OH MY GOSH! THAT STINKS!!!

Have you ever walked into a room and a smell hit your nose that wasn’t quite right? It may have been dirty laundry, the toilet, the bathroom, or the owner of the room. No matter what the smell is- it most likely came from odor-causing microbes. A microbe is a microorganism, most likely bacterium causing fermentation or disease.

Bad smells come from fungi, bacteria, streptomyces, and other nasty microbes. Microbes feed on organic residues like skin cells, sweat, food particles, and more. They also thrive in moist, warm places like fabrics (mainly polyester), food storage areas, and humid basements. They can spread because of direct contact, like a smelly microbe touching wet surfaces like foams, plastics, or rubber. Microbes tend to break down organic matter and release compounds such as, amines, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur-containing thioalcohols, and short chain fatty acids.

Every microbe carries a different scent. Molds and fungi often produce a musty, mildew like odor in damp and humid areas. Gram-negative anaerobes result in bad breath. Candida bacteria obtain a yeasty smell, and honestly who wants to smell like a bakery worker. Staphylococcus Lugdunensis creates an earthy hay-like smell.  Streptomyces produces an organic compound called geosmin which gives soil its earthy smell. Staphylococcus Hominis is known for producing a pungent smell caused by the breaking down of sweat components. NO ONE WANTS TO SMELL LIKE THIS OR SMELL THIS!!!

There are many ways to prevent microbes from spreading. Control moist surfaces. This means fixing leaks, keeping surfaces dry, and avoiding placing wet items in humid areas. Improve ventilation. Let your air circulate to reduce humidity and trap those nasty smells. Disinfect using EPA approved disinfectants on frequently used items and surfaces. Wash your hands regularly. Use hand sanitizer if soap is not available. Keep perishable food items in the refrigerator within two hours of buying (one hour if room temperature is over ninety degrees). Wash your clothes in hot water because it kills bacteria and fungi on clothes. Dry clothes completely to avoid the buildup of mold and mildew. Clean all spills immediately. Replace your kitchen sponges weekly even if they look clean, they harbor bacteria. Use paper towels or sanitization wipes instead of sponges on countertops (they are disposable). Using air purifiers with HEPA filters helps reduce airborne microbes. Clean and disinfect shared tools. Inform your household members so they can take the necessary steps to prevent the smelly microbes.