Bathroom odors can be stubborn, with toxic sprays and candles simply masking the stink, rather than getting rid of it. The trick, experts say, is to find natural solutions to absorb and neutralize the odor at the source.
Surprisingly, that solution may be sitting in your pantry – and no, it's not baking soda, it's rice!
This easy, affordable hack is perfect for a fresh-smelling bathroom without added harsh chemicals.
Using rice to battle bathroom smells
While banishing bathroom smells for good comes down to a mix of good cleaning tips and proper drain management, the best natural deodorizers certainly help.
Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO at Cleaning Express, explains, 'This hack is decent enough because rice is absorbent. It’ll happily suck up smells as it absorbs moisture from their air.
'The addition of some essential oil is a good tip because then the rice itself will give out a pleasant smell to mask any nasty odors it’s also absorbing.'
The one caveat to this trick is that it works best in small bathrooms.
This trick works best in smaller spaces.
To try this trick, Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare, recommends, 'Put the rice in a breathable container, such as a mason jar [from Walmart] with holes in the lid or a fabric sachet [from Amazon].
'Use a cup of rice [from Walmart] and five to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil, depending on how strong the essential oil scent is. You will want to refresh the essential oil every one to two weeks and replace the rice every month or so.'
This essential oil set from Walmart is ideal, offering you plenty of choice to help customize your bathroom fragrance and develop a signature scent.
What to shop
Rice can also be used to make scented sachets to add to home storage for fresh fragrance throughout your home.
This starter kit includes lavender, tea tree, rosemary, orange, lemon, eucalyptus, lemongrass and peppermint oils.
This hack doesn't have to stick out on your counter. Conceal the rice in a decorative vase to keep your bathroom scheme neat.
Method's bathroom cleaner breaks down grease and grime without the strong smell of chemicals lingering afterwards. They are a personal favorite for freshening up the space at the end of each week.
Microfiber cloths are machine washable, meaning you can reuse them for years with proper care. Simply wash after use on a warm water cycle and gentle detergent (skip the softener) to sanitize.
Tide detergent is tough on stains and odors, promising to remove 99% of common stains even on a cold water cycle. Use it to freshen up towels and bath mats every few days to fend off musty odors.
FAQs
Why does my bathroom smell even when it's clean?
More often than not, this is coming from your pipes or drains. Dirty or partially clogged drains can emit musty odors, especially as hair and oils from soaps collect. Using a quality drain cleaner such as Drano Max Gel, from Walmart, can help break through these for fresher drains.
Alternatively, leaking pipes can cause musty odors behind fittings and inside cabinets. They can also result in mold, so it is important to investigate thoroughly and call in an expert for any necessary repairs.
If it's a guest bathroom that's causing a pong, check that the water in the traps hasn't evaporated, as that is what usually blocks drain odors from rising. Simply run the shower and taps for a few minutes and flush the toilet to reseal.
Meet the experts
Michael Bogoyavlenskiy is an expert in professional cleaning, and is currently the director of Cleaning Express, a cleaning company specializing in quality cleans for domestic and commercial clients.
Scott is a cleaning expert at CottageCare, which is a leading home cleaning company with over 41 locations nationwide. He's a big believer in using eco-friendly cleaning solutions like baking soda.
Tackling odors at the source is the best way to keep stagnant odors at bay, rather than relying on absorbing them or covering them up.
Unlocking the secret to a nice-smelling shower drain, for instance, could be the answer to lingering smells full stop.
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