drain with a large volume of water, allowing the pH levels to normalize.
In most cases, this should remove any chlorine or other chemical smells from your water.
Why am I still smelling bleach after cleaning?
Still, smell bleach after cleaning? Then, You may be smelling residual bleach because you didn’t rinse the surface completely after cleaning.
To remove the bleach smell, simply rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly. You can also try using a natural air freshener like baking soda or vinegar to neutralize the odor or a DIY natural deodorizer.
If the problem persists, it may be due to a ventilation issue, so make sure your room is well-ventilated. Lastly, if you’re still concerned about the bleach smell, consult a professional for help.
Is the bleach smell in the house dangerous?
In the house, the bleached laundry is often located in an area with a lot of air circulation. The odor can be unpleasant, but exposure to this odor is not dangerous.
However, there may be people sensitive to some substances (for example, toluene) present in the bleaching agent of certain detergents.
In such cases, there can be symptoms like:
– Headaches
– Respiratory problems
– Irritation of eyes and skin
In this case, it is advised to wash the laundry in a place with good ventilation or to use products without these substances.
The bleach smell in the house is sometimes linked to a problem of moisture or seepage of water that can cause certain substances to emit a smell. It is advisable to see the causes and eliminate them in this case.
FAQs related to Bleach smell in house air
Q1. Does a gas leak smell like bleach?
A gas leak can smell like bleach. If you smell a chemical-like odor when the furnace is turned on, check all connections for any sign of gas leaks.
Q2. Does carbon monoxide smell like bleach?
The smell of carbon monoxide will vary depending on the concentration and composition of the gas and how much it is diluted with air. Generally speaking, however, carbon monoxide does not have a different smell.
For example, a carbon monoxide (CO) leak in an enclosed space is much more dangerous than a natural gas (methane) leak in the same space because CO does not disperse easily and has no smell.
Q3. Why does my toilet smell like ammonia?
There are a few reasons that your toilet might smell like ammonia.
~One reason could be that you have an old or poorly-ventilated bathroom. This can cause the smells from your toilet to become concentrated and overwhelming.
~ The Second possibility is that you are using too much ammonia-based cleaner in your toilet bowl. When this happens, the cleaner can build up on the sides of the bowl and create a strong smell.
~Finally, if you have a septic tank, it is possible that the tank is not draining properly and the ammonia scent is coming from there. If you are concerned about any of these issues, it is best to contact a plumber or septic professional to have them take a look.
