How to Deodorize a Bathroom: A Guide
Nothing nails your nostrils like a nasty bathroom odor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking to eliminate toilet smells for your own olfactory satisfaction, there are a few proven ways to deodorize your bathroom without scrubbing, wiping, and spraying non-stop. You don’t have to settle for a little stink; here’s how to reduce toilet odors and sink stink for good!
Take a deep breath. We're going in.
Why Does My Bathroom Stink?
Underlying bathroom odors are more than the result of a bad burrito. Aside from the most recent bowel movements, lingering bathroom smells have a deeper cause, including:
- Waste debris – Most toilets have at least some lingering solid and liquid waste trapped under the rim and seat. Toilet bowl odor is a mix of waste and bacteria. The shower and sink may also have odorous debris in their crevices or drains.
- Bacteria – Odor-causing bacteria contribute to your bathroom’s stink. It’s in toilets, on the floor, in sink and shower drains, and anywhere moisture builds up. That’s why your toilet smells musty, even if it looks clean. Bacteria is the root cause of bathroom sink odors, although you may also get a whiff of old toothpaste, cosmetics, and other compounds lining your sink and drain.
How to Eliminate Toilet Odors
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. We’ve included some natural cleaning methods in this guide.
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. Examine the toilet's base for cracks, which could leak and cause moisture to build up in the flooring materials below.
Then consider the following technological solutions.
Deodorize a Toilet with a Bidet
Did you know some bidets have an automatic toilet odor eliminator? We can't stand stinky toilets, so some of Bio Bidet’s most popular toilet seat bidets, including the BB-2000, feature an automatic deodorizer that eliminates strong smells in seconds! This option is more affordable and easier to install than an entirely new toilet with a built-in odor neutralizing feature.
Hang a Toilet Freshener
An over-the-rim toilet bowl freshener can control toilet odor, especially if the water itself is the source (e.g., sulfur odor). You can buy one at any store that carries toilet cleaning supplies. Then clip it on! Remember that these devices don’t clean the toilet for you; they’re meant to be combined with routine manual cleaning.
Two Natural Ways to Keep Your Toilet Smelling Fresh
Using natural ingredients, keep your throne shining and pleasantly scented between deeper scrubs!
Make a DIY Toilet Tank and Toilet Bowl Deodorizer
Use the natural cleaning powers of white vinegar and baking soda to remove musty smells from your toilet tank (the lidded compartment at the back of the toilet).
- Mix about 1/4 white vinegar with 1/4 cup baking soda and pour it into your toilet tank.
- Using a toilet brush, carefully scrub the sides and distribute your mixture throughout the tank.
- Repeat every few weeks or as often as necessary to remove toilet odors.
This solution will kill most bacteria and may help break up mineral deposits and scale. You can also use this mixture in your toilet bowl. Just let it sit for 10-15 minutes before you flush!
Make Your Own Potpourri for the Bathroom
This is a quick and easy way to make your own potpourri, which is a decorative bowl of ingredients that reduce odors and introduce seasonal fragrances. It 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. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. whole cloves
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks (for looks)
- BONUS: bay leaves (also for looks)
Once you've got what you need, it's time to make the magic happen!
- Slice the fruit into thin slices
- Toss the fruit with ground cinnamon and whole cloves.
- Place the fruit on a baking sheet.
- Set your oven to a Dehydrate setting or to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Set the sheet on the top rack. Rotate and flip the fruit slices every 30 minutes until they're dry and crispy.
- Let the fruit cool completely. Then place it into a plastic bag for storage, or directly into a decorative bowl or jar for immediate use.
- Add cinnamon sticks and bay leaves.
- Place the container in the bathroom and enjoy!
Why Does My Bathroom Sink Drain Smell?
Sink and shower drains usually smell because they have minor clogs. Over time, 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, you can bet that bacteria has built up on the trapped debris, causing a noticeable odor and, if untreated, an unholy stench.
Dry traps are another cause of smelly drains. These U-bend plumbing pipes prevent sewer gas from escaping back up the pipe. If these traps dry out due to lack of use, sewer smells may travel up into the bathroom. Luckily, this is often resolved by using the drain consistently for a day or two. U-traps can also be smelly if they are clogged. They should be cleaned and emptied about twice a year.
Cleaning the Dry Trap
Open the cabinet below your bathroom sink, and look for the U-shaped section of the sink pipe. Look for two ring fittings that you can unscrew. Slowly unscrew the U-shaped part, hold your nose, and empty the trap into a waste basket.
Do Bathroom Fans Remove Smells?
Yes, bathroom fans remove unpleasant bathroom smells by ventilating air and pulling odors from the room, along with moisture, dust, and airborne particulates. Fans also mitigate mold and mildew, further controlling foul odors. Use the fan whenever you shower or use the bathroom!
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. Enjoy a better clean, elevated hygiene, and an improved olfactory experience. Take the Bidet Quiz to find the right model, or let us help you get what you need!