5 common sources of washroom odours and how to deal with them effectively
Persistent smells in washrooms are usually the result of trapped waste, bacterial activity or overlooked maintenance issues. Surface cleaning alone is often not enough. To keep commercial and public washrooms fresh, it is essential to understand where odours come from and how to address them as part of a broader hygiene strategy.
1. Urine residue on floors and walls
In high-use washrooms, urine often ends up around the base of toilets or behind fixtures, especially in areas with young users or poor aim. Even if it is not visible, the residue creates a breeding ground for bacteria. As people walk through the area, contamination spreads further across the floor.
What helps:
Thorough edge cleaning, better user education and sealed flooring materials help prevent build-up. Continuous air treatment can also reduce lingering odours between cleans.
2. Floor drains and dried-out U-bends
Floor drains are easy to overlook but can be a source of bad smells if water in the U-bend evaporates. This allows gases from the sewage system to rise back into the washroom. The problem is more common in washrooms that are infrequently used or poorly ventilated.
What helps:
Routine checks to keep water traps full are essential. Air treatment systems can also help limit the spread of odours if mechanical fixes are delayed.
3. Contaminated grout and porous flooring
Grout lines and old flooring can absorb spills over time. Even regular mopping may not remove the odour trapped inside these materials. Over time, this build-up creates a constant background smell, particularly in corners and hard-to-reach areas.
What helps:
Deep cleaning and sealing grout can reduce absorption. For long-term protection, air purification helps control the airborne bacteria and particles that settle in these areas.
4. Plumbing faults and backflow issues
Leaks or partial blockages in the waste system can release foul smells into the room. These odours are sometimes mistaken for poor cleaning but actually stem from the plumbing itself. Burst pipes or slow drainage can also contribute to a stale or sewage-like smell.
What helps:
Timely repairs are essential, but in the meantime, improving air circulation and applying air treatment can keep smells under control.
5. Toilet base seals or loose fittings
If the seal at the base of the toilet is damaged, smells can escape from the waste line. This issue is common in older toilets or those that have been knocked loose. The odour may be especially strong after flushing.
What helps:
Have any loose fittings or failed seals repaired promptly. If smells are ongoing, consider adding air treatment as a preventive measure to reduce user complaints.
The role of air purification in odour control
Even with strong cleaning and maintenance routines, odours often persist between cleaning cycles, especially in busy or poorly ventilated spaces. This is where continuous air purification systems, such as AIRsteril, play a key role. Rather than masking smells with fragrance, they remove the bacteria and compounds in the air that cause them.
AIRsteril units operate silently and safely in occupied washrooms, with no need for refills or sprays. They offer a chemical-free, low-maintenance way to keep washrooms fresher for longer.
