We’ve all been there. You just finished doing your business in the bathroom and are about to leave when you realize the smell is unbearable. You don’t want to leave behind a stinky mess for the next person, but you also don’t have much time to spare. How can you get rid of the poop smell in the bathroom quickly?
Some simple and effective ways exist to eliminate the odor and freshen the air. You can use these tips to avoid embarrassing yourself and others at home, work, or someone else’s place. Here are eight ways to get rid of poop smell in the bathroom fast.
Key Takeaways
- The poop smell is caused by bacteria and gases released from feces and urine.
- Flushing the toilet as soon as possible, turning on the fan, and lighting a match are some basic ways to reduce the odor.
- Products like DUDE Bombs, Poo-Pourri, or air fresheners can help mask the smell and leave a pleasant fragrance.
- Natural remedies like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, or coffee can also absorb and neutralize the odor.
- Keeping the bathroom clean and well-ventilated can prevent the buildup of poop smell over time.
1. Flush the Toilet Immediately
The first and most obvious way to get rid of poop smell in the bathroom is to flush the toilet as soon as you’re done. The longer the poop stays in the water, the more it releases odor-causing bacteria and gases. By flushing right away, you can minimize the exposure of these substances to the air and reduce the smell.
If you’re dealing with a particularly large or smelly load, you may want to do a courtesy flush. This means flushing once during your bowel movement and once after. This way, you can prevent the poop from accumulating in the bowl and creating a stronger odor.
2. Turn on the Fan or Open a Window
Another simple way to get rid of poop smell in the bathroom is to increase the ventilation. This can help dilute and disperse the odor molecules in the air and make them less noticeable. If your bathroom has an exhaust fan, turn it on before you start pooping and leave it on for a few minutes after you finish. This will suck out the stinky air and replace it with fresh air.
If your bathroom doesn’t have a fan or it’s not working properly, you can open a window instead. This will create a natural airflow that can carry away the odor. However, ensure the window does not face a busy street or a neighbor’s house, as you don’t want to spread your smell to others.
3. Light a Match or a Candle
One of the oldest tricks to get rid of poop smell in the bathroom is to light a match or a candle. The flame produces sulfur dioxide, a strong-smelling gas that can overpower and mask the poop odor. It also burns up some oxygen in the air, reducing the activity of odor-causing bacteria.
To use this method, light a match, let it burn for a few seconds, blow it out, and run it underwater before throwing it away. Alternatively, light a scented candle and let it burn for a while. The candle’s fragrance can also help cover the smell and create a pleasant atmosphere.
4. Use an Odor-Eliminating Product
You can use an odor-eliminating product designed specifically for pooping situations to be more prepared and proactive. These products come in different forms, such as sprays, drops, pods, or tablets. They create a barrier on top of the toilet water that traps and neutralizes the poop smell before it escapes.
One of these products is DUDE Bombs, pods containing lavender, cedar, lime, eucalyptus, and baking soda. You drop one in the toilet before you go poop, and it will destroy all evidence of your dump.
Another product is Poo-Pourri, a spray containing natural oils and fragrances. You spray it on the toilet before you poop, creating a protective layer that blocks the odor from rising.
These products are easy to use and carry around. You can keep them in your purse, backpack, or pocket for emergencies.
5. Use a Natural Remedy
If you don’t have any commercial products handy or prefer a more natural approach, you can use some common household items to get rid of poop smell in the bathroom. These items can absorb or neutralize the odor without leaving harmful chemicals behind.
Some of the natural remedies you can use are:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda in the toilet bowl before or after you poop. Baking soda is a powerful odor absorber that can neutralize the smell and freshen the air.
- Vinegar: Pour some vinegar into the toilet bowl or spray it in the air. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that can kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
- Lemon: Cut a lemon in half, squeeze some juice in the toilet bowl, or rub it on the seat. Lemon is a citrus fruit that has a strong and refreshing scent that can mask the smell and disinfect the surface.
- Coffee: Place some coffee grounds or beans in a small bowl or a coffee filter and leave it in the bathroom. Coffee has a rich and aromatic smell that can overpower the poop odor and make the bathroom smell like a cafe.
6. Use an Air Freshener
If none of the above methods work or you want to add extra freshness to the bathroom, you can use an air freshener to spray or plugin. Air fresheners contain artificial or natural fragrances that can mask or replace unpleasant smells.
Many air fresheners are available, such as aerosols, gels, solids, oils, and diffusers. You can choose one that suits your preference and budget. However, be careful not to overuse them, as they can cause allergic reactions or headaches for some people.
7. Keep the Bathroom Clean
One of the best ways to prevent poop smell in the bathroom is to keep it clean and well-maintained. A dirty bathroom can harbor bacteria, mold, mildew, and other odor sources that can worsen the situation.
Some of the things you can do to keep your bathroom clean are:
- Clean the toilet regularly with a disinfectant and a brush. Don’t forget to clean under the rim, behind the seat, and around the base.
- Wash the sink, shower, tub, and floor with a cleaner and a cloth. Remove any soap scum, hair, or dirt that may accumulate.
- Change the towels, rugs, and curtains frequently and wash them with hot water and detergent.
- Empty the trash bin often and use a liner with a lid.
- Check for any leaks, clogs, or cracks in the plumbing and fix them immediately.
8. Keep Some Plants or Herbs
Another way to eliminate the poop smell in the bathroom is to keep some plants or herbs with a pleasant and natural scent. Plants and herbs can also purify the air and absorb some odor molecules.
Some of the plants or herbs you can keep in your bathroom are:
- Lavender: Lavender has a soothing and relaxing scent that can calm your nerves and mask unpleasant smells. You can keep a pot of lavender on your windowsill or hang some dried lavender on your door.
- Mint: Mint has a refreshing and invigorating scent that can stimulate your senses and cover up any foul odors. You can keep a pot of mint on your counter or place some fresh mint leaves in a water bowl.
- Rosemary: Rosemary has a woody and herbal scent that adds warmth and coziness to your bathroom. You can keep a pot of rosemary on your shelf or make some rosemary oil and spray it in the air.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus has a minty and medicinal scent that can clear your sinuses and eliminate bad smells. You can keep a pot of eucalyptus on your vanity or hang some branches on your shower head.
Conclusion
Poop smell is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day or embarrass you in front of others. Using these tips, you can quickly remove the poop smell in the bathroom and leave it smelling fresh and clean.
Remember to flush the toilet immediately, turn on the fan or open a window, light a match or a candle, use an odor-eliminating product, use a natural remedy, use an air freshener, keep the bathroom clean, and keep some plants or herbs.
With these tips, you can poop with confidence and peace of mind. Happy pooping!
