I've been living in my new construction home for over two and a half years, and I'm at my wits' end with this persistent haze-like smoke smell. It originally started out as a cigarette smoke odor in the first months, but now it has evolved into something musty. The strange thing is that while I'm inside the house, the smell is barely noticeable. However, it clings to our clothes and belongings, especially when we've been out. Friends have also commented on the smell when they checked my clothing. It's particularly noticeable on bags that have been in the house, and it smells really strong in the car afterwards. I've checked under the house and in the attic but found nothing suspicious. I've tried airing out the house, using air purifiers, changing HVAC filters, and even different laundry detergents, but the smell just won't go away. Could this be due to building materials, or maybe something with the washer and dryer? I'm really anxious about this, especially now that we've had a baby. What should I do?
2 Answers
Have you checked the age and condition of your washer and dryer? Sometimes, a dirty vent can cause awful smells. If it hasn't been cleaned recently, I'd suggest giving it a thorough vacuuming; it could help!
I bought the washer and dryer brand new with the house, and I did vacuum out the lint recently, but maybe I should check again.
Considering that smell could be from an electrical fault, it might be worth investing in a thermal camera to check your electrical panel and outlets. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
I think the dryer could definitely be the culprit. It's crucial to keep those vents clean to avoid any fire hazards!