How to Keep the Bathroom Smelling Fresh

Natasha Bruce-Carline
How to Keep the Bathroom Smelling Fresh
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Working out how to keep the bathroom smelling fresh is both banal and important, right? It’s so basic and boring, but the second the bathroom starts to smell a bit off, you wish you’d kept more on top of it! In this article, we’ll give you a few basic check points to keep stinks away, but then take your scent landscape to the spa level with fragrance oils, essential oils, and some good old aromatherapy. 

Let’s start with the core problems. First of all, you may have noticed that bathrooms smell worse in the cold.

Why Bathroom Odors Worsen in Winter

Why Bathroom Odors Worsen in Winter

There are three main factors to consider to keep bathrooms smelling fresh in colder months. 

Humidity

This is a basic problem of cold outside, warm inside. Combine this with poor ventilation, because windows tend not to be opened as much as in summer, and humidity leads to problems with mildew and black mold. 

Drains, Pipes & Toilets

High humidity can also cause waste pipes to condense and smell stronger than normal.  Drain buildup can also be an issue, and the heavier the products you are using and throwing away, the more this buildup accrues. Personally, I find I need to use more of the denser oil-based products in the winter to keep my skin looking good. Likewise, I use colloidal oatmeal to combat the winter itch. All these things add to the incremental buildup in the water pipes and drainage.

Toilet tanks can smell fusty at any time of the year, which then means the water in them can smell a little off, too. 

Start with Deep Cleaning & Odor Removal

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how to keep the bathroom smelling fresh with pretty smells, we need to get rid of the background stench. 

Fix Musty Smells at the Source

Have a good look… and a sniff, around the bathroom. Not all stinky issues are immediately noticeable, so use your nose as well as your eyes. 

Check your entire bathroom for the following:

    • Are there any signs of mildew on your shower curtain?
    • How does your grout look? Any signs of built-up grime or mildew there to tackle? 
    • Look around the bathroom sink area, including behind and under the sink itself, for any hidden areas of mildew or water deposits attracting dirt. 
    • Can you see corners starting to mildew, especially near the ceiling?
    • Is your bath mat harboring mold underneath?

If you can keep on top of issues like these, it will help you reduce odors in your bathroom. 

Start by:

    1. Have a really good deep scrub of dirt and grime caused by hard water buildup.
    2. Remove unpleasant odors from drains with baking soda (or bleach if it is really bad). 
    3. Wipe down fixtures, surfaces, walls, and ceiling with white vinegar, baking soda, or gentle detergent,, or a mix of all three! 
    4. Replace damp, musty-smelling sponges, face cloths, towels, and bath mats.  
    5. Keep on top of simple daily bathroom cleaning/ Do the daily basics with natural ingredients and essential oils for a spa-like effect.
    6. For particularly damp and musty bathrooms, consider a dehumidifier.

Fight Toilet Odors Effectively

When you end up with a whiffy loo, you can be left scratching your head, wondering how to make your toilet smell good. There are some really simple and DIY solutions. 

My top tip for getting to the bottom of how to get rid of toilet smell and toilet tank smells? 

Look no further than baking soda!

Not only does it deodorize, but it neutralizes scent molecules to get rid of them completely.

Simply drop a couple of tablespoons into your cleaned toilet tank. 

A great smelly toilet remedy is to give it a good clean over with white vinegar and/or baking soda. Both of these are really fantastic natural cleaning solutions. Give the whole toilet a really good scrub, then wipe it down well.

Use bleach for deep-sanitizing really grubby or stinky toilets, but where possible, I try to think of the environment and stick to natural solutions. Simple solutions like white vinegar laced with essential oils containing antibacterial constituents like Lemon Eucalyptus and Tea Tree are great as a gentler, more regular toilet cleaning solution. When you are using these more natural products, obviously, getting rid of toilet odor means little and often. Don’t leave too long between applications.

If your toilet water still smells after treatment, then it might pay to check the original water source. This is especially the case if your water comes from a rainwater tank.  

Remove Drain & Pipe Odors

Bathroom pipes and drains deal with all manner of whiffy pongs that we’d probably rather not think about! Carrying waste from sinks, showers, baths, and the toilet, I guess it’s no wonder that the drains sometimes smell, too.

Simple warm water flushes can be useful for drains that have had to process a lot of oil-based shower and bath products. I tend to use water that has been off the boil for about five minutes. 

If that does not work, try mixing the neutralizing qualities of Baking Soda with the deodorizing nature of White Vinegar. The chemical process that takes place when you mix these is like a fizzing energy that’s really great for shifting gunk. Ideally, you’ll want it to sit in the pipes for a few minutes, so it has time to work before rinsing down with a good glug of warm water.

Incidentally, you know all those essential oils that you didn’t quite use up before the end of their shelf life? They are absolutely fantastic for this. Oxidised citrus oils, in particular. You won’t want to use them on your skin anymore because of the risk of skin sensitization, but they are absolutely brilliant to clean the sink with, etc. 

Just be careful putting them directly into the toilet water. Oil and water don’t mix, a nd you’ll have a lovely oil slick in there to deal with next time!

Good Ventilation Is Essential for a Fresh Bathroom

Good Ventilation Is Essential for a Fresh Bathroom

Ventilation is your best friend in steamy, warm, and damp bathrooms. You want to get as much ventilation as you possibly can, especially in the cold, winter months. 

Run The Fan

If you have a bathroom fan, run it during and for about 10 minutes after your shower. When running a bath, start it a few minutes before you turn the water on and turn it off once you have drained the bath water. 

Open A Window

Throw windows open where you can. This is especially important in winter with steam buildup, which leads to condensation and even mildew. However, I am first to appreciate that you don’t want to have a bath in a cold bathroom, so fling open the window after for an hour. 

Wipe Away Residual Condensation

Even with an open window, I find the condensation can still be there the next morning. Simply take a cloth and wipe it away to help prevent musty smells and mildew, or mold, from developing, as these can contribute to bad odors in your bathroom.

Super Fast Fixes for Bathroom Odor Emergencies

Do you need something that is going to work in a heartbeat to deal with mustiness and less-than-appealing bathroom odors?

Unexpected and Early Guests

Unexpected and Early Guests

Have guests just announced they are on their way, an hour early? Personally, I think it is just selfish, don’t they realise I shall be cleaning literally right up until the minute they said they would arrive. Tsk! Panic not. 

Do these:

    1. Open the window wide for a few minutes to bring in clean, fresh air and ventilate. 
    2. Chuck any damp towels in the laundry hamper and replace them with fresh, new, fluffy towels.
    3. Quickly wipe the bath, sink, and shower down with white vinegar with a few added drops of clean and refreshing essential oils, like Eucalyptus, Lemon, and Lavender. 
    4. Chuck a load of baking soda down the loo and give it a really good scrub with a loo brush. Leave it for 10 minutes to get to work neutralising odors, and then add a cup of vinegar to create a fizzing reaction, and then flush.
    5. Set a diffuser on the go or light a scented candle with a strong fragrance like NO. 4600 Candle - Inspired by: Eden Sparkling Lychee (Women) by Kayal.

Unexpected Needs

If you are anything like me, who is extremely private about one's ablutions, the idea of having to go while you have guests is nothing short of a horror story. I mean, god forbid anyone should know! 😱

I know I am not alone either, one of the most searched terms relating to bathrooms is, ‘How to make your bathroom smell good after pooping’. We all seem to want to hide the evidence and leave a more fragrant waft in our wake.

Trust me, I’m a pro at doing this discreetly and elegantly! 

Flush the loo and then throw a handful of baking soda down the loo. I keep it in the cupboard next to the loo for this reason. I also infuse mine ready with a blend of fresh and strong herbal essential oils like Rosemary, Thyme, and Lavender.  Give it a minute to neutralise the odors, go wash your hands, and check your makeup! Then…. Flush the loo again.

You could also use a spray bottle of surface cleanser made with essential oils and white vinegar, but vinegar only deodorizes smells rather than neutralizes them like baking soda.

Once you have flushed, by all means drop a couple of drops of essential oil into the pan or set a quick diffuser blend going. I have a wax melt burner on top of my loo that I use. 

If you have a reed diffuser, simply flip the reeds. You could also light a scented candle with a deeper and more resinous aroma like NO. 3129 Candle - Inspired by: Violet Blonde by Tom Ford. Or simply spritz your favourite homemade room spray.

And voilá, none would ever know! 

Tash’s Folklore: It is always said to remove the more sulfurous aromas from the bathroom to strike a match, blow it out, and fill the air with the smoky tendrils left behind

Natural Ways to Make Your Bathroom Smell Good

Lucky for you,  I have plenty of quick, simple ideas for all those of you who are wondering how to keep bathrooms smelling fresh, clean, and inviting. Rather than providing detailed recipes here, I will link you to previous articles and give you specific blends you can try to make your bathroom smell nice and fresh. 

Surface Cleansers and Cleaning Products

Over the years, I have made a massive shift away from using commercial cleaning products and making my own range from natural ingredients. I use the myriad of chemical constituents and properties of essential oils to bust microbes and bacteria in their tracks. Ingredients, like baking soda, are often much better at neutralizing odors than commercial offerings. 

Find out how to make your own natural cleaners with essential oils:

On The Spot Fragrance 

If you want to know how to make your bathroom smell good with essential oils, look no further! I have a whole range of simple ideas for how to make your bathroom smell amazing.

Diffusers & Reed Diffusers

Diffusers & Reed Diffusers

These days, you can buy all different types of diffusers, from those you plug in to your HVAC or wall, to simple candle aromatherapy or reed diffusers. You can use all of these to make your bathroom smell fresher, cleaner, and welcoming. 

Reed Diffusers

Reed diffusers give you a long-lasting aroma and are easy to refresh; simply flip the reeds every so often. You can refill the bottle many times and simply replace the reeds when they look a bit gummy! 

Read How To Make Reed Diffusers With Fragrance Oils & Essential Oils and try this simple blend of essential oils with 100ml of Reed Diffuser Base.

Safety: Not for topical use & do not diffuse in a home where cats are present.

Don’t forget, if you don’t want to go to the trouble of making your own, every VINEVIDA fragrance oil has a reed diffuser to match. Simply add one to your basket! Shop now.

Aromatherapy and CAD Diffusers

You have such a range of choice with VINEVIDA essential and fragrance oils for scenting your bathroom. Just a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil into a diffuser daily will give you a fresher and more welcoming ambiance.

For seasonal scent, try the Frozen Forest essential oil blend from 7 DIY Christmas Essential Oil Blends for a Festive Scentscape. 

Using fragrance oils, why not choose clean and refreshing blends from the Frozen Landscape or Evergreen & Crisp sections of Christmas Diffuser Blends: Fill Your Home with Holiday Cheer and Festive Aromas.

I like this blend of both essential oils and fragrance oils straight into my diffuser:

Safety: Not for topical use & do not diffuse in a home where cats are present.

Just remember, if you are using a Cold Air Diffuser (CAD) to choose from the Diffuser range of fragrance oils, and for an aromatherapy diffuser, choose from the Soaps & Candles range. Use the right type of fragrance oil for your diffuser. 

Scented Candles

If you are having a party or a gathering, it can be nice to have a scented candle lit in the bathroom. Please be sure to follow basic candle safety, as you will be breaking the cardinal rule of leaving it unattended at times, so make sure it is on a fireproof plate. 

Fancy making your own? Check out How to Make Scented Candles 

VINEVIDA has launched a brand new range of scented candles, and I think these would be perfect choices for a fresh-smelling bathroom that is warm, inviting, and welcoming. 

Look out for the best spa-like scents that have accords of Eucalyptus, Lavender, Geranium, and fresh linen and cotton aromas.

Simple DIY Remedies

Simple DIY Remedies

You don’t always need a product as such to keep your bathroom smelling fresh; there are lots of simple solutions you can try out, too.

Add a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil to a cotton wool ball or pad and place it behind the toilet or the vanity unit. Air flow helps, so maybe attach one to the back of the door for a wonderful waft of glorious fragrance every time the door opens and closes.

Grab an organza bag and add a cotton wool ball into it, and drip in 10 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium Roseum X Asperum). Because the oil is undiluted, you don’t want to handle it and get the oil on your skin. Simply hang it out of reach of children and curious pets, in a position with plenty of airflow. 

If you have a radiator and it is safe to do so, you could place a bowl of hot water laced with a few drops of essential oils to diffuse into the space over a few hours.  Try a blend of 3 drops of Dwarf Pine (Pinus Mugo Turra) and 3 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) essential oils. Again, placed out of reach of children and pets.  

One of the easiest festive solutions is to place bowls of natural potpourri in the bathroom. Make sure they are rich with festive spices, dried pine needles, and dried slices of citrus. You can always refresh this with a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil.

Long-Term Habits for a Bathroom That Always Smells Fresh

Use these natural cleaning tips to make your bathroom smell clean and welcoming. They will help you maintain a refreshing and invigorating feel year-round, and you will never have to worry about musty smells and unexpected guests ever again. Here are quick and easy steps that go a long way:

    • Wash your towels and bathmats regularly
    • Do a thorough deep clean every week with baking soda and white vinegar
    • Use your bathroom fan or open a window for better ventilation
    • Always wipe down with white vinegar and dry surfaces after showers
    • Replace your sponges and face cloths regularly
    • Maintain the cleanliness of your pipes and drains using baking soda
    • Create your own blend of essential oils and or fragrance oils to suit your needs
    • Use scent layering techniques with diffusers, cleaning products, and laundry detergents

Add in reed diffusers, potpourri, and a wax melt burner for on-the-spot fragrance

The Final Word On How To Keep Your Bathroom Smelling Fresh & Clean

The Final Word On How To Keep Your Bathroom Smelling Fresh & Clean

Learning why odors linger at this time of the year and how we can help reduce them is key to winning the battle against fusty and musty smells.  

Understanding that humidity and condensation compound the issue at this time of the year, and that we have to be more on top of these things than at other times of the year.

Deep cleaning the right spot, like toilet tanks and pipes, and drains, goes a long way to actually eliminating the musty-smelling hot spots. White Vinegar will help deodorise nasty smells, but baking soda actually neutralizes pesky odors for you. 

Ventilation is your best friend, so turn on the fan, open the window, and always wipe down any condensation. 

Use natural cleaning methods and essential oils to make your own home cleaning products like surface cleansers, floor washes, and laundry detergents. You can use these for scent layering alongside diffuser blends, reed diffusers, wax melts, and room sprays.  

Go for easy solutions like a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil on a cotton wool ball or in a bowl of warm water. 

Set yourself up for success and leave easy supplies in your bathroom for when you need those super-fast fixes for unexpected guests. 

VINEVIDA offers an enormous range of exciting essential oils and fragrance oils to help you in your quest to keep your bathroom smelling fresh, clean, and inviting. 

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