Bathrooms smell bad occasionally, but the odor is not always caused by what you are thinking. Bathrooms are small rooms filled with sudden humidity. Soap, personal care products, and cleaners often add to the mix. Here are a few ways to make your bathroom and the air in it less offensive.

Keep It Clean

Clean the bathroom every week. Dust combined with moisture sticks everywhere–tubs, tiles, countertops, floors, walls, etc. Hairspray, perfume, and aftershave drip on vanities. Toothbrushes and faucet handles grow odor-causing bacteria and stuff adheres to toilets.

A more thorough cleaning every couple of months prevents hidden buildup. Wipe down the shower walls after every use helps to reduce moisture.

Do the Laundry

Wash all towels and facecloths weekly in hot water to eliminate bacteria and fungal growth. Between washings, hang towels on rods to dry quickly. Wet towels piled into a laundry basket rarely dry completely. Dropped in a clump on the floor or in the tub is no better.

Wash bath mats regularly. They are often just left on the floor–wet–with little air circulation. At the least, hang them up to dry after each use. For an extra-fresh smelling bathmat, sprinkle a layer of baking soda on it the night before washing to absorb odors. Let it sit overnight, shake off the soda, and wash normally.

If your bathroom floor is carpeted, replace it. Bathroom carpets are a bank account for dirt, moisture, bacteria, mold, and mildew. Any water they absorb migrates to the subfloor where mold growth can cause rot.

Empty the Garbage

Empty bathroom garbage every week. It often contains things with many different odors that mingle into something offensive–menstrual products, personal care products, wipes, wet hair, etc. Make sure the container is cleaned. Plastic can retain odors.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to reduce bathroom odors. Not only does a bath fan exhaust odors, it also removes moisture quickly. Bath fans must be vented outside the house. Have the fan running during showers and for at least 20 minutes after. It is more efficient with the door and window open.

Moisture and condensation trap odors and smoke and adhere to walls, mirrors, and countertops. Moisture promotes mold and mildew growth. Bath fans should be cleaned twice yearly to remove dirt and bacteria that build up on the blades and housing.

Check For Leaks

Bathrooms are full of plumbing that may be leaking. Leaks under the sink, tub, or toilet cause mold growth. Anything stored under the sink that gets wet will eventually stink. Water around the toilet pedestal or under the vanity are signs you need to call a plumber.

Get Rid Of Mold

Mold spores grow anywhere there is moisture and an organic food source. They do not grow on tiles, plastic, or ceramics. They grow on the dirt, dust, and skin particles stuck on surfaces. Also on drywall, fabric, paper, etc.

Mold is often mistaken for dirt or grime buildup on tiles, backsplashes, under sinks, or black spots on ceilings and walls. Mold can be scrubbed off using pure vinegar or a vinegar/borax solution. Scrub the area, let it sit for an hour, then dry it off. Cleaning the bathroom every month or two using bleach helps prevent mold from reappearing.

Buy An Air Purifier

Small one-room air purifiers are available for under $50.00. Many of them claim to remove odors, bacteria, and smoke among other things while circulating air. They eliminate odors–instead of just masking them.

Helpful Hints

Here are a few more tips to eliminate bathroom smells.

• Odor Eliminators. Many people keep a spray can of air freshener in the bathroom to mask the leftover odor. It is often not helpful. Use products labeled “odor eliminator” instead. They work quicker and more effectively to neutralize odors.
• Natural Cleaners. Many commercial cleaners are harsh and can be toxic. Some leave a vile smell. Various combinations of vinegar, borax, baking soda, and lemon are just as effective. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to leave a pleasant smell after you are done.
• Drain Clogs. Drain clogs stink. They can drain the water out of P-traps and allow sewer gas into the house. Some things should never be put down the sink or toilet drain. Drains should be cleaned regularly to remove hair and soap buildup.
• Baking Soda. An open box of baking soda–even under the vanity–absorbs bathroom odors. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda in the bottom of the garbage can.
• Candles. Burning scented or unscented candles reduces bathroom odors.

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