Sample log
| Date and time | Where | What it smells like | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Saturday 2 pm | Bedroom cabinet | Musty, earthy | Warm after rain, windows closed |
| Example: Sunday 8 am | Bathroom | Sour drain smell | After shower, fan off |
| Example: Monday 5 pm | Cab | Dusty burnt smell | First furnace start of season |
A log works because odors change with time of day, temperature, humidity and what you have just done. A smell that appears only after a hot shower points toward the bathroom. One that follows rain suggests a leak. One that follows the fan suggests the air system. Without a record, those patterns blur together and it is easy to chase the wrong cause.
Keep the log simple. Date, location, smell description and conditions are enough. Add a photo if there is a stain or a spot. If you hire someone, hand them the log and they can focus on the likely sources instead of starting from scratch.
A log also protects you from changing too many things at once. When an owner cleans the carpet, replaces the filter, opens a vent and adds a deodorizer on the same weekend, nobody can tell which step helped. Writing down each change next to the smell rating gives you a way to see what worked. It also makes conversations with a service provider shorter, since you can show dates and conditions rather than trying to recall them. Keep the log in the glovebox, a notes app, or taped inside a cabinet door.
If more than one person uses the RV, share the log so everyone records what they notice. Different people notice different smells, and a quiet observation from a passenger may be the clue that explains a pattern. Keep the entries short and factual, and avoid guessing at causes while you write. The interpretation can come later, once there are enough entries to compare. A log started now is also useful for the next owner if you ever sell the rig.
Words that help describe a smell
- Musty or earthy, like damp soil or old books
- Sour, like spoiled milk or wet laundry
- Sulfur or rotten egg
- Sweet and heavy
- Smoky, ashy or oily
- Chemical, plastic or glue
- Burning, hot dust or electrical
What to record each time
- Location
- Room, cabinet, height from the floor
- Strength
- Scale of one to five, with five being strong
- Timing
- Time of day and how long it lasted
- Weather
- Outside temperature, rain or sun
- Actions
- Fan, shower, heater, trash or cleaning before the smell
Common questions
How long should I keep a log?
Two to four weeks is often enough to show a pattern.
Should I include my reactions?
Yes, if you notice irritation, headaches or other symptoms. Mention them to a health professional if they persist.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.