Using natural cleaning products eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are airborne chemicals that can pose health risks. Use distilled white vinegar to clean your bathroom floor and keep it smelling fresh and clean.
According to
BowlsEye, odors in the bathroom are often caused by clogged drains that can trap grease, soap scum, and hair. Ensure your floor drain P-trap is not dry by pouring boiling water down the drain.
Use Natural Ingredients
Using natural ingredients in your bathroom floor care routine helps to reduce toxic chemical residue and eliminates foul odors. It’s easy to make your own natural cleaning products using household items such as white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. You can also find eco-friendly cleaning products that are certified organic or green. These cleaners typically work just as well as the more commercially available products and are less damaging to the environment.
A clogged drain is one of the most common causes of smelly bathroom floors. The bacteria and debris that accumulate in the trap are a perfect breeding ground for unpleasant odors. Pouring boiling water down the drain can break down and remove this buildup, eliminating odors. This is a simple and effective solution, but you should still check your drain regularly to ensure that it’s working properly.
Another common cause of odors in the bathroom is leaky pipes. The hydrogen sulfide gas from the pipes can create a foul smell and pose health hazards. If you notice an odor, it’s important to fix the problem immediately to prevent the issue from worsening.
Leaving a bowl of baking soda in the bathroom can help to absorb and neutralize odors. If you’d prefer an air freshener, choose an alternative made with essential oils instead of aerosol sprays, which can contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, PEG-40, and 1,4-DCB. Essential oils are more natural and can provide a pleasant scent without adding unnecessary chemicals to your home.
Persistent odors in the bathroom can be caused by mold, which can spread from the walls and floor to other areas of the home. To avoid this, regularly clean and dry storage areas, fix leaking pipes, and open windows to improve ventilation.
If you find that your odor is coming from the floor, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the affected area. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub the floor with a brush or sponge and rinse. This method is safe for most tile and vinyl flooring, but you should always check the product label before applying it to laminate or wood surfaces.
Clean Regularly
Thanks to bodily functions and wet activities, bathroom floors are high-moisture areas promoting bacteria, mildew, and mold growth. These microorganisms can cause unpleasant odors and pose a health risk, but you can avoid them by cleaning your bathroom regularly. A weekly regimen is typically sufficient, but you may need to clean your floor more often if it is subjected to heavy use.
First, sweep or vacuum the flooring to remove loose dirt and debris before you begin cleaning. This will help the cleaner adhere to the surface and break down the toughest grime, like soap scum. Next, remove any items from the bathroom that might get in your way as you work. Then, fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add your chosen cleaning solution. Mix it according to the instructions on the label. If you're using a scrubber, make sure to use one that is low-foaming and will not damage your flooring material. Finally, mop or scrub the floor and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Simple Green Multi-Surface Floor Care can help if you prefer a natural cleaning product. This cleaner uses plant-based ingredients and contains no bleach, ammonia, or chlorine, which can damage your floor and create dangerous fumes that can irritate the nose and throat.
Another natural option for a smelly bathroom is tea tree oil. This natural essential oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can eliminate odors and kill germs. Simply mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to the floor.
When you're done, let the floor dry completely before allowing anyone back into the room. And don't forget to wipe down the toilet, sink, and countertops as well.
Consider purchasing a handheld steam cleaner for your bathroom for more thorough cleaning. These devices use hot steam to blast away grime and bacteria. However, be careful not to overuse this tool as it can damage your tile flooring. For a gentler approach, you can use a soft brush and warm water to clean the tile.
Clean the Grout
If your bathroom smells stale and mildewy, it may be time to clean the grout. If you decide to use a stronger chemical cleaner such as bleach, be sure to open the windows and wear rubber gloves. Bleach has a very high pH and can erode grout and damage tiles.
A safer option is to use a natural product such as oxygenated bleach (oxygenated hydrogen peroxide combined with baking soda), which works well on white grout and is color safe for tinted grout. It can be applied directly to the grout or poured into a sponge, cloth, or brush and scrubbed into the surface of the grout. Be sure to saturate the area you are cleaning, then rinse thoroughly.
Another simple way to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean is with essential oils. Peppermint oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can eliminate odors, and tea tree oil is also an effective deodorizer.
Pour a cup of lemon juice and half a cup of baking soda down the drain to create a fizzy, bubbling action that can help break up the smelly sludge in your bathroom drain. This will help remove odors caused by food or pet waste.
Regular scrubbing with a medium-bristle nylon scrub brush should be enough to keep your tile and grout clean. Make sure to scrub the corners of the room as well, where grime often accumulates. If you need to scrub more vigorously, try using an old toothbrush or nail brush to get into the corners.
If you notice that your grout is becoming increasingly gray and discolored, it may be time to perform a restorative grout cleaning with a bio-enzymatic cleaner. These products contain bacteria and enzymes that penetrate organic residues such as urine, breaking them down in a process called biodegradation.
You can also use a grout pen to brighten your lines and discourage future staining. These pens come in a variety of colors and contain an anti-fungal ingredient that can help prevent mold growth. Some of them even have mildew inhibitors.
Clean the Caulk
Unpleasant smells in the bathroom often originate from the drain trap, and a number of issues can cause them. One of the most common is a dry P-trap, which can allow sewer gas to enter the home and cause foul odors. Another common issue is a clogged drain that can also cause unpleasant odors. In both cases, a simple solution is to pour boiling water down the drain to clean it.
If the caulking still smells bad, you can use a disinfectant cleaner designed to kill bacteria and eliminate odors. Choose a product that is safe for your tile and follow the directions on the label to use it properly.
You can also clean the caulk with a bit of distilled white vinegar. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps neutralize odors and has disinfecting properties, making it a great alternative to harsh chemical products. To use the vinegar, simply combine equal parts of hot water and vinegar in a bucket. Dip a brush or wire hanger into the mixture and scrub the caulk. Be sure to use a rubber glove and work in a well-ventilated area. After scrubbing, rinse with clean water and wipe the caulk down with a dry rag.
If you notice that the caulking is becoming worn down and separating from the substrate, it’s time to replace it. Use high-quality silicone caulking, and be sure to match it exactly with the existing color. You can also use a caulking tube to fill in the gap. Make sure that you remove the excess and use painter’s tape to protect your tiles from the caulk’s adhesive properties while you work.
Be sure to wait for the caulking to fully cure before using your bathroom again. This can take up to 24 hours.