Are you struggling with getting rid of that offensive smell coming from your bathroom? You’re not alone! We now understand the science behind why poop smells so bad, but getting rid of it can still be a challenge. Fortunately, science has given us some great ways to quickly and effectively get rid of the smell.
Here are three chemist-approved solutions to quickly get rid of poop smell that you can use right away!
Use baking soda
Baking soda is one of the oldest and easiest ways to fight the smell of poop. Its active ingredient, sodium bicarbonate, absorbs odors and traps them in its molecules, so it can quickly take the smell out of the air. It’s also non-toxic and biodegradable, so you can feel confident using it in your bathroom. To make an effective toilet bomb with baking soda, simply mix 1 cup of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint. Place the mixture in a plastic wrap or bag and tie it up into a small ball. Drop this bomb into your toilet, let sit overnight, and flush away the smell in the morning. “Sodium in baking soda is what gives the compound its ability to absorb musty and other terrible odors,” says Mark Coster, BSc PhD, a chemist and founder of STEM Geek. Baking soda can also be left out in the open for a few hours to work its magic, or can be mixed with with your favourite essential oil to create a more pleasant and fragrant smell, he adds.
Light a match
Matches can also be used to quickly get rid of poop smell. Light a match and let it burn for a few moments in the bathroom, then quickly blow it out. The hot flame will help to neutralize the odor molecules in the air, while the musky sulfur in smoke helps mask other scents, says Dr. Coster. This is a great solution for bathrooms with limited venting, as it doesn’t require any fans or other ventilation. Plus, it’s a quick fix that doesn’t have to take up too much of your time.
Turn the fan on
If you’re looking for a longer-term solution, ventilation is the way to go. Make sure to open a window or turn on the exhaust fan while you’re in the bathroom so that the offending odors can escape before they take hold. This works especially well if you’re dealing with a particularly strong smell, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants. Good ventilation also helps to keep the bathroom from getting too humid, which can cause odors to linger. “Having great ventilation in your bathroom is key to getting bad odors i.e. methane, out of your bathroom as quickly as possible. So, if you have a fan going and the door open, that will help the odor-causing agents to disperse faster.” says Dr. Coster.
