The Best Way to Deodorize a Bathroom
When that stench is in the bathroom, you're bound to notice. The average person makes 6-7 trips to the toilet per day and spends around 30 minutes doing their business. Don't settle for a lingering stink in there. Deodorize your bathroom by cleaning regularly and introducing a much more pleasant scent in the meantime.
Take a deep breath. We're going in.
Why Does My Bathroom Stink?
Bathroom odors are a bit more than the result of a bad burrito. Beyond bowel movements, long-term bathroom smells have a deeper cause.
While lingering solid and liquid waste in the toilet bowl, usually trapped under the toilet rim, can emit a strong odor, the problem is typically much smaller. Odor-causing bacteria in toilets, on the floor, in sink and shower drains, and anywhere moisture builds up has an outsized stench that lingers.
Dealing with a Stinky Toilet
If your toilet smells between "uses," make sure you're cleaning it at least once a week to kill harmful (and smelly) bacteria before it becomes a problem. It might be time to have a conversation with the male members of the home, too. “Bad aim” can quickly cause a strong urine smell around the toilet seat and the base of the toilet.
If it still smells despite a regular scrub (and a stern talking to) inspect the toilet tank for signs of leaks or mold growth. You might also need to examine the toilet's base for cracks, which could leak and cause moisture to build up in the flooring materials below.
My Bathroom Sink Drain Smells (or Shower/Bathtub Drain)
Sink and shower drains usually smell because they have minor clogs. Hair, soap film, dead skin, and who knows what else builds up in the pipes, even if the drain appears to be running perfectly fine. Bacteria builds up on the trapped debris, causing a noticeable odor and, if untreated, an unholy stench.
Drains also utilize dry traps. These U-bend features prevent sewer gas from escaping back up the pipe. If these traps dry out due to lack of use, they allow sewer smells to travel back into the bathroom. Luckily, this is often resolved by using the drain consistently for a day or two.
How to Deodorize a Bathroom
In addition to cleaning regularly and fixing clogs, you can use natural household ingredients to eliminate lingering smells and introduce pleasant scents you'll enjoy! There are plenty of options here, so mix and match the ones that work best for your bathroom and make your olfactory glands happy.
How to Deodorize a Bathroom Sink Drain
Fair warning: this is gross, but you won't have to actually touch any gunk! The best way to de-stink a bathroom drain is to clean out the trap.
Open up the cabinet below your bathroom sink and look for the U-shaped section of the sink pipe. There are two rings that will turn; slowly unscrew the U-shaped part, hold your nose, and empty the trap into a waste basket. It's usually a good idea to empty your trap twice a year.
How to Deodorize a Toilet
We can't stand stinky toilets. That's why plenty of our toilet seat bidets offer an automatic deodorizer feature to eliminate any strong smells in seconds!
Until you get your bidet, make a DIY toilet tank deodorizer. Mix about a ½ cup of equal parts white vinegar and baking soda and pour it into your toilet tank. Using a toilet brush, carefully scrub the sides and distribute your mixture throughout the tank. Both white vinegar and baking soda will eliminate smelly bacteria and break down any minerals that may have built up from your water supply.
You can also introduce this mixture into your toilet bowl. Just let it sit for 10-15 minutes before you flush!
Make Your Own Potpourri
This is a quick and easy way to make your own potpourri, which is a decorative and effective way to reduce odors and introduce seasonal fragrances. It also makes a nice gift, too. Here's what you'll need:
- A knife
- An oven
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- 1 apple
- 1 pear
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. cloves
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks (for looks)
- BONUS: bay leaves (also for looks)
Once you've got what you need, it's time to magic the magic happen!
- Slice the fruit into thin slices and place them on a baking sheet.
- Set your oven to dehydrate or set the temperature at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Set the sheet on the top rack and rotate the fruit slices every 30 minutes until they're dry and crispy.
- Let the fruit cool completely, then place it in a plastic bag to store or directly into a decorative bowl or jar.
- Place the jar in the bathroom and enjoy!
Stop the Stink with Bio Bidet
Tired of smelly bathrooms? Shop Bio Bidet by Bemis for odor-reducing tech that makes life smell a bit better. Nothing cleans better than water, and you'll love the mix of features and built-in convenience. Take the Bidet Quiz to find the right model, or let us help you get what you need!