The smell emanating from the bathroom can make us feel embarrassed. You may need to cover up odors from using the toilet. Also, pay attention to the musty and unpleasant smell in the bathroom due to improper cleaning techniques. Whatever problem you're having, there are plenty of options for making your bathroom smell fresh. You can apply several different methods to deodorize the toilet, change the cleaning process, and make small changes to your bathroom routine.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Remove Odor
Step 1. Make ventilation in the bathroom
If you want to disguise an embarrassing bathroom odor, proper ventilation can solve the problem. With good airflow alone you can reduce odors. If you have a ceiling-mounted fan, turn it on after using the bathroom. If not, open the bathroom window to let air in.
Don't just blow air into the bathroom after using the toilet. Also turn on the fan or open the window after showering. The damp air from hot baths can cause mold to thrive, causing the bathroom to smell musty
Step 2. Choose a deodorizer over an air freshener
Many people put a spray bottle behind the toilet to freshen the air after use. If you choose this method, buy a product that is labeled "deodorizing" rather than just an air freshener.
- Air fresheners mask odors. This product does not completely eliminate odors and once the product wears off the smell will linger. If the smell is very strong, you will still be able to smell it behind the air freshener scent.
- Deodorizers work by neutralizing odors. This product disguises odors faster and more effectively. If you're shopping at a supermarket, look for products that are labeled as deodorizing. There are many different types of deodorizers on the market, so you'll need to do a little trial and error before finding a product that fits your needs. You can read product reviews online to consider which products are the most effective at eliminating odors.
Step 3. Consider an air purifier
If the air circulation in the bathroom is very poor, air removal alone may not be enough to solve the problem. Consider an air purifier, an electrically powered device that can help increase air circulation and eliminate odor-causing bacteria in bathroom air. Air purifiers can be purchased at convenience stores or ordered online. Air purifier prices vary. A high-quality air purifier can cost as much as IDR 5,000,000, but you don't need to buy such an expensive air purifier to use in a small bathroom. You can buy a smaller and cheaper air purifier for IDR 300,000 to IDR 800,000.
Step 4. Try a desiccant (drying agent)
Your problem may not only be caused by using the toilet. Maybe you are also facing mold problem. If that's the case, buy a desiccant. A desiccant is a dry material designed to absorb water. Common desiccants include silica gel which is often used for packaging.
- You can use a synthetic desiccant, such as silica gel, but make sure you place the beads in an area out of the reach of children and animals. Desiccants are toxic if ingested. You can also put the desiccant in a small plastic container with a perforated lid.
- Plants are natural desiccants. Ferns and lilies can help remove unpleasant odors in the bathroom and freshen the air.
Step 5. Make your own air freshener
Homemade air fresheners may be more effective than store-bought products. If deodorizing doesn't work, try making your own air freshener.
- To make an air freshener, mix three parts water, one part vodka, and 10 to 20 drops of an essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus. Essential oils can be purchased at health or vitamin stores. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and place it in the back of the toilet. Spray if necessary.
- If you don't like the mixture because it smells like alcohol, try mixing two cups of water with a tablespoon of white vinegar, a teaspoon of baking soda and 10 drops of essential oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and place it in the back of the toilet. Spray if necessary.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning the Bathroom
Step 1. Use baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar
Sometimes, the area around the toilet needs to be cleaned properly. This step can help remove odors that develop into a bad smell. A mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar might help you deal with this bad odor problem. These homemade air fresheners are often effective at removing odors.
- Make a paste by mixing equal amounts of lemon juice and baking soda. We recommend using fresh lemon juice. Mix the two ingredients together until they form a pancake-like consistency.
- Apply the paste evenly on the bottom of the toilet and the toilet seat using a damp cloth. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle. After 10 or 15 minutes, spray the vinegar all over the paste-covered surface. Let the paste sizzle for a few moments, then wipe it off with a rag.
Step 2. Use essential oils to clean the toilet
Essential oils give off a strong, pleasant odor. If you're having odor issues, consider adding a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol. Use this solution to clean areas such as sinks and toilet pits. Some essential oils, such as cedar, have antifungal properties that can help neutralize and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Step 3. Clean the toilet tank
If not cleaned regularly, the toilet tank can retain the smell of urine. Many people neglect the toilet tank when doing their bathroom cleaning routine. You can clean the toilet easily with white vinegar.
- Open the toilet tank. Pour half a cup of vinegar into the tank. Then, put on rubber gloves.
- Use a brush to clean the tank walls. Then, flush the toilet. Pour the vinegar back into the tank and repeat this process a few times.
Step 4. Clean the bathroom regularly
Cleaning the bathroom regularly can actually help with odors. You should do regular cleaning at least once a week. Clean the toilet opening, lid, and sides of the toilet. Mop also the bathroom floor. Clean the tub and shower, and don't forget the sink. You can use an over-the-counter cleaning product or make your own mixture consisting of baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar. Cleaning the bathroom regularly prevents the formation of odors that cause problems.
Use good quality commercial products when cleaning the bathroom. Look for products that are specifically formulated to eliminate odors. Knowing the materials used to make sinks, bathtubs, and tiles can help you choose the right cleaner because certain types of cleaners work better on certain surfaces
Step 5. Clean the drains
Clogged drains often cause bathroom odors. Make sure you clean the drains if you see water pooling frequently. You must take steps to prevent clogged drains every month.
- Remove the drain cap and clean it of any hair, dirt, or small fragments that clog the manhole cover. You can use white vinegar and water to clean the waterhole cover.
- You can use a straightened coat hanger to reach down the drain. You can push the clog or pull it out using a coat hanger. You can also use a plunger, do a sucking motion and push the drain with the plunger 5 to 6 times, if the clothes hanger can't solve the clogged drain problem.
- Flush drains. Open the hot water tap and let the water run for a few minutes. The water will push away all the dirt and tiny fragments that can cause bathroom odors.
- Once every month, mix half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. Pour this mixture into the drain. This mixture will clear drains, help clear blockages, and neutralize odors emanating from drains.
Step 6. Check for mold
Bathroom odors are generally caused by mildew. In addition, mushrooms can also cause health problems. Make sure you check your bathroom regularly for signs of mold.
- You might think it's easy to spot mushrooms, but they can be subtle. You might miss it thinking it's crust or dirt. You might see black spots on the bathroom ceiling, for example. If these spots reappear after cleaning, and appear to be getting more and more widespread, it's most likely a fungus.
- Check under the sink. Mold usually starts to grow around the pipes under the sink, especially if water occasionally leaks.
- Recognize the symptoms that may arise from exposure to mold. If you don't see mold, but are experiencing any of the following symptoms, consider calling a professional to check for mold in the bathroom. Symptoms include sneezing, itching, watery eyes, red eyes, itchy eyes, and runny nose.
Method 3 of 3: Making Changes
Step 1. Re-caulk bathroom tiles
Putty (grout) is used to patch between tiles on both the floor and bathroom walls. Putty may contribute to the smell of the bathroom. Over time, the putty becomes porous and absorbs odors. If the bathroom odor persists despite regular cleaning, remove the old putty with a special knife such as X-acto. Replace with new putty. You can buy bathroom putty at a hardware store.
Step 2. Lower the toilet lid after flushing it
Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference in solving bathroom odor problems. Don't forget to close the toilet lid after using the bathroom. This will prevent the unpleasant odor from spreading into the air.
Step 3. Take out the trash regularly
If you put a trash can in the bathroom, take it out at least once a week. Garbage that is left for a long time will emit an odor. Taking out the trash regularly can be an effective way to deal with bathroom odors.
Step 4. Wash bathroom utensils made of cloth
Bathrooms are often a humid environment, so towels can get moldy very quickly. If you provide towels to dry your hands in the bathroom, wash them at least once a week. This will prevent the build-up of odors that can cause unpleasant odors in the bathroom.
- To get rid of the smell, try adding half a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine during the washing process.
- Make sure the towels are completely dry before putting them back in the bathroom.
Step 5. Consider switching to an odor- or moisture-proof surface
If you've been cleaning your bathroom with care, but the mold or odor issues persist, it may be time for a major renovation. Consider replacing bathtubs, tiles, sinks and so on with products that use odor-resistant or moisture-resistant materials. This effort may cost you a fortune, but if you're on a budget and smells are particularly annoying, it might be worth the expense.
Warning
- Make sure the air in the bathroom can circulate properly when cleaning.
- If the smell stems from a mold problem, you may need to do a major overhaul. For example, sometimes mold grows on drywall. If you've tried the various options listed above, but the smell still won't go away, do a check for mold in your home. Mold can be toxic and you may need professional help to deal with this problem.
