Toilet Odour: How to Get Rid of It?

Toilets can emit a variety of odours, ranging from the sour smell of urine to that of sewers. Persistent and unpleasant, they make using the toilet uncomfortable for everyone in the house, and can be a tell-tale sign of a plumbing problem. These odours are all the more difficult to get rid of because the room is small and the door is usually closed, which limits ventilation if there is no window in that area.

To get rid of persistent odours, you first need to know what’s causing them. Various factors can lead to bad smells in toilets and drains: 

• Odours of urine and ammonia caused by a poorly cleaned toilet. Remember to give the toilet bowl and its rim a thorough clean, as well as the bin and the toilet brush, and the entire area around the toilet that may be affected by splashes from flushing. 

• The build-up of mould or algae in the cistern.

• A plumbing problem caused by dried-out U-bends (the curved section of pipe that normally holds water to block sewer gases from escaping), the build-up of bacteria, or the decomposition of organic matter in the pipes.

• Ventilation issues

Generally speaking, odours are caused by volatile chemical compounds in the air, either through the emission of gases or the breakdown of organic matter. The molecules responsible are mainly sulphur compounds, which produce strong, pungent odours or smells reminiscent of rotten eggs.

There are many natural, simple and healthy solutions for looking after your toilet and removing unpleasant odours.

A thorough clean using white vinegar

The first thing to do to remove the smell of urine from the toilet is to thoroughly clean the bowl, the seat and the floor around the toilet. Most of the odours come from splashes of organic matter in and around the bowl. white vinegar is a natural alternative to commercial cleaning and sanitising products. However, it is not a disinfectant and does not kill bacteria, viruses or fungi.

Deodorise with bicarbonate of soda or lemon slices

Amongst old-fashioned home remedies, bicarbonate of soda is a firm favourite as a natural deodoriser. Sprinkle a little of this white powder into the bowl and leave it to work for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. As well as neutralising odours, it removes stubborn stains and prevents odours from rising up through the pipes.  You can finish by rubbing a slice of lemon over the toilet bowl’s enamel to freshen the smell and leave a citrus scent in the room. 

If there are sewer odours coming from the pipes, make sure the traps always contain water, alongside cleaning with bicarbonate of soda. Pour water down the drains regularly, especially in rooms that are rarely used. The toilet trap has a submerged part and a rear section (the part you can’t see), which rises and is only submerged when you flush the toilet. So remember to moisten it regularly to prevent it from drying out and allowing bacteria to multiply there.

Using essential oils

To naturally freshen up your toilet, you can place some pebbles inside and regularly add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to them. Scots pine, eucalyptus radiata, lavandin, grapefruit and lemon are all good options for a fresh, purifying scent.

Make your own natural cleaner using soda crystals

To get rid of the odour and limescale – that dark deposit at the bottom of the toilet bowl – the making a natural cleaner using soda crystals is particularly effective.

White vinegar

To freshen up the room, clean the surfaces with a mixture of water and white vinegar. It has the advantage of removing limescale and making the ceramic tiles shine.

Find out more about white vinegar

Bicarbonate of soda

A purifier and deodoriser – pour some bicarbonate of soda inside and leave it to work.

Find out more about bicarbonate of soda

Purifying Sanitising Spray with Organic Essential Oils

Use our sanitising spray daily, spraying it in all four corners of the room to combat unpleasant odours. With its virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal properties, it’s also a great option for cleaning surfaces.

Discover the Purifying Sanitising Spray with Organic Essential Oils

Odour-neutralising spray

Eliminate unpleasant odours from your rooms and fabrics with this 100% naturally derived spray, scented with the floral fragrance of fresh laundry. Its patented, biodegradable technology quickly and effectively neutralises all types of unwanted and stubborn everyday odours: tobacco, bin odours, toilet odours… Certified Air Label Score A+, this spray guarantees very low emissions into indoor air.

Discover our Odour-Stopping Spray

Carrying out this cleaning routine at least once a week is essential for keeping your toilet clean in the long term. To save time, you could even prepare a ready-made solution of white vinegar and lemon to keep to hand in case of stubborn odours. 

On a daily basis, remember to air out your toilet and bathroom, either in the morning or after each use. This helps to remove damp and refresh the air. To prevent odours from spreading into the air and becoming stronger, remember to lower the toilet seat before flushing the toilet. This way, instead of escaping into the air, odours will remain trapped inside the bowl. You’ll avoid spraying micro-particles into the air whilst trapping the odour. It’s a simple step, certainly, but it acts as a first line of defence against odours. 

By remembering these few everyday steps, you’ll enjoy a hygienic toilet that smells fresh and clean.

Fed up with chemicals? Fancy making your own cleaning products for the home? Here are a few natural solutions for keeping your loo clean the easy way:

When giving your toilet a thorough clean, remember to air it out at the same time, and avoid letting irritating products, such as soda crystals, come into contact with your hands. It’s best to wear gloves when using them.

To prevent bad odours coming from the pipes caused by a dried-out trap, simply pour in a little oil (1 tablespoon) and leave it to work. This simple step prevents water from the pipes from backing up and evaporating, which can be very handy for keeping your toilet clean even if you’re away from home for a while.

Laura is a health, beauty and lifestyle writer. Passionate about travel and gastronomy, she shares all her nutritional advice on how to combine pleasure with well-being. Through her articles, she is committed to providing you with meaningful information and practical advice to nourish your body and mind.