How to clean a toilet so it doesn't smell?

Author: Liza Ernser IV  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

White vinegar and baking soda in equal parts is a cost-efficient and effective means of getting rid odors in a toilet. Add them to the tank, mix them in and then use the toilet brush to gently scrub the tank. Let it sit for a few hours, scrub the tank again and flush.

How to stop a toilet from smelling?

White vinegar and baking soda in equal parts are a cost-efficient and effective means of getting rid of odors in a toilet. Add them to the tank, mix them in and then use the toilet brush to gently scrub the tank. Let it sit for a few hours, scrub the tank again and flush.

Why does my toilet still smell after I clean it?

Improperly Installed, Blocked, or Damaged Vent Pipe

The primary sign pointing to vent pipe problems is a toilet that looks and functions fine but continues to emanate a foul odor that fills the bathroom area, no matter how much you clean.

How can I make my toilet smell free?

White vinegar and baking soda in equal parts are a cost-efficient and effective means of getting rid of odors in a toilet. Add them to the tank, mix them in and then use the toilet brush to gently scrub the tank. Let it sit for a few hours, scrub the tank again and flush.

What is the best odor eliminator for toilets?

Vinegar: White vinegar is also effective at neutralizing odors. Pour a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub and flush.

9 Reasons Your Bathroom STINKS and How to FIX IT!!

What is the absolute best odor eliminator?

11 Best Odor Eliminators of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Cleaning Experts
  • Best Overall. Clorox Disinfecting Mist. Read more.
  • Best Value. Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener. Read more.
  • Best for Bathroom Odors. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray. Read more.

What is the best natural toilet bowl deodorizer?

Baking soda and distilled vinegar are staples when it comes to making DIY, natural toilet bowl cleaning solutions. Not only do they work, but they're also cost-effective! Combining these two in your toilet removes stains, germs, and odors in minutes with minimal effort and zero synthetic chemicals.

How do you clean and deodorize a toilet?

White vinegar and baking soda in equal parts is a cost-efficient and effective means of getting rid odors in a toilet. Add them to the tank, mix them in and then use the toilet brush to gently scrub the tank. Let it sit for a few hours, scrub the tank again and flush.

What keeps a toilet smelling fresh?

Lemon essential oil or eucalyptus lavender can be good choices. Spritz away: Spray the solution generously in your bathroom. Pay attention to the toilet bowl and other areas that tend to accumulate odours. Try a diffuser: To keep your bathroom smelling great consistently, consider using a diffuser or humidifier.

How to get rid of sewer smell from toilet?

Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and pour it down the drains. Let it sit and start to work before flushing it with hot water, which should do the trick. Another trick you can use is to place coffee grounds or activated charcoal in a bowl in the bathroom to absorb the odors.

How to stop a toilet from smelling after poop?

Does Your Bathroom Smell? Combat the Silent But Deadly Odor With These 7 Tricks
  1. Open a window. ...
  2. Try a courtesy flush. ...
  3. Spray the air. ...
  4. Spray the toilet. ...
  5. Light a match. ...
  6. Use baking soda. ...
  7. Give your toilet a deep clean.

What is the best toilet bowl cleaner?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: SALE. ...
  • Best Tablet: Clorox Foaming Toilet Bombs at Amazon $10. ...
  • Best Wand: Clorox Disinfecting ToiletWand Cleaning System at Amazon $14. ...
  • Best for Septic Systems: Clorox Scentiva Toilet Cleaning Gel at Amazon $9. ...
  • Best Automatic: ...
  • Best for Tough Stains:

Should you caulk around a toilet?

Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet

Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.

Why does my toilet stink even after I clean it?

Bacteria is in Your Toilet

Even though you have probably scrubbed and scrubbed your toilet, the smell coming from the toilet might still be lingering. One reason for this could be microorganisms seeping into the toilet bowl and staying there. This is common during the summer months when it is hot and humid.

What drain cleaner is safe for toilets?

There is only one Drano® product recommended for use in slow-running toilets: Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. It contains microorganisms that break down organic matter in pipes that can slow water flow. (However, it will not open a completely clogged toilet. For that problem, see How to Unclog a Toilet.)

How can I stop my toilet smelling?

These pesky microorganisms not only smell like rotten eggs; they're generally unhealthy to have in your home. Solution: Remove the toilet tank lid and pour a cup of bleach into the overflow pipe. Let stand a few minutes to disinfect, then flush.

What to put in a toilet tank to keep it clean?

Avoid using cleaner tabs—they often contain bleach, which is a no-no for cleaning toilet tanks because of bleach's corrosive properties. Add a cup of white distilled vinegar to the tank once a month. Leave it to sit overnight and then flush it in the morning. Check for sediment buildup and staining every month or so.

Can I put fabuloso in my toilet tank?

You can clean the toilet using this product by pouring a little into the bowl and scrubbing clean. But we don't recommend placing Fabuloso or any other all-purpose cleaner in the back of the toilet tank. Such cleaners can be corrosive and may degrade the rubber gasket and seal in your tank.

How can I make my toilet smell good?

Pour vinegar in the toilet tank.

Say goodbye to stinky fumes because a little bit of white distilled vinegar in the toilet tank can absorb foul-smelling bacteria. All you have to do is pour about 1 cup (8 oz) of vinegar into the tank's water.

What is the most hygienic way to clean a toilet?

Using either disinfecting wipes or a combination of disinfecting spray and a rag, paper towels, or a sponge (that you reserve just for this task), wipe down all of the external surfaces of the toilet, paying special attention to any areas you touch regularly such as the seat and the flushing handle.

Do toilet cleaning tablets work?

These tablets may seem like simple solutions, but they are often more trouble — and damage-causing — than they are worth. If you use drop-in toilet cleaner tablets, we recommend you change to a different method for keeping your toilet bowl clean.

What is the best non-toxic way to clean a toilet?

The most commonly recommended natural and non-toxic way to clean a toilet is with vinegar and baking soda. Simply poor two cups of vinegar into a toilet bowl, and pour one cup of baking soda. When the solution stops fizzing, spread it over the bowl with a toilet cleaner brush. Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse.

How do you make homemade bathroom odor eliminator?

Add about 25 drops of your favorite essential oil to 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir to combine. Lemon and lavender are great choices, but eucalyptus is my favorite because of the refreshing scent. Pour the baking soda and essential oil mix into the water and stir. Then funnel the water into your spray bottle.

What is the best solution for smelly bathroom?

Baking soda and vinegar can effectively deodorize odors and break them down. Still struggling with a stinky bathroom? Caccia Plumbing can help. Our experts will solve the issue quickly and professionally so you don't have to get your hands dirty.

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