How to Make the Bathroom Smell Fresh
Explore ways to make indoor air fresher in damp places like the bathroom
Compact, moisture-laden areas like the bathroom often lack proper ventilation and sunlight, which can lead to unpleasant odours. Mould and mildew grow in these damp areas and produce microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) gases, which makes the air musty. Breathing this air can have an adverse affect on your health. So here’s a mini-guide to improve indoor air quality and reduce airborne health hazards.
You could put in a traditional ceiling fan to move air around and ensure there’s less humidity. An added bonus is your bathroom gets a bit of charm and character with a fan.
Tip: Along with the fan, consider installing a home air purifier that removes contaminants from the air.
Tip: Along with the fan, consider installing a home air purifier that removes contaminants from the air.
2. Let in sunlight
Sunlight dispels moisture, which is the primary cause of mould, bacteria, and other such pathogens in damp spaces like bathrooms. Declutter the area around the window so maximum light can come in. You can leave windows partially open (especially if privacy is an issue) to circulate air and let sunlight stream in.
Sunlight dispels moisture, which is the primary cause of mould, bacteria, and other such pathogens in damp spaces like bathrooms. Declutter the area around the window so maximum light can come in. You can leave windows partially open (especially if privacy is an issue) to circulate air and let sunlight stream in.
If you are moving to a new house or getting your bathroom renovated, think about making a skylight or hopper window (similar to awning windows that are hinged on top and open outwards). These are placed well above eye level to achieve natural light and ventilation while restricting views for privacy.
7 Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants You Should Worry About
7 Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants You Should Worry About
3. Switch to natural cleaners
Aromatic smells help create a fresh and positive bathroom ambience. Essential oils such as lemon, orange, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus and lemongrass not only smell great, but contain antifungal and antibacterial properties, too. Make your own DIY home-based, natural bathroom cleaners by mixing essential oils with other agents such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda.
Here’s a complete guide to Non-Toxic, All-Natural Household Cleaning Products.
Aromatic smells help create a fresh and positive bathroom ambience. Essential oils such as lemon, orange, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus and lemongrass not only smell great, but contain antifungal and antibacterial properties, too. Make your own DIY home-based, natural bathroom cleaners by mixing essential oils with other agents such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda.
Here’s a complete guide to Non-Toxic, All-Natural Household Cleaning Products.
Tip: Freshen up the air instantly with the natural scents of flowers. Just pick your favourite ones like lilies or roses and arrange them in a vase to fill the room with their fragrance.
4. Bring in a few plants
Plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and absorb organic air pollutants. Get sturdy, easy-to-care-for plants that can thrive in low light and need less watering. Displayed here is the snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) or mother-in-law’s tongue that absorbs many air pollutants.
Plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and absorb organic air pollutants. Get sturdy, easy-to-care-for plants that can thrive in low light and need less watering. Displayed here is the snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) or mother-in-law’s tongue that absorbs many air pollutants.
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) survives tough conditions and grows well even in less light. This bathroom has a tall bamboo palm plant in the left corner, along with plenty of other foliage and natural light to help keep the air fresh and healthy.
Other suggested bathroom plants to boost air quality are peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) and weeping fig (Ficus benjamina).
Other suggested bathroom plants to boost air quality are peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) and weeping fig (Ficus benjamina).
5. Clean your drains
Clogged and unclean drains release bad odours that seep into the air – and the last thing you want are unpleasant smells in the bathroom. Drain clogging also fosters scum and mould growth, making the air musty. Use drain cleaners on a regular basis as they prevent clogging and help dislodge stuck particles (think hair).
Tip: Avoid corrosive drain and acidic toilet bowl cleaners as they can mix with other gases in the air to produce lung-damaging fumes.
Read more: Fighting Pollution: How to Keep Your Indoor Air Clean
7 Tricks to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
Tell us: Which of these ideas have you tried to improve the air quality of your bathroom?
Clogged and unclean drains release bad odours that seep into the air – and the last thing you want are unpleasant smells in the bathroom. Drain clogging also fosters scum and mould growth, making the air musty. Use drain cleaners on a regular basis as they prevent clogging and help dislodge stuck particles (think hair).
Tip: Avoid corrosive drain and acidic toilet bowl cleaners as they can mix with other gases in the air to produce lung-damaging fumes.
Read more: Fighting Pollution: How to Keep Your Indoor Air Clean
7 Tricks to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
Tell us: Which of these ideas have you tried to improve the air quality of your bathroom?
When it comes to small spaces like the bathroom, a multifaceted approach to ventilation is suggested. Exhaust fans vent out the air to get rid of unpleasant smells and boost air quality without letting views through inwards. In addition, you can also leave the bathroom window open for some part of the day to maximise circulation.