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Keep It Natural
Commercial cleaning supplies leave a thick chemical residue in the air. Rather than mask foul smells, neutralize them by using natural cleaning supplies made with baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. In between cleanings, leave an open container of baking soda in the bathroom to help absorb unpleasant odors.
Related: Your Top 10 Bathroom Dilemmas—Solved
Make a DIY Air Freshener
Many air fresheners contain phthalates, PEG-40, 1,4-DCB, and other toxic compounds. To avoid them, make your own DIY room spray by mixing 3/4 cup water, two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, and five to six drops of an essential oil like orange, lavender, mint, grapefruit, or lemon verbena in an eight-ounce spray bottle.
Try Bamboo Charcoal
Bamboo charcoal is an environmentally friendly product that can absorb both smells and harmful chemicals. It has the additional benefit of dehumidifying air, which minimizes mold and mildew. Look for deodorizers and other products with this beneficial ingredient, and place in them your bathroom for a burst of freshness.
Related: 11 Bathroom Hazards That Harm Your Home and Health
Burn a Candle
For a comforting fragrance, keep candles and matches in your bathroom, and light them about an hour before guests arrive. Be mindful of open flames, and don’t place candles near shower curtains, towels, or other flammable objects.
Clean Regularly
Like dust, scents tend to accumulate over time. Keep odors in check by cleaning your toilet brush with bleach, scrubbing the toilet bowl regularly, and wiping down the floor and sink to eliminate hair and dander buildup.
Increase Airflow
To increase airflow and neutralize odors, keep your bathroom window cracked at all times. Homeowners can also install an exhaust fan, and then be sure to use it! For a quick and easy solution, buy a small portable fan to plug into a bathroom socket.
Remove Mold and Mildew
Some powerful cleaners claim to remove mold and mildew from bathroom surfaces, but they also leave behind strong smells that can lead to headaches and other health risks. Eliminate mold naturally by spraying undiluted vinegar onto affected areas. Wait an hour, then rinse with hot water and towel-dry.
Invest in an Air Purifier
There’s no shortage of air purifiers on the market. These handy products can scrub the air of bacteria, viruses, dust, dander, pollen, and other allergens. To find the perfect purifier for your budget and bathroom size, check out consumer-tested websites like thewirecutter.com.
Related: 12 Vintage Bathroom Features That Never Go Out of Style
Fresh Scents
Once the bathroom is freshened up, move on to the rest of the house. Give these simple DIYs a try for nice scents throughout your home.
