How to Eliminate Bathroom Smells Quickly?

A bathroom with unpleasant odours not only feels disgusting but also causes serious health issues. There are tons of tricks to make your bathroom smell good for the entire day, but you need something that is practical, affordable, and effective.

After testing tons of tips to keep my home fresh and clean, I’ve put together a simple list of bathroom hacks that’ll make your space smell just like a spa.

Hacks to Make Your Bathroom Smell Good Using Simple Items

It all starts with deep cleaning a bathroom. Then comes the scents and luxurious upgrades. Let’s look at it in detail.

1. Quick Fixes for Immediate Freshness

Here are the quick hacks to make the toilet smell good:

• Essential Oils: Just dab a few drops of spearmint or your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and toss it in the trash can or behind the toilet. Instant freshness!
• Soap/Shampoo: Squeeze a little liquid soap or even some shampoo into the toilet while it flushes.
• Bamboo Charcoal: You can grab a small bag of activated bamboo charcoal and leave it somewhere out of sight (like under the sink).
• Baking Soda Solution: Baking soda is an old-school reliable. Use it in a corner or sprinkle a bit in the trash can. It starts absorbing odors right away.

2. Deep Cleaning the Bathroom

Target the source of the odour. It can be the sink, trash can, toilet, stained walls, etc.

The following are the practical hacks:

• Actinobacterial Cleaner: Spray the actinobacterial cleaner generously on the surface of the sink and bathtub. Scrub with a non-abrasive brush or sponge.
• Enzymatic Cleaner: Use an enzymatic cleaner under the rim and inside the bowl of the toilet. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
• Clean the Taps and Pipes: Faucets might have fungus deposited on them. Wrap them with a cloth soaked in actinobacterial cleaner, wait 20 mins, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
• Clean the Floors: Wipe the floors and focus on hard-to-reach corners where mold thrives.
• Commercial Sprays: If you have textured walls in the bathroom, use commercial sprays, soap mixture, or probiotic cleaner.

Also Read: How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom Sink

3. Ventilation and Air Circulation

Bathrooms are damp and remain closed. You need to get dehumidifiers or exhaust fans to make the space fresh.

Here are some alternative options as well:

• Leave the door open for half an hour at least after taking a shower.
• Take the trash out daily to avoid developing odour.
• Never leave the moist, dirty pile of clothes in the bathroom.

Lastly, the obvious one: Open the windows for free airflow in the bathroom.

4. Scent Enhancers

Your bathroom’s clean and well-ventilated—but that spa vibe? It needs a little extra. Even after scrubbing, subtle odors can linger, so adding gentle scents helps fill the gap and keeps things feeling fresh and luxe.

• Use odor-neutralizing agents like activated charcoal, baking soda, or essential oils (tea tree, lemongrass, etc.).
• Place scent enhancers near drains, trash cans, or damp corners.
• Use scented cleaners (citrus-based sprays) to leave behind a fresh smell after scrubbing surfaces.
• Scented candles, wax melts, or plug-in diffusers are also a great option.

5. Luxurious Upgrades for a Spa-Like Experience

After completing all the steps, your bathroom needs just the last touch-ups for a hotel-like appearance.

Interior designer Emily Henderson, author of the NY Times bestseller STYLED, once renovated a bathroom by placing mirrors right on the windows. It might sound a little unusual, but it was a smart space-saving trick—combining the vanity, natural light, and mirrors all in one. It made the bathroom dreamy and aesthetic.

If you don’t have that much of a budget, the following are some affordable options to elevate your bathroom look:

• Invest in Turkish cotton or bamboo towels. Roll them neatly on shelves or in baskets for a hotel vibe.
• Swap basic mats for a memory foam bath mat.
• Use flameless LED candles or inexpensive soy candles in calming scents.
• Add a few drops of eucalyptus, chamomile, or jasmine oil to a diffuser for aromatherapy.
• Use woven baskets for rolled towels and glass jars for cotton balls or bath salts.

Finally, How to Make a Toilet Smell Good Naturally?

Keep your toilet fresh naturally by sprinkling baking soda in the bowl weekly and adding white vinegar once a month. Place lemon oil-soaked cotton balls or activated charcoal nearby to absorb smells. For a quick refresh, spray a mix of water, vinegar, and tea tree oil around the seat.