10 Ways to Make a Bathroom Smell Good

Do you know what makes all the difference in life? It’s the tiniest detail.

A flower vase on the window sill, a bird chirping in the morning, and a great smelling bathroom can change completely change your mood. 

To be very honest, a pleasant-smelling bathroom is the most important, especially when you are expecting company!

If you are hunting for tips and tricks to make your bathroom smell pleasant all the time, then you have come to the right place.

This blog will cover the ten essential ways to make a bathroom smell good.

You might already be familiar with some of them, such as using an air freshener or even lighting up a scented candle.

However, we need you to trust us when we say this: we’ve got some crazy hacks for you right ahead. So, keep reading!

Fundamentals of Bathroom Freshness

Understanding Bathroom Odors

Bathroom odors are primarily caused by bacteria, moisture, and other organic materials. Here are some common sources of these odors:

  • Musty smell: This is often caused by dampness and the growth of mold or mildew in your bathroom.
  • Bacteria: Bacteria thrives in the damp conditions of a bathroom, leading to unpleasant odors.
  • Organic material: Hair, soap scum, and other debris can contribute to foul smells.

It’s crucial to address these causes of odors in order to maintain a fresh and pleasant-smelling bathroom.

10 Ways to Make a Bathroom Smell Good

Here are ten super-easy hacks that will make your bathroom smell pleasant every time you walk in:

Use DIY Air Fresheners

We all know air fresheners are easily available at any convenience store, but store-bought fresheners hardly do the job anymore.

More people have now embraced the idea of making their own air fresheners. This is because of how practical and inexpensive the whole idea is!

Making your own air freshener is a very simple task. All you need is a sturdy and clean glass bottle, some sticks, alcohol, water, and your favorite essential oils.

If you cannot settle for a scent, here is a list of the most popular oils that people typically use to make their bathrooms smell great:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender
  • Lemongrass
  • Peppermint
  • Tea tree
  • Sweet orange

Simply combine all the ingredients in the glass bottle. Add in the sticks and leave the bottle on your bathroom counter or over your flush tank.

This DIY bathroom air freshener will last for eternity!

Aromatize with Oils

One of the best ways to get rid of bad odor and refresh your home is to use aromatic oils.

Lagunamoon Essential Oils Top 6 Gift Set Pure Essential Oils for Diffuser, Humidifier, Massage, Aromatherapy, Skin & Hair Care

The key to using aromatic oils in a bathroom is to soak a cotton ball in the aromatic oil of your choice. Then, you need to place the soaked ball strategically in your bathroom.

For example, we like to keep our oil-soaked balls inside the trashcan before putting in a can liner.

Every time we open the can, the entire bathroom is filled with a pleasant aroma.

Another great place to put your oil-soaked cotton ball is inside the hanging toilet paper roll. You can even place it inside the glass, mug, or holder that houses your toothbrush and toothpaste.

Use the Burnt Tissue Hack

Not many people know about the burnt tissue hack, but it actually works!

However, remember to use this hack only when you are low on options and nothing else is working.

Also, do not use this hack if you have children in the house or children coming over.

All you need to do is roll some tissue paper tightly and put it in a glass jar, preferably a mason jar.

Place the jar in a wide, flame-safe container that will catch the burnt pieces of tissue when they fall.

When you are ready to use the bathroom, light the rolled tissue like you’d light a candle. The subtle smoke that will arise from the burning tissue will overpower any foul smells!

If you worry that the smoke might suffocate you, don’t. Unless you end up making a huge roll of burning tissue, the small amount of smoke will not suffocate you.

You can use this hack whenever you use the bathroom, but please remember not to leave the tissue burning once you leave.

Use a Scented Candle

What’s the easiest of all pleasant smell hacks? Lighting a scented candle!

Chesapeake Bay Candle Scented Candle, Balance + Harmony (Water Lily Pear), Medium

Lighting up a candle may seem very cliche, but sometimes it is best to go along with the basics.

To make your bathroom smell good, you can light up a scented candle every time you use the bathroom.

You can also light it when you are not using the bathroom but make sure you keep everything that could catch fire miles away from your candle.

If you do not prefer buying scented candles, you can easily make your own!

Put any unscented candle in a can containing your favorite smell, coffee beans, for example. You will get the fragrance of coffee when you light the candle! Easy, isn’t it?

Remember to Wash Your Shower Curtain

We all clean our bathroom sinks, toilets, and floors, but we forget other essentials like shower curtains!

Shower curtains are the most ignored accessory in a bathroom. We usually forget them while scrubbing and polishing away at other “more important” surfaces.

To get rid of the bad odor in your bathroom, remove your shower curtains every once in a while and wash them.

All you need to do is rinse them out with water and a cleanser. Doing so will help you get rid of the underlying odors that might exist due to constant usage.

If you are too lazy to get your curtains off their hooks, take a disinfectant spray bottle and spray it all over your curtains. Then, let the curtains wash away in the shower.

This will kill germs and help get rid of the smell.

Baking Soda for the Win!

If you ask us about that one household cleaning product that we rely on, our answer will always be baking soda.

Baking soda is a well-known kitchen ingredient that can help you get rid of even the nastiest and strongest smells. It is very strong, so you should avoid using it on its own.

Always incorporate it into your cleaning routine by mixing it with boiling water.

Pour the water and baking soda mixture onto the surfaces you want to clean.

You can use it in the sink, in the toilet, in your tub, on the floor, etc.

Let the mixture sit for a while before you wash it off, and voila! The bad odors will vanish!

Make a Fragrance for Your Toilet Brush

This hack may seem funny, but it is actually very useful, so don’t laugh till you’ve tried it out!

If you think your toilet brush is sentenced to look and smell nasty forever, you are wrong!

Modifying your toilet brush can make your bathroom smell pleasant.

One of the most effective (and top-secret!) hacks that hotel owners use to make their bathrooms smell good is scenting their toilet brushes.

Here’s what you need to do:

After you have used your toilet brush for a bathroom cleaning session, add a few drops of any pleasant-smelling essential aromatic oil to the brush.

Gradually the oil will evaporate and leave a pleasant scent behind.

Clean the Bathroom Cabinets

We have four words for you: Clean. Your. Bathroom. Cabinets.

While we clean the sinks, floors, and toilets, most of us ignore the under-sink and wall cabinets. These cabinets can be the source of the bad smell in your bathroom.

For example, when you shower during winter, your mirrors normally get foggy. This happens because the cold mixes with the heat.

Now what you don’t know is that this can cause mold to develop.

While we remember to clean areas where mold is visible, we often overlook places that mold may form.

So, every time you clean your bathroom, make it a habit to look inside the cabinets and clean them every two weeks.

Disinfect Your Rug

Disinfecting your bathroom rug is a clever hack that works exceptionally well. It gives the rugs in your bathroom a fresh scent right after you have vacuumed them.

Here’s what you need to do:

Before you vacuum your bathroom rug, pour some disinfectant on it. Then spray it with your favorite air freshener.

Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum it as you normally would.

You will notice that after you have vacuumed, the rug will have a pleasant smell that will stay inside the rug and eventually in your bathroom for a long time.

Ventilate Your Bathroom Every Day

While all the hacks above are amazing ways to make your bathroom smell good, the simplest hack of all is the most obvious one! 

It would help if you allowed air to circulate through your bathroom. Ventilating your bathroom is the most natural and healthiest hack of all. It will allow any unpleasant smells to just flow out.

We suggest that you open your bathroom windows every day for fifteen minutes.

Fifteen minutes is enough time to make sure that fresh air comes in without you having to spend a lot of money or time.

By opening your windows for a few minutes each day, you will be able to breathe in better air.

Any bacteria or viruses that may have accumulated in your bathroom will also head out the window!

Proper Towel Management

Damp towels are a major cause of unpleasant bathroom odors. Managing your towels properly can help prevent musty smells and keep your bathroom fresh. Here are some suggestions for proper towel management:

  1. Hang them: After using a towel, make sure to hang it up so it can dry quickly. This prevents the buildup of mold and mildew.
  2. Wash regularly: Ideally, wash your towels every three to four uses. This keeps them clean and free of odors.
  3. Dry outside: If possible, dry your towels outside in the sun; this helps kill any lingering bacteria and gives a fresh scent.
  4. Use dryer sheets: Adding a dryer sheet while you dry your towels can help to infuse them with a pleasant fragrance.

By developing these habits, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a pleasant-smelling bathroom. Remember, it’s the small, consistent actions that make a big difference in keeping your space fresh and inviting.

The Power of Vinegar

White vinegar has strong cleaning and deodorizing properties, making it an excellent choice to neutralize odors in the bathroom. Some effective vinegar uses include:

  • Surface cleaning: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Use this mixture to clean countertops, sinks, and fixtures.
  • Toilet cleaner: Pour one cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and flush for a clean and fresh-smelling toilet.
  • Drain cleaner: Pour one cup of white vinegar down your bathroom drain, followed by hot water after 10 minutes to eliminate odor-causing buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are effective methods to eliminate odors after using the bathroom?

There are several ways to eliminate odors after using the bathroom. Lighting a match or a scented candle can help to neutralize bad smells.

You can also use a bathroom spray or a homemade solution like a mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spraying the bowl before flushing can help minimize unpleasant odors.

How can one maintain a fresh-smelling bathroom even without ventilation from windows?

To maintain a fresh-smelling bathroom without windows, consider using a dehumidifier or an air purifier to reduce humidity and clean the air. You can also place activated charcoal or baking soda in a small container and place it in the bathroom to absorb odors.

Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance, like scrubbing the toilet and shower, can help keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

What essential oils are recommended for keeping the bathroom smelling pleasant?

Several essential oils can help create a pleasant scent in your bathroom. Popular options include lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and tea tree oil.

You can use a diffuser, or simply place a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and place it in a discreet area of your bathroom.

Which scent packets provide a luxurious fragrance for bathrooms?

Scent packets, also known as sachets, can create a luxurious fragrance in your bathroom. High-quality silk or linen sachets filled with natural dried flowers, herbs, and essential oils can provide a long-lasting and pleasant scent. Popular options include lavender, rose, and jasmine.

What are some strategies to ensure a bathroom maintains a nice scent continuously?

To maintain a continuous nice scent in your bathroom:

  • Keep the bathroom clean and well-maintained
  • Use a consistent method of odor control like a diffuser or air purifier
  • Place a few bottles of essential oils or scent packets throughout the space
  • Make sure to replace or refill scent sources regularly to maintain their effectiveness

What are the top products or ingredients for neutralizing unpleasant toilet odors?

Some top products and ingredients for neutralizing toilet odors include white vinegar, baking soda, and activated charcoal. You can also look for products specifically designed for this purpose, such as Odor-Eliminating Toilet Sprays or Toilet Gels.

Additionally, consider using air fresheners, candles, or essential oil diffusers to neutralize odors and create a pleasant atmosphere in your bathroom.

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