A toilet is an essential facility in every home, shop and supermarket, meeting a basic daily need. Keeping it clean, ventilated and fresh is not easy, especially in a public toilet. In this article we share simple and effective ways to get rid of bad smells in public toilets.
What causes bad smells in public toilets
Before choosing a deodorizing method, look at what causes the smell. A toilet is a sensitive area, and the problem is worse in a public toilet. When it is not cleaned regularly, a public toilet quickly smells because it is used all the time.
As a result, an unpleasant stench is common in public toilets. Besides infrequent cleaning, the usual causes include the following:
Problems with the toilet bowl and septic tank
The smell may come from a full septic tank, where water cannot flow down and sometimes backs up, sending odors up through the bowl. If users do not clean the toilet properly, the smell gets worse.
Another cause is a badly installed bowl, where the water level in the siphon is too low to block odors. The siphon may also be dry, leaving no water seal. In addition, cracks between the floor and the bowl can open a gap down to the septic tank.
Problems with the manhole in the toilet
A manhole is the junction between drain pipes that traps solid waste and dirt. If the drain pipe is blocked, the manhole fills up too, giving off a strong smell and spilling out to pollute the surroundings.
A manhole holds solid waste, which needs time to break down. Without enough water inside, it gives off a bad smell. A lack of water in the manhole is common in summer. If you do not clear the waste regularly, the manhole will sooner or later fill up and the stench gets worse.
Problems with the drain pipes
The smell can also come from the toilet drain pipes. A toilet is normally built with a drain pipe that connects to the outside drainage system so that washing and toilet use are convenient. Residue and waste easily build up in the pipe and, if left for a long time without breaking down, cause a bad smell.
A blocked drainage system overflows and gives off a stench. The smell may rise from blocked vents in the toilet or back up through the bowl.
The most effective ways to remove bad smells in public toilets
What should you do when a toilet smells? Deodorizing a shared toilet is not difficult, but it has to be done regularly. Here are some effective tips:
Deodorize with coffee grounds
Using coffee grounds to deodorize a smart public toilet is a good idea. Simply place a bag of coffee grounds in the toilet and the smell drops noticeably. However, this works only for the first few days, so replace the grounds after three days.
Deodorize with vinegar
You can also try cooking vinegar, which is cheap and easy to buy at markets and supermarkets. Pour a 300 ml bottle of vinegar directly onto the floor, the bowl and stained corners, then scrub with a brush. Afterwards the smell is gone and the floor looks brighter.
Deodorize with essential oils
Deodorizing with essential oils leaves no trace of the toilet smell.
Mix the essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it in the toilet and on the fittings. The fragrance lingers in the space and covers other odors. This method is usually used in the public toilets of supermarkets, shopping centers and convenience stores.
We hope this article has shown you simple and highly effective ways to remove bad smells in public toilets. Share with us if you know better methods.
Vietnam Industrial and Urban Development Joint Stock Company (ICD) supplies urban environmental sanitation equipment. Contact us for advice and to purchase products.
