Maintaining good ventilation involves two main factors: having a working vent fan and keeping the door (and window, if possible) open when the bathroom is not in use. A functioning vent fan draws moisture and odors out of the bathroom and into the outside air. Both factors improve air quality by removing bad odors, along with humidity from bathing that otherwise could create a musty smell. Hang your towels to dry—spread out with good airflow—after every use, and wash them at least once a week. (This includes hand towels and washcloths.) Use bleach or the hottest water you can to kill any germs that find their way into the fabric. Candles, especially votive candles, are easy to place as small decor pieces somewhere in the bathroom. Have a lighter or matches handy, so you can light the candle whenever you feel it’s necessary. But never leave a candle unattended. Snuff it out before you leave the room. Clean your bathroom at least once a week, with a more thorough clean once every month or two. Not only is that good general maintenance, but it also should help to reduce odors on a daily basis. If you’re wondering what the dirtiest, smelliest parts of your bathroom might be, you may guess wrong. It’s not always your toilet or toilet seat! Floors and bath mats can be the worst offenders because they quickly accumulate microscopic particles and fluids that escape from toilets as they flush, especially if the lid stays up. Don’t forget to reach around to clean the floor at the back of your toilet, too. Empty your bathroom trash can regularly, not only when it’s full. If you want to save trash bags, dump the trash into your larger kitchen can when you take it out.
