Why Does My Girlfriend's Computer Chair Smell Like Poop? Troubleshooting and Solutions

It's not unusual to encounter an unpleasant odor emanating from your girlfriend's computer chair, often described as a kimchi-like smell. Here are the possible reasons behind the surprise stench, along with steps to address the problem.

Causes of an Unpleasant Chair Smell

There could be several reasons behind the foul smell. One possibility is material degradation, where synthetic materials used in the chair may break down over time, leading to unpleasant odors. Another common culprit is spills or accidents, such as food or drink spilling on the chair and seeping into the fabric or padding. Pets in the home may also have accidents on or near the chair, contributing to the smell. Mold or mildew can also develop if the chair is exposed to moisture or humidity, creating a foul smell.

Additionally, body odor can accumulate on the chair, especially if it's used frequently without cleaning. Certain cleaning products, if not rinsed properly or incompatible with the chair's materials, can also leave behind residual odors.

Steps to Address the Unpleasant Smell

To address the issue, consider the following steps:

Cleaning the Chair

Use appropriate cleaning solutions for the chair's material. For fabric chairs, a fabric cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent can be effective. For leather, a dedicated leather cleaner is recommended. Ensure that the cleaning solution is appropriate for the material to avoid damage.

Airing Out the Chair

Place the chair in a well-ventilated area to allow any trapped odors to dissipate. This can help in reducing the smell, especially if the odor is due to moisture or mildew.

Checking for Damage

Inspect the chair for any signs of damage or wear that might contribute to the smell. Damaged or worn parts can be sources of odor and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Using Odor Absorbers

A common household product, baking soda, can be sprinkled on the chair and left to sit for a few hours before vacuuming. Baking soda is known for its odor-absorbing properties, making it an effective temporary solution.

Deeper Understanding of the Smell

The stink accumulates from chemical compounds left from residual metabolism passing through the gastric juices of their small intestines. Alternatively, the unpleasant smell could be a byproduct of fecal or aerobic enterobacteria that have migrated out of the person's clothes and onto the chair.

Steps to Get Poop Stains Out of Carpet and Upholstery:

Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid like Dawn and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent-vinegar solution and then blot until the liquid is absorbed.

Other Olfactory Oddities:

Unpleasant odors can also come from sinus and respiratory infections. These infections, caused by bronchitis, viral colds, strep throat, or other conditions, can cause your breath to smell like feces. When bacteria move from your nose into your throat, it can create an incredibly unpleasant odor.

For children, if they smell like they're constantly having gas but don't produce much gas, it could be a sign of encopresis. This condition is more common than many realize and occurs when liquid stool seeps out around the hard stool and leaks into the underwear.