After a long day at work, you return to your HDB flat in Ang Mo Kio or a condo in Tampines. Almost immediately, a stubborn smell hits you. It’s not a passing whiff but a persistent and pungent odour that does not leave. Desperate for a fresh-smelling room, you open the window and spray freshener.
However, after an hour or so, it returns to the same situation.
The truth is that smell is a result of tiny molecules of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It is the main reason behind the constant household odours in Singapore. The year-round hot and humid climate is a perfect condition for humidity odours and smelly HDB flats.
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Common Causes Of Household Odours In Singapore
If your HBD flat is smelly, there is no real mystery behind it. But the household odours in Singapore are caused by a variety of reasons. And in our climate, some things are more likely to be the culprits than others.
Mold and Mildew
This is the worst offender lurking behind household odours in Singapore. Located between the Singapore Straits, Strait of Jurong, and Straits of Johor, our city has an annual relative humidity of around 80%.
Mold spores are always in the air. Adequate moisture and a warm climate allow them to grow bountifully whenever they are near a food source like wood, leather, and carpet. Leaks from roofs, pipes, and windows are primary causes of moisture buildup compounds the problem.
Trapped Smoke
In the middle of September, residents of Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, and Hougang reported a distinct smoky smell permeating the air. We later learned that a landfill from the National Environment Agency (NEA) was due to a fire at the Tanjong Langsat landfill in Pasir Gudang, Johor.
Add to this the fact that about 10% of Singaporean adults still smoke. Even if you don’t smoke, it’s not uncommon to find the hallways filled with smoke as a neighbour keeps on lighting cigarettes while watching Geylang International play Hougang United. This smoke also makes its way to your HDB flat and makes it smelly.
Kitchen Smells
Singapore cuisine is delicious, but cooking with soya sauce, sambal belacan, and fragrant pandan can leave behind quite a distinctive smell. If your exhaust fan isn’t powerful enough and you don’t have a kitchen chimney, soon your home will start smelling like a restaurant.
Pet Smell
We all love our cat and dog friends. But they can be very smelly too. The weather makes them sweat a lot. Dogs also ooze a natural bodily aroma that can be overwhelming in a 2-bedroom apartment. Pet dander and saliva contribute to lingering odors that can cling to furniture and seep into mattresses.
Effective Ways to Address Household Odours in Singapore
The good news is that with a little bit of effort and the right habits, you can enjoy a home without any odour. Here are some proven solutions used by many Singapore HDB flatowners to remove smells.
Use Mold and Stain Removers
Excellent mold and stain removers are available at every supermarket in Singapore. These remove mold in a few minutes. Simply turn the nozzle to the “ON” position and hold the bottle at a downward angle while applying. Heavy mildew build-up may require a second cleaning.
Remove Mold Smell from Clothes
To remove the mold smell from clothes, wash them in warm water. Add 30 ml of Dettol antibacterial disinfectant to each bucket of water used for washing. You can also add baking soda. Squeeze out the excess water and dry them in an open area. Clean the interior of the closet with anti-mold spray before storing dry clothes.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Mold in the air conditioner is the cause of smelly HDB flats. Turn off the air conditioner and unclog the cord from the AC outlet. Check the filter and replace it if necessary. Use a no-rinse coil cleaner spray to clean the cooling coils. Before you close the outside flap, ensure there is no trapped water inside to avoid humidity odours.
Buy an Air Purifier
You can use an air purifier to avoid mold problems. Various models start as low as $100. A typical low-cost model can purify the air in a room measuring 50 cubic meters in less than half an hour.
When to Call the Experts
Sometimes, no matter how much you clean, the smell in a HDB flat just won’t go away. It is time to call in professional mold removal in Singapore if you notice the following:
- Musty smell that returns to your HDB flat even after cleaning.
- Patches of mold and mildew on the walls and ceilings.
- Odour coming from the air conditioner after cleaning the filter.
Professional mold removal services in Singapore use the latest technology and devices like HEPA filtration, ozone treatment, and activated carbon filters to provide a permanent solution. These experts also use the best mold removal products to deep clean affected areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional mold removal in Singapore really necessary?
If stain and mold covers more than a couple of square meters, it is best to call a professional mold removal service in Singapore. Not only do they use the best mold removal products, but they can also completely remove household odours in Singapore.
How do I prevent HDB smells from coming back?
Keep your flat well ventilated. Regularly open the windows and let in fresh air. It is a good idea to avoid smoking and not dry wet clothes indoors.
How often should I service my air conditioner to prevent odours?
To avoid the growth of mold in the air conditioner, it is ideal to service it twice each year. This also keeps the equipment in the best shape and reduces electric bills.
