It’s easy for a bathroom to go from feeling like a spa retreat to a place you’d rather avoid. However, unpleasant odors are not an unavoidable reality. With thoughtful bathroom cleaning routines, mindful upkeep, and the incorporation of subtle fragrance enhancers, maintaining a fresh and inviting atmosphere is simpler than it seems.
Keep reading to discover our favorite tips and tricks for making your bathroom a fragrant haven all the time!
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Here are the different ways to make your bathroom smell nice.
How To Make Bathroom Smell Good
1. Stick to a Regular Cleaning Routine
I used to think that deep cleaning the bathroom was something I could put off, but I quickly learned that bad smells build up fast if you don’t stay on top of things. Now, I make sure to wipe down the sink and counters every few days and give the toilet and shower a good scrub once a week. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a huge difference. Not only does it keep everything looking fresh, but it make your bathroom smell good.
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2. Keep It Well-Ventilated
I used to wonder why my bathroom always felt damp, and then I realized that ventilation was the missing key. Now, I make it a habit to turn on the fan during and after showers or crack a window when the weather’s nice. It helps keep the air circulating and stops that musty, smell funky from setting in. If your bathroom doesn’t have a fan or window, a small dehumidifier works wonders, especially in humid climates.
Bobby Berk emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation. “Keeping a window cracked or using an exhaust fan helps prevent dampness, which can lead to unwanted smells. Good airflow is essential for a fresh-smelling bathroom”
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3. Add a Scented Candle or Diffuser
I love lighting a candle while I’m getting ready in the morning or winding down at night—it’s such a simple way to make the bathroom feel more like a spa. My go-to is a lavender candle because it’s soothing, but I also rotate in citrus scents to keep things fresh. Diffusers are another great option if you want a continuous scent without having to think about it. A good diffuser with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint makes the whole space feel more inviting.
Sarah Sherman Samuel advises using essential oil diffusers. “A reed diffuser or an essential oil diffuser is a simple way to add a constant pleasant scent to your bathroom, without overwhelming the space”
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4. Fresh Bathroom Towels Make All the Difference
I used to leave damp towels hanging for days, not realizing how quickly they’d start to smell musty. Now, I make sure to swap them out every few days. Fresh, dry towels really help keep the bathroom smelling clean. I also invested in quick-drying towels, which are a game changer—they don’t stay damp as long, so they’re less likely to develop that funky smell.
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5. Sachet or Potpourri in Drawers
This is a little trick I picked up from my grandmother. I started putting lavender sachets in my bathroom drawers, and it’s such a nice surprise every time I open them. The scent is subtle, but it keeps the drawers from getting that stale, closed-up smell. Potpourri in a decorative bowl works well, too, and adds a nice visual touch to the space.
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6. Sprinkle Baking Soda in the Trash
Let’s be real—the bathroom trash can get pretty gross. I sprinkle a little baking soda at the bottom of the trash can, and it’s acts as an amazing odor and moisture absorber. I also started using scented trash bags, which has been another easy way to keep your bathroom odour free. And, of course, taking out the stink trash regularly (especially in warm weather) is a must.
Amber Lewis suggests using homemade air fresheners. “Mix water, isopropyl alcohol, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle for a chemical-free, custom scent that freshens up the room instantly”
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7. Keep a Toilet Spray Handy
I’m all about convenience, and having a toilet spray like Poo-Pourri in the bathroom is a lifesaver. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference. The spray creates a barrier on the water, so bad smells don’t even have a chance to escape. Plus, the scents are actually nice—not overly strong or artificial. I keep it on the back of the toilet tank so it’s easy for anyone to use to keep bathroom smelling fresh.
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8. Add a Few Air-Purifying Plants
Bringing plants into the bathroom was one of the best things I’ve done. I have a peace lily and a small aloe plant, and not only do they look great, but they also help keep the air clean. Peace lilies are especially good at absorbing moisture, which helps prevent that damp, musty smell. Plus, the greenery makes the whole space feel more relaxing and peaceful.
Emily Henderson recommends hanging eucalyptus branches in the shower. “The steam from hot showers releases the natural oils from the eucalyptus, filling the bathroom with a spa-like scent.
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9. Clean the Tub Drains
I didn’t realize how much of a difference cleaning the drains could make until I did it. A little baking soda and vinegar down the drain every few weeks keeps everything flowing smoothly and gets rid of any lingering smells. It’s super easy—just pour in half a cup of baking soda, follow with half a cup of vinegar, and let it bubble for a bit before rinsing with hot water. It’s one of those quick fixes that really works.
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10. Use a DIY Simmer Pot for an Instant Fresh Fix
If I have guests coming over and need a quick fresh air scent, I’ll boil a small pot of water with some lemon slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks. The smell fills the whole house, including the bathroom. It’s such an easy way to get everything smelling amazing, and it feels way more natural than spraying air fresheners. Plus, it’s a nice little hack to have in your back pocket when you want to freshen things up in a hurry.
These little changes have helped me keep my bathroom clean and smelling great without too much effort, and they’ve turned the space into a place that feels fresh and relaxing all the time!
