We all dream of a home that smells as fresh as a boutique hotel. But even if you’re cleaning regularly and using air fresheners, stubborn odours can linger. Cooking smells might stick in the kitchen for days, musty odours can spread through bedrooms, and worst of all… unpleasant bathroom smells often greet you the second you walk in.
The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to keep your bathroom smelling fresh. Below are 10 proven ways to eliminate bathroom odours and prevent them from returning.
1. Make use of lemons
Thanks to their acidity, lemons are natural cleaning powerhouses. Lemon juice cuts through limescale and leaves behind a refreshing citrus scent, making it a great eco-friendly bathroom deodoriser.
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- Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on taps to remove limescale.
- Use the juice on a microfibre cloth and wrap it around fixtures.
- Mix a few tablespoons with water in a spray bottle to clean shower doors.
Avoid using lemon juice on plated finishes (like gold taps), as it may cause damage.
2. Open windows, doors and vents
One of the simplest ways to prevent bad bathroom smells is to improve airflow. Open windows and doors after showering to remove excess moisture, which causes mould and mildew.
If your bathroom has an extractor fan, switch it on while showering — and set a reminder to turn it off afterwards to avoid wasting energy.
3. Clean under and around the toilet
Bad bathroom odours often come from overlooked areas around the toilet. Residual urine can collect on floors and walls, especially in homes with young children.
- Use a floor cleaner and a long-handled cleaning brush to reach underneath.
- Wash toilet mats weekly on a hot cycle.
- Check nearby walls for hidden splashes.
This small step makes a big difference to bathroom freshness.
4. Eliminate musty smells
If your bathroom smells damp, mould and mildew are usually the cause.
- Wash shower curtains and bathmats regularly with biological detergent.
- Treat mould spots with a diluted bleach solution (rinse thoroughly).
- Dry towels fully before putting them in the laundry basket.
5. Toilet drops or spray
To eliminate the smell that no one wants to smell, toilet drops or spray can come to the rescue. You simply apply these to the toilet water before or after using the bathroom, and the fragrance helps mask any lingering odours. An example of this would be Poo-Pourri Before You Go Toilet Spray or Purdy and Figg Oh! de Loo.
There’s also the option to apply toilet blocks with added fragrances, such as Bloo Power Active Toilet Rim Block. These can help descale your toilet and leave you with a pleasant fragrance with each flush.
6. Diffusers, candles or air fresheners
From reed diffusers to automatic sprays, these products add a constant layer of fragrance to your bathroom. If you dislike disposable air fresheners, opt for refillable or battery-operated options for a cleaner look, such as Glade Automatic Spray.
7. Upgrade the litter box
We all love our cats, but their litter boxes not so much! These can quickly build up an unpleasant smell and with many being situated in the bathroom, they too can contribute to overall aroma. But, there are ways to keep these smells in check, and keep our cats happy at the same time.
First of all, if you’ve got an open litter box, upgrading to a hooded design with a door can help contain any smells. If you can find one with an included carbon filter, such as this Catit Style Hooded Cat Pan, that can help to deodorise too. Just remember to check it regularly to keep it clean.
Not all cats will want to use this style of little box, but there are other options. Scented cat litters are widely available which will mask the scent, but experts recommend steering clear of these.
"There is a risk that if cats dislike the smell of the scented cat litter or fresheners they may start to avoid using their litter tray," says PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick. "This can lead to toileting outside of the litter tray, which can be a difficult habit to solve.
"Just like other scented products around the home, if a cat suffers from asthma or other breathing problems, scented cat litters can irritate their airways further. Therefore we would advise avoiding such products for cats suffering from these conditions."
Unscented options with odour control claims are available instead, such as Ever Clean Clumping Cat Litter. These use unscented methods, such as activated carbon or bicarbonate of soda, to help deodorise. There’s also food which claims to reduce the smell too; I myself use Royal Canin Feline Indoor Appetite Control Dry Cat Food.
If you use a clumping cat litter, you could go all out and opt for an automatic self-emptying litter box, such as PETKIT Self Cleaning Cat Litter Tray, although this would need access to a power source. This senses when your cat has used the tray and automatically collects any residue, saving you the work and the smell.
Above all, clean out your cat's litter box regularly to keep on top of smells here.
8. Bicarbonate of soda
Baking soda naturally absorbs bad smells. Place an open bowl in your bathroom, or opt for ready-made products like Neutradol Gel Power Orbs.
9. Empty and clean bins
Bathroom bins can quickly become smelly thanks to makeup wipes, tissues, or sanitary products. Empty them regularly and wipe down with multipurpose cleaner. Let the bin dry fully before replacing the liner. Scented bin bags can help keep it fresher for longer.
10. Deodorise drains
If you notice a sulphur-like smell (similar to rotten eggs), your drains may be to blame.
- Pour 125g baking soda followed by 125ml vinegar down the drain.
- Let the fizzing reaction break down residue, then flush with hot water.
- Repeat monthly to keep drains fresh.
For stubborn clogs, use a plunger, drain auger, or a specialist drain unblocker.
Toilet cleaning kit
Maryton Pumice Stone with Handle, Pack of 2
