Hey everyone, I need some help figuring out a strange issue in our kitchen. My wife was cooking dinner the other night when we both noticed this weird smell that seems reminiscent of Sharpie markers. We initially thought maybe it was something on the stove, so we aired out the house and cleaned the oven, but the smell is still around. It actually seems to get stronger when the AC is off and goes away when it's running. We called the fire department, and they checked for carbon monoxide and oxygen levels, which were all fine. They checked the outlets and the fuse box too, but couldn't find anything wrong. It's baffling because my wife can smell it when she comes home, but the responders didn't catch it at all. I've sniffed around the kitchen and fridge, but I can't pinpoint the source of this smell. Any ideas on what might be going on? Would really appreciate your thoughts!
3 Answers
It might be a potato or some veg that’s gone bad in a weird spot. These odors can build up in low airflow areas, and the AC could just be spreading it around. Maybe look behind cabinets or around your kitchen shelves, especially if you store potatoes or check near the floor—there could even be something stuck or rolled away back there. Also, if there’s been any recent work on the vents or anything outside, check your condenser unit too; it might be worth a look!
Sometimes rotten milk can give off a really harsh smell that’s almost chemical-like. Have you checked for any hidden spills or old containers that might be lurking around? You could have something stashed away that’s gone bad!
You might want to check your dishwasher and any other appliances. I had a similar situation where a dishwasher was trying to start and created a weird burning smell. Just a day later, it seemed to come out of nowhere! Lucky for me, my daughter hit the breaker before it escalated. Be careful and check those appliances, you could prevent a bigger issue!
I'll definitely check the AC tonight, but it honestly feels like it’s something in the kitchen itself.