What is this melting plastic smell in my house?

What to Do About a Melting Plastic Smell in Your Home

A melting plastic smell can be alarming, but not every situation is an emergency. Let’s break it down into times when it’s normal and when you should be concerned.

When You Don’t Need to Worry

• New Furniture or Appliances
• The smell might come from residues or coatings burning off during the first few uses.
• A piece of plastic accidentally left on the stove top or in the oven can also cause this smell.
• Turning on Your Heating System for the First Time

When you use your heater after a long break, dust and residue oils burn off, creating a temporary smell.

This is normal and should stop after about 30 minutes. Just open your windows to air out the space.

When You Should Be Concerned

1. Burning Plastic from Electrical Wiring

• Loose electrical connections create resistance, which generates heat. This heat can melt plastic and even cause fires.
• High-power appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, and heaters are often plugged into outlets that can overheat.
• If you’re remodeling, don’t forget to replace hidden outlets—these often handle higher currents and wear out faster.

Why This Happens:

• Electrical components expand slightly when in use and contract when they cool. Over time, this loosens connections, creating resistance. The heat from resistance melts plastic and can lead to a fire hazard.

2. Burning Plastic from Appliances

• If the smell comes from an appliance you’re using, like a space heater or dryer, it may have melting windings or other components.
• This means the appliance needs to be repaired or replaced.

What Steps Should You Take?

1. Inspect Potential Sources

• Check outlets, extension cords, and power strips for heat, discoloration, or damage.
• Look at appliances like space heaters, dryers, or refrigerators for signs of malfunction.

2. Find the Source of the Smell

• Follow the smell to locate the problem area.

3. Turn Off Power

• If you suspect electrical issues, turn off the power to the area or appliance.
• If it’s safe, shut off your main breaker to cut electricity to the entire house.

4. Call a Professional

• If you can’t find the source, call an electrician or HVAC technician immediately.
• If you notice smoke, sparking, or lose power along with the smell, evacuate your home and call emergency services.

Always take strange odors seriously, especially if you can’t identify the source. 

Acting quickly can protect your home and family from fire hazards.

Stay Safe!