Cleaning the bathroom is hard work and takes a lot of time, especially if you’re looking into every nook and cranny. For quick results, most people would turn to harsh chemicals and cleaning agents to remove unwelcome bathroom smells and persistent odours.
There are fast, effective methods to keep the bathroom fresh and clean without breaking the bank. The experts at Helpling share how you can freshen up the throne room with natural, everyday ingredients.

Place a small bowl of baking soda in the bathroom to absorb the odours. You should replace the baking soda every month to make sure it stays fresh.
You can even turn it into a natural solution. Just mix 2 cups of water, a tablespoon of white vinegar and a teaspoon of baking soda with 10 drops of your favourite essential oil (for fragrance), then transfer the liquid into a spray bottle to use as needed.
Another trick to keep your bathroom smelling fresh is to place a plate of lemon slices near the throne. Lemons are great at neutralising odours, and will even leave your bathroom nice and fresh. Just remember to change the lemon slices once a week.
Essential oils like lavender and lemongrass are great for masking even the strongest of bathroom odours. Set a diffuser on an open shelf, and warm a few drops of oil for a couple of minutes.
If you don’t have a diffuser (or a ledge to place that on), just dab a few cotton balls with some essential oil and leave them inside an empty toilet roll in your bathroom to work their wonders. You should replace the scented cotton balls every week.
This classic liquor comes in useful for creating DIY air fresheners too. Mix one part vodka to three parts water, and add about 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Use it handy in a spray bottle.
Not keen on pouring harsh chemicals down your toilet? Then keep these cubes of natural toilet bombs around:
- Stir 1 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup citric acid in a large metal bowl.
- Add 15 drops of your favourite essentials oils, then wearing gloves, start kneading the mixture together.
- Slowly add water a teaspoon at a time to help the mixture combine.
- Scoop everything into ice cube trays, and let dry overnight.
- Store them in an airtight jar.
- To use, throw one or two cubes of your homemade toilet bomb into the toilet bowl and let it fizz up for about 10 minutes before you start flushing.
Text: Mia Chenyze, Simply Her / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew