How can I locate an odor emanating from the kitchen/laundry area?
How can I locate an odor...?


Don't underestimate the detection abilities of your nose!  Get on your hands and knees, and stick your nose right into every nook and cranny.  Closing your eyes will help make your nose seem more sensitive.  Smell along edges, cracks, baseboards, pipe cutouts, switch plates, jambs, sills, light fixtures, drains, and anywhere there's a gap or mating of any kind.  Pull out the frig, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, or remove their base plates and check underneath with a flashlight.  Check the washer drain hose and drain pipe.  Pull out all drawers in case something fell inside the cabinets.  Don't forget outside walls too.  Check any attic or basement or crawlspace.  Cover every inch, and sooner or later you'll zero in on where the smell is definitely strongest.  The source can't be far away.