It’s often assumed that an empty home stays clean and tidy. And yet… the exact opposite happened to me. A sparkling clean apartment, but a sewage smell so strong that for a moment I thought I’d thrown my suitcases down the drain. Want to know why? And most importantly, how can we avoid it? Don’t move…
Why can an empty house smell bad?
You might think that a home freezes in its cleanliness in the absence of life. But an invisible detail can quickly turn your cocoon into an odor trap: dry siphons.
A siphon is the small nook under your sink or shower that retains some of the water. This water acts like a natural plug, preventing odors from rising from the pipes. But when it evaporates—especially in summer or when you’re away for several days—the most unpleasant odors escape.
That’s exactly what happened to me in this well-kept studio. When I opened the door, a strong sewage odor hit me. The kitchen was spotless, but a veritable odor invasion had wafted in from the sink.
It’s often assumed that an empty home stays clean and tidy. And yet… the exact opposite happened to me. A sparkling clean apartment, but a sewage smell so strong that for a moment I thought I’d thrown my suitcases down the drain. Want to know why? And most importantly, how can we avoid it? Don’t move…
Why can an empty house smell bad?
You might think that a home freezes in its cleanliness in the absence of life. But an invisible detail can quickly turn your cocoon into an odor trap: dry siphons.
A siphon is the small nook under your sink or shower that retains some of the water. This water acts like a natural plug, preventing odors from rising from the pipes. But when it evaporates—especially in summer or when you’re away for several days—the most unpleasant odors escape.
That’s exactly what happened to me in this well-kept studio. When I opened the door, a strong sewage odor hit me. The kitchen was spotless, but a veritable odor invasion had wafted in from the sink.
see next page
Easy and Hearty Potatoes with Spinach and Eggs: A Comforting Dinner Recipe
KFC COLESLAW COPYCAT
Cauliflower and Vegetable Bake
Put raw cubed beef in a slow cooker with these 3 ingredients. You won’t believe how good it tastes.
Here’s How to Use Coffee Grounds to Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes
Known around here as ‘Santa’s BBQ Delight’—it’s so good, even the elves asked for seconds!
Baking Soda Can Fix These 3 Machine Washing Problems in No Time
This Common Kitchen Spice Is Magical for Keeping Ants and Insects Out of Your Home
The Ultimate Rice Storage Solution: Preserve Your Rice for a Decade!