How to banish bathroom smells for good – cleaning pros reveal 8 simple tasks they swear by for a 'heavenly' bathroom

There’s nothing worse than walking into your bathroom and being greeted by an unpleasant odor. But bathrooms are high-moisture, high-traffic areas that can easily harbor smells from mildew, mold, and everyday use.

Just as with making your home smell nice, it luckily only takes a few expert-approved home fragrancing strategies to eliminate these odors and create a heavenly-scented and enjoyable sanctuary.

Step 1: Declog the drains

Funky smells often come from clogged or slow drains, where soap scum, hair, and grime build up over time. Regularly cleaning your drains with a mix of baking soda and vinegar, or using a nifty drain snake, available at Walmart, can help keep things flowing and odors at bay.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Bathroom drains are one of the most overlooked sources of foul smells. Many people immediately blame the toilet or musty towels when a bad odor lingers, but more often than not, the real bathroom culprit is lurking down the drain.'

To address this common issue, simply pour a drain cleaner, let it sit for the recommended time, before rinsing with hot water. A mix of baking soda and vinegar is a popular alternative. Natural cleaners may need longer than harsh chemicals but can be just as effective.

Regular cleaning is one of the secrets to having a nice-smelling shower drain, so aim to repeat this process monthly.

Step 2: Clean the trash can

Even with a liner, bathroom trash cans can harbor odors from tissues, hygiene products, and other waste.

Toner says, 'Most people assume that replacing the trash liner is all it takes to keep their bathroom trash can clean. Unfortunately, even with a liner, leaks, spills, and condensation can seep through, allowing bacteria, mold, and odors to build up inside. Over time, those smells get worse – and no amount of fresh liners can cover them up.'

To clean your trash can, begin by emptying and washing with soap and water. Spray with a disinfectant and let dry, before replacing the bag with a fresh one.

Step 3: Tackle the toilet

Toilets are an obvious source of odor, especially around the base where moisture can seep in unnoticed. Regularly clean the toilet – including the bowl, seat, tank and surrounding areas – to eliminate hidden grime.

Cleaning expert Alex Varela, of Denton Maids, says, 'Toilets gather bacteria, mold and urine buildup, so it should be one of the first places you address if you want to banish those bathroom smells for good.

'I favour specialized cleaners for this task. My top tip is it’s always a good idea to let sit for 10 minutes before removing.'

Step 4: Mop the floor

Bathroom floors collect moisture and bacteria, especially in hard-to-reach corners. Cleaning your bathroom floor is often key to banishing bad smells.

Varela says, 'Bathroom floors are another common source of bad odor. I recommend mixing two gallons of hot water, ½ cup of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of dish soap. This is a bit stronger than what I'd normally suggest, but if you're really trying to banish bad bathroom smells, you need a more concentrated floor cleaning solution.

'Scrub with a mop across the floor, and then use a cleaning brush for corners and any stubborn stains you notice.'

Step 5: Clear the air

Proper ventilation is key to preventing odors from sticking around. If your bathroom lacks a fan, shock ventilate by opening a window for five minutes after use, or invest in a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels and keep the air fresh.

Toner says, 'Humidity is one of the biggest contributors to persistent bathroom odors. Damp air creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria to thrive, leading to that unmistakable musty smell.

'A good dehumidifier can help reduce moisture, including drying damp towels faster and reducing mold. Place it in a central location and empty the tank regularly, or set up a continuous drain if possible. Remember to keep bathroom doors closed when using a dehumidifier for maximum effect.'

Step 6: Keep mats and towels dry

Damp towels and bath mats are breeding grounds for mildew and musty smells. Look out for the signs it's time to replace your towels, including loss of absorbency.

Steven Ip, founder of Cleanzen Boston Cleaning Services, says, 'To keep your bathroom smelling fresh, start by keeping towels and bath mats dry and clean. Damp fabrics trap odors, so swap out hand and body towels daily and wash them weekly.

'Having extra sets makes this easy, especially quick-dry towels, and hanging them properly helps them dry faster.'

Step 7: Stave off shower mold

Mold loves the warm, damp environment of your shower. Clean tiles and grout, and shower curtains regularly with a mold-fighting cleaner, and keep the area dry by using a squeegee after each use. The latter will help keep mineral build-up to a minimum.

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'Cleaning your shower tiles and curtains is key to banishing bad bathroom smells, because it's all too easy for mold to start growing on dirty, moist surfaces.

'Mold and mildew spray is the best solution here, though if you prefer a cheaper alternative you can mix one cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse and allow to air dry. If you have fabric curtains, replace bleach with hydrogen peroxide.'

Step 8: Unleash odor-eaters

Odor-absorbing products such as baking soda, lemon, vinegar, and activated charcoal can help neutralize smells. Here's how they work, and how to use them:

Baking soda: Lina DaSilva, founder of Toronto Shine Cleaning, says, 'The first easy way I recommend to banish bathroom smells is using baking soda, which will absorb the odor rather than just masking it. For example, you can sprinkle a cup down the drain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush it with hot water. I recommend Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, available at Walmart, because it's affordable, natural, and highly absorbent.'

Lemon: Wells Ye, founder of Fresh Tech Maid, says, 'Lemon is an all-powerful natural remedy to clean stubborn stains and eliminate smell. The best part is it's a chemical-free option you can usually find chilling in your pantry.

'Simply cut a lemon in half and place the slices near the toilet or sink. You can also polish all the hardware in your bathroom with lemon juice to achieve a pristine, sparkling finish!'

Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and a powerful home cleaner. It works not only on bad smells but also on stubborn stains. Ye says, 'Since it's acidic, vinegar easily breaks down any kind of grease and hard water stains. Just take care to not use it on stone or wood, as it will damage the surface.

'To use in your bathroom, mix 4 parts of vinegar with one part salt! You now have a very powerful stain remover you can use to scrub faucets, showerheads, and other surfaces where hard water stains reside.'

Ye recommends Curecor Totally Awesome Cleaning Vinegar from Amazon for its power. He adds, 'You can also clean shower doors with a white vinegar-soaked sponge. Air dry it afterward to get a clean finish.'

Activated charcoal: DaSilva says, 'One last way to banish bad bathroom smells is with activated charcoal, which traps odors and keeps the air fresh. Try placing a few activated charcoal bags in the corner, near the toilet, or inside cabinets. For best results, replace them every 4-8 weeks.'

FAQs

Why does my bathroom still smell bad, even after cleaning?

Persistent odors could be due to hidden mold, clogged drains, or poor ventilation. Check for mold behind walls or under floors, and ensure your bathroom has adequate airflow to reduce moisture buildup. Also, inspect less obvious sources like the toilet base or sink overflow holes.

How often should I deep clean by bathroom to prevent odors?

It’s best to deep clean your bathroom at least once a week, focusing on high-moisture areas like the shower, toilet, and sink. Regular maintenance, like wiping down surfaces and airing out the space daily, can help prevent odors from developing between deep cleans. Our guide on 'How often should you clean your shower?' contains more top tips.

How can I keep my bathroom smelling fresh between deep cleans?

To maintain a fresh scent, use natural air fresheners like essential oil diffusers or baking soda to absorb odors. Keeping the bathroom ventilated by running an exhaust fan or opening windows helps prevent stale air buildup. Regularly wipe down surfaces, empty the trash, and wash towels to minimize lingering smells. Adding plants like eucalyptus can also contribute to a cleaner, fresher atmosphere.

So there you have it – eight ways to banish bathroom smells for good. With these expert-approved steps, you can keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean year-round.

Next, check out these things that make your home smell good all the time.