Without going into the biological details, a quick analysis reveals that there are two levels of bathroom de-smelling: Level 1: instant (or if you prefer, emergency) and Level 2: atmospheric. The former needs no explanation. Level 2 deodorizing is an ongoing,
often subtle war with common bathroom scents like mustiness, damp towels, stale air and, for some of us, utter neglect in the general cleaning department. For our test, we looked at several easy home solutions and assessed them for both levels of bathroom smell remediation.
Matches
Lighting a match, or preferably two, is a reliable remedy for Level 1 situations. It quickly and effectively masks the bathroom odor with a relatively pleasant and familiar smell. It’s important to note, however, that it’s not the flame that does the trick, it’s the smoke (and the sulfurous smell of the ignition). We found that the best approach is to light two matches at once,
let them burn for 10 seconds or so, and blow them out. Be sure to run the matches under the faucet before putting them in the trash, to prevent a fire. Don’t flush them down the toilet; they could lead to a clog.
Essential Oil
Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a cute little bowl of cotton balls is a good standard for Level 2 freshening. You can also use one of those wick devices or any other contraption made for unleashing the power of scented oil.
This technique is only modestly effective for Level 1 situations, and it’s not worth overdoing the oil to make it work better. As a general tip, stick to floral and citrus oils for the bathroom. This is no place for musk, with its faint animal component,
and even herb scents can be risky, due to the association with cooking and food. For some reason the human olfactory response is hard-wired to accept flowers and fruits as clean and welcoming in any environment, especially in bathrooms.
