This morning, I woke up to a strong Sharpie smell in my room, and I can't figure out where it's coming from. We've unplugged everything, but the scent remains really strong. By the way, I don't have a built-in AC; I only use a window unit. Does anyone have any ideas about what could be causing this weird smell?
3 Answers
Could it be an acetone smell instead? I’ve heard that HVAC leaks can sometimes give off an acetone-like odor. Just in case, do you or anyone there have diabetes or any symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, or increased thirst? It might be worth checking out.
What about something simple like rotten fruit? Sometimes things like bananas or oranges can give off nasty smells that could be mistaken for markers.
Have you gotten any new mattresses or plastic items recently? Sometimes those can emit a cheap Sharpie-type smell. It's a good idea to keep the area well-ventilated while you figure it out.
My mattress is only a few months old, so it’s probably not that.

Nobody has those symptoms here. It really smells like a strong permanent marker!