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How to Make Your Bathroom Smell Good

Maintaining a fresh-smelling bathroom doesn’t have to be challenging. With some routine upkeep and a few strategic additions, you can transform your bathroom into a consistently pleasant space.

Here are some effective tips to help you keep your bathroom smelling great:

1. Clean Regularly

how to make your bathroom smell good
Desiree Burns Interiors

Bathrooms can so easily swing on the pendulum from “spa-like retreat” to “smelly, dirty, and damp,” sometimes seemingly overnight. But bad smells in the bathroom are not inevitable.

By keeping your bathroom clean, keeping up with a few chores, and adding some scent-boosters to your space, keeping your bathroom smelling great really isn’t so hard after all.

Continue reading to find out some of our favorite tips to make your bathroom smell good.

Clean When You Can

how to make bathroom smell good clean regularly
Cathie Hong Interiors

The best way to prevent odors is by keeping your bathroom clean. Regular cleaning tasks, such as wiping down surfaces and scrubbing the toilet, can significantly reduce unpleasant smells.

Simple actions like wiping the sink every other day or regularly washing bathmats and towels can make a big difference.

2. Add a Small Diffuser

A diffuser is a compact device that releases pleasant scents into the air, often through essential oils.

Its small size makes it perfect for bathrooms, where it can enhance the atmosphere by filling the space with a calming aroma.

You can place a diffuser on a countertop or shelf for a spa-like ambiance. However, be mindful if you have pets, as some essential oils can be harmful to animals.

3. Use Scent Packets for Long-Lasting Fragrance

how to make bathroom smell good scent packets
Casa Watkins Living

For a continuous, pleasant aroma in your bathroom, consider placing scent packets. These are small pouches filled with fragranced beads or potpourri mixtures.

They’re easy to place around your bathroom and don’t require plugs or oils.

Scent packets can last up to nine months, making them a simple, low-maintenance option for maintaining freshness.

4. Manage Damp Towels

Damp towels are a major cause of unpleasant odors. To prevent mildew, never leave wet towels on the floor or folded while still damp.

Instead, hang them up to dry and ensure they’re completely dry before folding.

Regular washing is key, with experts like the Cleveland Clinic recommending a wash at least once a week to maintain freshness.

5. Use Fragrant Soaps

how to make bathroom smell good fragrant soap
Cathie Hong Interiors

Enhance your bathroom’s aroma by using your favorite fragrant soaps, body washes, or bath bombs.

These products can add a subtle yet delightful scent to the air, making your bathroom smell fresh after each use.

Scents like rose, lavender, or citrus can give your bathroom a spa-like feel.

6. Ventilate the Space

Proper ventilation is crucial in keeping your bathroom fresh. After a shower or bath, make sure to open windows (if available) or run a bathroom fan for 10-15 minutes.

This allows excess moisture to escape, preventing the buildup of mildew and musty odors.

Ventilation not only removes moisture but also brings in fresh air, keeping your bathroom smelling clean and inviting.

7. Odor and Moisture Absorbers

how to make bathroom smell good
Anne Sage

Enhance your bathroom’s freshness and combat moisture issues simultaneously by using an odor and moisture absorber.

These compact, affordable devices, often available at dollar stores, utilize charcoal beads to absorb excess moisture and neutralize odors.

Although they may not be the most visually appealing solution, they are highly effective for bathrooms that need extra freshness.

To maintain aesthetics, consider hiding them behind a basket or tray on your vanity or the top of your toilet.

8. Incorporating Herbs

Adding natural greenery can significantly elevate your bathroom’s scent.

For those with a window, planting aromatic herbs such as lavender or mint nearby can keep the air fresh.

Alternatively, a bouquet of dried herbs in a vase offers a sophisticated touch to your vanity. For a luxurious experience, hang a bundle of dried eucalyptus under your showerhead to enjoy an invigorating, spa-like fragrance during your shower.

9. Managing Trash Odor

how to make your bathroom smell good stinky places
Stephanie Hoey Interiors

Trash bins can be a hidden source of unpleasant smells in the bathroom. Combat this by regularly emptying the trash, even if it’s not completely full.

Lingering trash often contributes to odors. After you take out the trash, try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the bottom of the bin or inside the new trash bag.

This simple step can help release a refreshing scent every time the bin is opened.

FAQs

What is the Best Scent for a Bathroom?

The best scent for your bathroom depends on your personal preferences, but popular choices include lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus.

Lavender provides a calming atmosphere and helps mask unpleasant odors. Citrus offers a refreshing, energizing scent, while eucalyptus has antibacterial properties and can clear your sinuses.

These three scents are all excellent options to create a fresh and inviting bathroom space.

How Do I Keep My Toilet Smelling Fresh?

Maintaining a fresh-smelling toilet can be a challenge, but regular cleaning is key.

Use a good toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl and the area under the rim, and consider scrubbing the pipe that connects the bowl to the sewer line to remove any odor-causing buildup.

Additionally, you can use a toilet deodorizer or air freshener. Another trick is adding detergent powder or fabric softener to the cistern, so each flush releases a pleasant scent into the air.

How Do I Make My Own Bathroom Air Freshener?

If you prefer a natural air freshener, you can easily make your own at home. One method is to simmer spices like cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel in water on the stove.

The aromatic steam will help eliminate odors. Another option is to mix essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil. Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or humidifier to refresh the room.

Alternatively, you can make a spray by combining 1 cup of water, ¼ cup of witch hazel, and 7 drops each of lemon and lavender essential oils. Shake the bottle well before each use to enjoy a fresh scent.

Can You Put Essential Oils in a Toilet?

While adding a few drops of essential oil to your toilet tank can temporarily create a pleasant scent, it’s not a long-lasting solution.

The scent dissipates once the water flushes away. Additionally, using too much oil could contribute to clogging, so this method should only be used occasionally for a quick refresh.

Which is Better: Diffuser or Humidifier?

Diffusers and humidifiers both have their benefits, but they serve different purposes. Humidifiers are more effective at adding moisture to the air because they generate water vapor, which helps improve air humidity.

Diffusers, on the other hand, are designed to disperse essential oils but aren’t as effective at humidifying. If you’re looking to add moisture to the air, a humidifier is a better option.

For scent dispersion, a diffuser may be sufficient. Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you need more humidity or just a pleasant aroma in your space.