Bathroom odors are as common as they are unpleasant. It doesn't matter how hard we try to leave the bathroom fixtures and fittings spotless if when we enter the bathroom we perceive a stale atmosphere. The problem? It is not always easy to find the source of that smell. We want to give you some clues.
Dirty pipes
In many occasions we only remember to clean the pipes when they get clogged. And it is a big mistake. Soap, hair and other residues accumulate inside the pipes, which can generate that smell that escapes everywhere.
The advice is to do preventive cleaning from time to time with specific products or with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, leaving them to act for a few minutes before pouring hot water. Not only will you put an end to bad odors, but you will also avoid a serious problem such as a clog.
Dry siphon canister
The function of the siphon is to prevent the odor coming from the drains from escaping to the outside. To do this, it is filled with water. When it dries out, it no longer fulfills its function, it's as simple as that.
In bathrooms that are rarely used or remain closed for a while, such as those in second homes, this is a common problem. And the solution is no mystery: just open the faucets so that the siphon fills up and the bad odors go away.
If it empties again, then the problem is different, so it will be necessary to open the siphon and check that the rubber inside it is in good condition. If it has deteriorated, it will be necessary to change it to avoid water leaks.
Bad gaskets or leaks in pipes
The gasket of the siphon pipe is not the only one that can give problems in a bathroom if we speak of odors. These can escape for any fissure. That is why they are elements that should be checked from time to time, from the joints between toilets and floor to those of the drain hoses.
Also a small leak can be a source of bad odors, especially in the area of the toilet. If all the previous elements are in perfect condition, a revision of the pipes of this toilet can give the key to the origin of the problem.
Poor ventilation
In rooms without windows, they can also cause odors, obstructions in the grille or ventilation system and problems in the extractor fan. When that happens, water vapor is not properly evacuated, bacteria in the air proliferate, mold appears and, with all this, that characteristic and unpleasant odor is formed.
Ensuring that the air is renewed is important in the bathroom, where humidity is a factor in the growth of all kinds of pathogens. If there is no natural ventilation, it is essential to install a good extraction system.
Finally, the bad smells are gone... Now what?
Once you have located and solved that annoying odor problem, it's time to do everything possible to prevent it from happening again. And it's simple if you keep these tips in mind:
- Perform preventive cleaning of the pipes from time to time. Baking soda, mixed with white vinegar or lemon juice is a good remedy.
- Clean the joints of the tiles, disinfect all the surfaces of the bathroom and give a small review to the silicone sealing of the toilets, especially of the bathtub or shower. Dirt and mold accumulate everywhere and generate bad odors.
- Always make sure that the ventilation, natural or forced, is sufficient. To prevent moisture from building up, open the window frequently or run the exhaust fan.
- Use candles and aromatic soaps or air fresheners based on essential oils. In addition to being decorative, they will flood the bathroom with very pleasant and relaxing aromas. Plants also help to purify the environment.
- If the problem of bad smells in the bathroom appears in spite of everything, the best thing is to leave it in the hands of professionals. They will know how to locate the source and find a definitive solution.
Keeping those bad odors at bay is not so complicated and the key, as you have seen, is prevention. With a little extra care and minimal maintenance, everything will be under control and the environment in your bathroom will always remain clean in every way.
Source: Habitissimo
