It’s only natural for the bathroom to be a smelly room – it can’t be helped! But, if you have smells in there around the clock and it’s not what you’d expect (ie musty or eggy), odds are there’s something else going on here.
Because of all the moisture and bacteria growth in this space, it’s easy for stubborn smells to develop – ones which you can’t seemingly remove or even locate. That’s why we’ve rounded up the usual smelly suspects and how to deal with each of them. So you can finally claim back this space and breathe easy once again.
1. Blocked drains
We’re kicking off with drains. Whether it’s in the shower or your sink, hair and soap scum can catch and clog in your pipes, producing pungent odours. Depending on how much hair you lose as well as the products you use (bar soap causes blockages more quickly than liquids), this problem can escalate quickly, but it can be easily remedied.
First, while wearing gloves, remove what you can from the surface. Everyday blockages can then be shifted by tipping 125g bicarb down the drain, followed by 125ml distilled white vinegar. Place a wet cloth on top and leave to fizz for 5 minutes, then rinse away. If that fails or you’re dealing with a severe blockage, you can use a drain snake to fish out the blockage. Cover the drain with a protector going forward to catch loose hair.
A chemical drain unblocker is another alternative, but don’t tip that directly on top of the vinegar if there’s a blockage; many of these contain bleach which will trigger a chemical reaction and release a lethal chlorine gas.
You should check out the things you need to stop pouring down the sink if you want to avoid blockages.
2. Musty towels
Your towels will smell if they’re not washed routinely. With all the water they absorb, mould and bacteria is given the perfect breeding ground as they gradually dry, resulting in a distinct musty smell. This will even transfer to your hands and body if used!
We recommend cleaning your towels on as high a temperature as the care label allows – ideally 60 degrees if you can – to kill bacteria. Biological detergent will give the best results, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with smelly towels anyway due to them not rinsing properly. Too much softener will also hinder the moisture-wicking properties.
Wash your bath towels after 3-4 uses, and make sure the room is ventilated while they dry.
3. Minty toothbrush holder
The toothbrush holder is an extreme bacteria hotspot. Just think about it: toothpaste, spit and water all collect here day-after-day to eventually form a slimy, smelly substance. A substance which is sitting on the end of your toothbrush with every use...
According to one of our writers, who will remain anonymous for obvious reasons: ‘There was an odd smell coming from the bathroom cabinet and I couldn’t figure out what it was for ages. Turns out the toothbrush holder was harbouring a mix of used toothpaste and water, which was giving off a mouldy, but somehow minty, stench.’
Thankfully, this source of smell is easily remedied. Although you’ll want to grit your teeth as you tip away the remains! Toothbrush holders can be washed by hand in hot, soapy water or some are even dishwasher safe (one of the many surprising things you can clean in the dishwasher). Try to remember to wash it routinely in the future to prevent buildup.
4. Mouldy electric toothbrush
We’re not quite done in this area. It’s not a nice thought, but even the best electric toothbrushes can become a breeding ground for bacteria, particularly beneath the removable head. Spit and toothpaste, as well as the water from the tap, will all collect under here and a black slimy mould will develop as a consequence. So if you’ve noticed a smell, but only as you brush your teeth, this might be where it’s coming from.
It’s not easy to remove, being contained in such a tight space. But if you’ve had the head long enough that such conditions have been reached, it might be time to change the head anyway (we recommend doing this every three months). If you’re determined to clean it, or the head is still relatively new, you can use an ear cotton bud, or a small pipe brush with some soapy water to give you better access.
5. Splattered toilet mat
Toilet mats might protect your floors from splatters, but unless they’re washed, you’re likely standing on residual urine each time you visit the loo. Obviously, these will start to smell over time, and with the urine contained and piling up on the fabric, mould and bacterial growth is a guarantee. It’s pretty disgusting, particularly when you consider you’re then walking that bacteria around your house when you leave.
Toilet mats should be washed every week using a hot cycle (ideally 60 degrees if the care label allows). You can also use a laundry sanitiser to help kill bacteria.
6. Sweaty dressing gown
Dressing gowns are something we wear daily, but they always seem to skip the wash. As a result, they get gradually filled with a range of residue, including sweat and deodorant as well as body oils and creams. And with us often wearing them as soon as we’re out of the shower, they can retain a lot of moisture, too. In the end, there’s a smorgasbord of smells going on here, not to mention all the bacteria brewing at its core.
To clear this lingering smell, get into the habit of washing your dressing gown at least once a week. Be sure to remove any rogue tissues from the pockets first and remove and wash the tie in a mesh laundry bag, so it won’t get tangled up!
7. Smelly shower curtain
Finally, shower curtains and mould go hand-in-hand. It’s inevitable when you think about it; it gets covered in water with each shower, and then it’s often left bunched up once we’re finished with it, giving mould the perfect environment to grow. Things don’t get much mustier than this!
To fix this, you need to take it down and wash it. Plastic and vinyl curtains are often machine-washable which makes life easy. A 30-40 degree gentle cycle should be sufficient with biological detergent. Pad out the drum with towels to save on the tumbling motion. If not machine-washable, instead soak it in the bathtub with bio detergent. For any stubborn mould stains, you could spot-clean with bleach instead, or soak in a diluted solution of bleach. Note that this will impact a coloured finish though.
For fabric curtains, these are usually machine washable, but a gentler cycle may be required with a mild detergent; refer to the care label for guidance. Try to close and untuck your shower curtain after each use in the future to help it dry.
Best bathroom cleaning products
Pros
- Sturdy refillable aluminium bottle
- Lovely light fragrance
Cons
- Expensive upfront, though refills are just £2.50
Score: 90/100
Scoring full marks for tackling soap scum and hard water marks, this everyday spray will keep your shower sparkling without harsh chemicals. Our testers loved the look of the aluminium bottle with its non-slip case, as well as the light fig and violet scent. Though the starter pack is pricey, the glass refills are inexpensive and compact.
Pros
- Removable, machine-washable head
- Compact size great for small bathrooms
Cons
- Telescopic handle sometimes feels a bit loose
Score: 84/100
We're huge fans of the original E-Cloth Mop for cleaning – and this mini version is great for whipping around tight bathroom spaces. An outstanding flat mop, it only needs water to provide an effective clean and remove 99% of bacteria – just rinse and wring the head, attach via Velcro and get mopping. It’s light and compact to store, too.
Pros
- Doesn’t smell strongly like vinegar
- Effective limescale remover
Cons
- Has to be dissolved in water before use
Score: 82/100
Our household advice editor, Katie Mortram, swears by citric acid. “It’s brilliant at removing limescale from the sink and leaves a glossy sheen behind,” she says. “Plus, it’s great at descaling my appliances as well as restoring my cloudy glassware in the dishwasher.” Simply dissolve 40 grams in half a litre of water, then use in a spray bottle.
