What To Do About A Plastic Burning Smell In Your House

What To Do About A Plastic Burning Smell In Your House

By : Angelina

Unpleasant odours can negatively impact the overall vibe of a residence. Out of all the bad smells to have such an effect, burnt plastic might be among the top ones. Plus, it can also be concerning, particularly if there is no obvious source. To ensure a pleasant and safe living space, it is important to figure out the source of the odour before eliminating it.

A burnt plastic smell can be caused by many different things, including faulty wiring. A few causes are very straightforward to fix, ensuring smell removal. However, some others require the assistance of a professional.

Dealing with such issues is as crucial as conducting budget bond cleaning Port Macquarie when nearing the end of tenancy. Start by learning about the common causes of burnt plastic odour before proceeding with fixing them. Here is what to do about a plastic burning smell in your house. Take these steps and measures to maintain a safe and odour-free house.

1. Common Culprits of Burnt Plastic Smell

There are numerous reasons why it smells like burning plastic in your residence. Here are a few of them:

Electrical Wiring Issues

cropped picture of a person checking a wire inside of a house

Faulty electrical wiring is often a primary cause of bad odours. Remember that improper wiring might overheat or even catch fire. This can make parts like connectors and insulation burn. Such pieces are unlikely to be visible, which is why it is tough to find out where the smell is coming from. To fix this, start by ensuring the power is turned off. Next, check the wires to find out the faulty ones. Contact a professional electrician to avoid additional damage.

An Overheating Appliance

Household appliances can also give off the smell of burnt plastic in case they end up overheating. The best way to fix it is frequently cleaning them. Cleaning out the lint tray in the dryer after each usage is also recommended.

Tip: To clean appliances before moving out of your rental property, consider hiring professionals who do the best bond cleaning Port Macquarie.

Faulty HVAC Systems

Just like appliances, HVAC systems can also cause a burnt plastic smell due to overheating. Homeowners are likely to notice this smell if they fail to clean the heating and cooling systems regularly, particularly if the filter is clogged. This is why inspecting the air filters frequently is often recommended. If they are very dirty or clogged, consider replacing them.

Wall Outlet Overload

Overloading the wall outlets in the electrical system can make it overheat, resulting in several plastic components melting in the wall socket. To fix it, turn the power off and find out which outlet gives off the unpleasant odour. Remember to unplug all the devices. Contact an expert electrician to check the outlet and determine whether it is a fire hazard.

2. What are the Dangers of a Burning Plastic Smell?

In most cases, a plastic burning smell inside a house is harmful. It indicates that something is wrong, such as a gas leak or electrical fire, which demands immediate attention. According to many experts, electrical faults and heating equipment often cause house fires, risking the lives of individuals living inside. If people end up breathing in smoke fumes, they will hurt their health and overall wellness.

Remember that burning plastics releases toxic things into the air, which can irritate and harm the human body. This includes poisonous carcinogens, which are known to cause cancer over time. Carbon monoxide is another toxic thing that prevents oxygen from reaching crucial body parts, including the brain and heart. This is why overlooking the plastic burning smell is never a good idea. Since not maintaining cleanliness can often lead to such issues, it is best to hire bond cleaning Port Macquarie professionals for safe house cleaning.

3. Best Way to Remove Plastic Burning Smell

Since burning plastic is highly dangerous due to its chemical nature, it is vital to get rid of it as soon as possible, either by yourself or with the assistance of a professional. Here are a few things homeowners can do:

Get Rid of the Item Completely

Often, the best thing to do is just remove the item causing the smell, particularly if it cannot be repaired.

Absorb the Odour With Vinegar

After removing the source of the smell, place bowls containing white vinegar throughout the affected areas. The vinegar will absorb and neutralise the odour.

Change the Filter and Ensure Proper Ventilation

In case the source of the burning plastic smell was a clogged filter, change it immediately. Keep the windows open to welcome fresh air and utilise an air purifier as well.

Clean the Surfaces

Experts who provide cheap bond cleaning Port Macquarie recommend mixing dishwashing liquid and water to clean household surfaces. Use this mixture along with a sponge to wipe cabinets, counters, appliances, furniture, floors, and other affected surfaces. Additionally, keep every single corner by sticking to a cleaning schedule.

Strategies to Deal With Burning Plastic Smell in the House

Reasons behind Plastic Burning Smell In Your House

Wrapping up

Individuals who notice a burning plastic smell in their homes must find the source quickly before fixing it. Besides immediate action, preventing such odours through regular cleaning, replacing air filters, not overloading outlets, etc. Use the tips from this article to eliminate the unpleasant plastic burning smell successfully.