When it comes to the bathroom, a foul smell can be one of the most embarrassing things for homeowners. Unpleasant odors can come from a buildup of dirt and germs, mold, mildew, and other sources that are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Fortunately, there are some simple and natural housekeeping tips and hacks you can use to remove bad odors from your bathroom without resorting to harsh chemicals.
With these simple strategies, we will go over in detail below, you can rid your bathroom of unwanted smells quickly and effectively without any harsh chemicals.
Make Sure You Ventilate Your Space
When you're done with a shower or bath, it's important to open up the windows in your bathroom (if you have them) and get some fresh air circulating in the space. This helps to rid the room of excess moisture, which can cause unpleasant odors and problems with mold. To get the best results, aim to ventilate the area for 10-15 minutes, either by leaving windows open or running a bathroom fan.
In addition to providing an instant refresher for your bathroom, this will ultimately help reduce the dampness that can cause issues with mildew and other bacteria over time. Not only that, but it's also beneficial for your health as it ensures that you're breathing in clean air rather than stale and stuffy air.
Use Herbs
Adding a touch of greenery to your bathroom can make an incredible difference in the atmosphere and scent. If you're lucky enough to have a window, you can plant some aromatic herbs to fill the space with their lovely fragrance.
Lavender and mint both offer a fresh smell that can help liven up the area. If you don't have a window, try adding a dried bouquet of eucalyptus. The beautiful presentation of these dried leaves are sure to bring both beauty and aroma to your bathroom.
For an even more luxurious touch, consider placing the bouquet under your shower head for a spa-like experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated each time you step into the shower!
Use Vinegar as a Bathroom Smell Remover
White vinegar is invaluable for keeping your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Not only does it eliminate the odor, but it can also be used to break down mineral deposits on toilet bowls, unclog faucet filters, and scrub surfaces with a 4:1 vinegar to the salt mixture.
The latter works surprisingly well for deep cleaning, making white vinegar one of the essential ingredients for effective housekeeping. For optimal results, it’s best to keep a bowl of distilled white vinegar in the bathroom and change it out every two weeks.
Clean When You Can!
A clean bathroom will not only help mask odors and smells but also make the space look more inviting. To prevent bad smells from arising in your bathroom, start by thoroughly cleaning the sink each day. This includes wiping down countertops and surfaces, and scrubbing away stubborn stains.
Additionally, pay attention to any rugs or mats that you have on the floor—these should be washed at least once a week. You should also remember to scrub the toilet bowl with an eco-friendly cleaner weekly (or more often if needed).
A cleaner that can do the job is Tru Earth’s multi-surface cleaner or toilet bowl cleaner. These cleaning products are a comprehensive cleaning solution that makes cleaning hard surfaces easy and eco-friendly. This one-strip solution kills 99% of bacteria, fungi, mold and viruses, yet it comes in a completely recyclable cardboard sleeve instead of a single-use plastic bottle.
To use the product, simply add one strip to a spray bottle and fill with 250ml of hot water. Shake until fully dissolved, and you're ready to start cleaning! Not only does this convenient method reduce plastic waste, but it also has superior disinfecting properties that are sure to leave your surfaces sparkling clean.
Doing this regularly can aid in mitigating odors and keeping your bathroom smelling fresh—a pleasant plus!
Watch Out for Damp Towels Hanging Around
Creating a hygienic and enjoyable shower experience starts with proper towel care. When left piled on the floor or folded while still damp, your towels can quickly become a breeding ground for mildew and unpleasant odors.
The best way to maintain your towels is to always hang them up after use and make sure they are thoroughly dry before folding them for storage. Additionally, it's important to wash your towels frequently—ideally, every two-to-three uses—with hot water, detergent formulated for delicate fabrics, and an extra rinse cycle.
Essential Oils Are Great Bathroom Smell Removers
Essential oils are a great way to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Lemongrass, tea tree, eucalyptus, thyme, and peppermint all make excellent choices as they are powerful disinfectants that can linger in the air for longer than most air fresheners.
You can use an essential oil diffuser or simply place cotton balls soaked with your chosen oil around the room. Alternatively, you can also combine essential oils with homemade cleaning solutions such as lemon spray, vinegar spray or baking soda to both disinfect and freshen at the same time.
These natural options will help keep your bathroom smelling wonderful without any of the harsh chemicals associated with many artificial fragrances.
Baking Soda for Targeted Cleaning
Baking soda is an excellent tool for light cleaning tasks, such as removing water spots, and minimal product residue and dust. For best results, add a few tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl of warm water, then dip a damp sponge into the mixture.
Use this to scrub down tiles, grout, and other areas in your bathroom and kitchen. Gently scrub the surface until you see it starting to look clean and spotless. After that, rinse off any excess baking soda with warm water or wipe it away with a cloth. This will help restore the shine and luster of your surfaces without damaging them over time.
Baking soda is also great for deep cleaning; just make sure to use enough product and scrub accordingly.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is an incredibly effective and efficient way of removing dirt, soap residue, bacteria and mold from surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. The process works by using superheated steam with high pressure to break down dirt and grime quickly and easily.
This method is great for tiles and grout lines and can be used on other surfaces such as ceramics, porcelain, stainless steel, fabric, and even plastics. This makes steam cleaning an ideal choice for those who suffer from chemical allergies or are sensitive to mold.
However, it's important to note that this method should not be used on silicone joints, anodized materials, or enameled surfaces, as the high temperatures of the steam can cause damage.
