A social media post has sparked a debate online after an Australian homeowner shared his experiences dealing with lingering food odors in his newly purchased home. The couple, who recently purchased the property, attributed the smell to the home's previous South Asian tenants and made offensive comments, sparking backlash online. The homeowner vividly described the smell as a mix of “butter chicken with a side of saffron rice and garlic naan, lamb rogan josh and beef vindaloo.” The couple also claimed that they tried several methods to get rid of the odor, including deep cleaning, airing the property and using diffusers at night.
'We've cleaned thoroughly, left the windows open and run the diffusers overnight, but the smell doesn't seem to go away. I bought an ozone generator from Amazon that can apparently help kill some bacteria that cause odor, and I'm waiting for this to come. The house does not need to be repainted, but I am convinced that the smell is in the walls. If anyone has experienced this and can help us get rid of the smell it would be greatly appreciated. The weird thing is that the kitchen doesn't smell like that,” the message said.
See the tweet here:
— Me, hypocrite (@lporiginalg) December 11, 2024
The post was criticized for its racial overtones and insensitivity. Many users condemned the couple for their comments, emphasizing the importance of cultural tolerance. However, some made similar racist comments and offered solutions. They offered deep cleaning suggestions to help eliminate the odor, including steam cleaning carpets to remove embedded odors, scrubbing walls with vinegar or baking soda, and using activated charcoal to absorb and neutralize lingering odors.
One user wrote: “Yes, that's a real problem. Having worked in real estate, it's a real thing.” Another commented: “Some of the comments under this post are confused.” A third said: “Okay, why would you buy or rent a property without seeing it first? That alone makes me think this is fake.”
Recently, another Australian YouTuber found herself at the center of a social media firestorm after criticizing Indian cuisine for its “dirty spices.” Sydney Watson's comments sparked strong backlash, with users quick to defend the historical and cultural significance of Indian food.