Are You Nose Blind to the Smells in Your Home?

So you invite some friends over to your place. As you’re welcoming them in from the door, you notice an unpleasant look on their face as if they have smelled something bad. Perhaps one of the guests even points out that your house smells, but you’re confused because you don’t smell any bad odours. 

So what is going on? Well, you’re most likely nose blind to the smells around your house. You either don’t smell it or don’t think it’s strong enough. This is more common than you’d think!

What is Nose Blindness?

Nose blindness refers to not being able to smell certain smells. It’s not a medical condition and shouldn’t be confused with the actual medical condition anosmia, where you cannot smell anything. 

When you’re nose blind, you’re not able to smell a certain smell or perhaps believe that it’s not that strong. However, other people might just be able to smell it. It’s just because of how our brains sense and interpret different smells. 

It usually occurs when you’re in the presence of the smell for a long time. Resultantly, the smell dulls down for your sensors even though it’s still pretty much there and quite strong as well. 

What Causes Nose Blindness?

The brain processes smell using the olfactory section of the brain which receives information about scents from the sensors in the nose. The brain then processes what the smell is and whether it’s bad or good. 

When you smell something new, these senses and the limbic system of the brain responsible for processing the smells get overwhelmed. This is why newer smells hit the senses strongly. This doesn’t just mean a smell you haven’t smelled before, but also those you may be smelling after a long time. 

Similarly, our brains are wired to smell threatening smells much more intensely than the good ones.

However, after smelling a certain odour, the receptors dull themselves and the smell is no longer that intense. With time, the sensors get so used to it that you no longer even smell it. This is where you become nose blind to that smell. 

Are You Nose Blind to Smells Around Your Home?

Possibly! There are many different kinds of smells that can enter and stay in your home depending on where you live, whether you have pets or kids, and even the kind of food you eat. 

As we spend most of our time in our homes, there’s a higher chance for us to become nose blind to certain smells that are present in the home all the time. 

For instance, homes with pets often smell of the pets fur, dander, and slobber, even when clean. However, the pet owner barely notices it because they are in the presence of the pets all the time. 

Similarly, if there’s a mould or mildew problem, the home can start to smell musty. Over time, the occupants become nose blind to those smells, but anyone else entering the home can definitely smell it. 

It’s nothing to be embarrassed or freaked out by because this is a solvable problem. The thing about nose blindness is that many people are unaware of it until someone points it out or they notice it when they come back home after a long period. 

Yes, you may only notice the smell if you’ve been away from your home for days or even weeks. If you just ran out for some errands and came back after a couple of hours, you still might be nose blind to those bad smells around the home. 

So What’s The Solution?

If you’re nose blind to the bad smells in your home, understand that it’s completely natural. You don’t need to see a doctor or anything. 

While you can’t change how your senses and brain work to smell certain scents, you can try to ensure that your home smells good. That’s pretty much the key to ensuring even if you’re nose blind to certain bad odours, they don’t get a chance to stick around long enough for your guests to smell. 

The first thing to do is determine whether you are nose blind to the smells in your home. You can try leaving the house for a couple of hours and smell with focus when you enter again. Better yet, you can try exercising outdoors and then entering your home. When we work out, our senses get heightened, so you may just be able to detect those bad smells. 

To counter the bad smells in your home, here’s what you can do:

Clean Your Home Regularly

You probably do clean your home regularly, but are you paying attention to those parts that often go unnoticed? For instance, you may want to clean your upholstery from time to time like curtains or sofas as they can also start to smell. 

Some other odours producing things around the home include trash bins, pet toys/cages, leftover food, and ashtrays. 

Aside from the usual cleaning, also do deep cleaning every few months. 

Open the Windows for a Bit

Opening the windows from time to time can allow the bad smells to escape and fresh air to come in. This probably won’t get rid of the smells for good, but it will lower the intensity. Of course, this may not be possible in winters because of the cold. 

Use Wax Melts

A great way to counter bad smells is to use fragrant soy wax melts that have more intense fragrances that spread quickly as well. The wax melts with their strong scents can lower the impact of bad odours and even eliminate them too, making sure your home smells fresh and nice. 

This is also a viable solution when you have guests coming over suddenly because wax melts or crumbles can melt faster and spread the scents quickly. 

Wrap Up

So now you know everything about nose blindness and also how you can tackle the bad smells in your home that you don’t smell but others do. Regularly cleaning your home, taking care of pets or kids, and using some Scent Sational Wax Melts can take care of this problem in a breeze.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Mix Different Fragrance Oils in a Wax Warmer?

Yes, you can mix different fragrance oils in a wax warmer to create unique scent combinations. However, ensure that you're using oils compatible with each other and that you're not overpowering the room with too many scents.

Are Essential Oils Safe to Use in Wax Warmers?

Yes, essential oils can be used in wax warmers, but it's essential to dilute them with carrier oils before use. This prevents any potential risks associated with direct exposure to high heat.

Can I Leave a Wax Warmer Unattended?

It's generally recommended not to leave a wax warmer unattended, just like any other heat-emitting appliance. Safety should always be a priority.

How Often Should I Change the Wax in My Warmer?

Change the wax in your warmer when you notice the scent has faded or the wax is no longer emitting a fragrance. This typically occurs after several hours of use.

Can I Use Fragrance Oils from Candles in Wax Warmers?

While you can use fragrance oils from candles in wax warmers, it's advisable to use oils specifically formulated for wax warmers. These oils are designed to release fragrance effectively without any fire risk.

Is It Safe to Use Wax Warmers Around Pets?

Yes, wax warmers are generally safe to use around pets. However, consider the sensitivity of certain animals to strong scents, and ensure the warmer is placed in an area where pets can't accidentally knock it over.

Exploring Serathena's Range

Serathena offers an expansive selection of wax melts and much much more!. Whether you're seeking the comfort of classic scents or the intrigue of contemporary artwork, their range has something for everyone. Explore categories like:

• Simply the Best Wax Melts: Curated for discerning fragrance enthusiasts, this collection boasts the finest and most beloved long lasting scents.
• Art by Cindy: Infused with artistic creativity, this collection introduces an artistic dimension to Serathena with Personalised artwork.
• Handmade Wooden Home Accessories: Enhance your home decor with elegant and handmade accessories that complement your home.
• Personalised Lithophane: Elevate gifting with a personalised touch, combining fragrance and sentiment in a unique way.