Top 10 reasons public toilets smell (and how to stop it)

Public toilets in locations such as shopping centres, train stations and motorway services face intense daily use. Even with regular cleaning and ventilation, unpleasant odours often remain. This list outlines the ten most common causes of persistent smells, along with effective ways to fix them.

1. Stale air and poor air quality

 In high-traffic washrooms, air can quickly become stale due to frequent use and limited circulation. While ventilation systems are standard in most public toilets, they are not enough to control odours or reduce bacteria in the air. Older systems can actually make problems worse. To properly tackle smells and staleness, specific air treatment is required to deal with airborne contaminants that ventilation alone cannot remove.

2. Urine splashes and hidden residues

 Urinals and toilets see heavy use, and splashes often reach beyond the bowl. Residues settle into grout, behind fixtures or under flooring, where standard cleaning cannot reach. Thorough edge and wall cleaning is needed to address this.

3. Dry or blocked U-bends

 When U-bends dry out or become clogged, sewer gases can escape into the room. Regular maintenance and water top-ups in infrequently used fixtures help prevent this issue.

4. Bacteria breaking down organic waste

 Smells are often caused not by the waste itself, but by bacteria feeding on it. These microorganisms thrive in warm, damp conditions and produce gases that lead to strong odours. This can be combatted with regular antibacterial cleaning, but bacteria reproduce quickly and settle from the air, meaning that without effective air purification it can become a losing battle.

5. Overflowing or uncovered bins

 Waste bins, especially for nappies or sanitary products, can quickly become smelly. Bins should be lined, lidded and emptied frequently, particularly in warm environments.

6. Ineffective cleaning routines

 Busy public toilets need cleaning several times a day, not just once. Special attention should be given to less obvious areas such as under sinks, pipework, corners and drain grates.

7. Over-reliance on air fresheners

 Fragrances do not eliminate smells. They simply mask them. When mixed with underlying odours, they can create overpowering or unpleasant new combinations. Replace temporary solutions with systems that address the cause of smells, such as air treatment units that neutralise odour compounds and remove the bacteria that produce them.

8. Grout and porous materials absorbing waste

 Grout, tiling and some floor finishes can absorb liquids and odours over time. Deep cleaning or replacing aged materials may be necessary for long-term improvement.

9. Inconsistent plumbing upkeep

 Small leaks, infrequent flushing or faulty urinals contribute to stale conditions. A regular inspection schedule can help prevent odour build-up from unnoticed faults.

10. Lack of air purification

 Even with good cleaning and ventilation, odours can still develop in the air. AIRsteril units provide constant air treatment by destroying airborne bacteria and neutralising smells before they settle. Unlike sprays or cartridges, they work silently and continuously, and only require an annual lamp change.