Some bathrooms have a distinct malodorous smell and no, it is not because of the last person to use the bathroom. This is the smell that seems to have no explanation. Some of the odors smell like the sewer, some have a pungent mildew smell, some are just odd. Removing the foul odor from the bathroom will give family, friends and guests a more pleasant bathroom experience in your home.
Grip the toilet on either side under the seat and try to rock it back and forth and then side to side. If the is any amount of a rocking motion, the wax seal is broken and needs to be replaced. If there is even a small gap between the toilet and wax seal, sewer gas can escape into the bathroom and make the bathroom smell bad. Removing the toilet, replacing the wax seal and reinstalling the toilet will eliminate the foul odor.
Check the hamper or basket where you keep used towels. Wet towels thrown into a basket or hamper are the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. Wicker or wood hampers and baskets can also grow mold and mildew. To solve this, hang the towels to dry before placing them in the hamper or basket. Dip a rag into bleach and wipe the surface of the hamper to remove surface mold and mildew. If any mold or mildew remains on the surface, spray the mold and mildew with chlorine bleach, wait five to 10 minutes and scrub the mildew and mold. Wipe the area with a rag. Bring the hamper or basket outdoors and let it dry in the sun.
Take the shower curtain down and wash it. Mold and mildew can hide in the seams and folds of shower curtains and liners. Always pull the shower curtain open to allow trapped water to escape when the shower is not in use.
Saturate a thick layer of paper towels with white vinegar. Wipe the walls, fixtures and floors with the white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural cleaner and deodorizer. Do not use white vinegar on stone, glazed ceramic, marble or granite bathroom surfaces. The white vinegar will etch the surface.
Turn the exhaust fan on in the bathroom to remove moisture-filled air for at least 20 minutes after showering or bathing to keep bathroom dry and mildew-free.
Examine the shower grout and caulking for black mold or mildew patches. Spray the mold and mildew with chlorine bleach and scrub it off the surface with a scrub brush. Rinse the surface with plain water and dry with a rag.
Dry the shower walls after use to remove the moisture, which leads to odor-causing mold and mildew.