Last Updated: February 25, 2026 — Reviewed by Brian Hayes, Licensed Master Plumber
Have you ever walked past your bathroom and got hit in the face with an unpleasant smell? One of the worst things ever, don’t you agree? Whether the stench is man-made or a result of poor maintenance, such odours should not exist!
Fortunately, there are some things that you can do in order to remove these awful odours from your home:
Removing the Foul Odours
*Bathroom Ventilation
Almost every bathroom should at least have a small exhaust fan installed to help keep the space well-ventilated. By using an exhaust fan, you will be able to remove foul odours from the bathroom as well as the moisture. Excess moistures from hot showers can also cause smelly mold and mildew to start developing.
*Air Fresheners
While it is true that air fresheners do not remove odours, they still do a fine job of masking them. Instead of heading to the nearest store to purchase a chemical spray, you can go for a homemade variety. Mix two cups of water, one tablespoon of white vinegar, one teaspoon of baking soda, and about 10 to 20 drops of essential oil flavour (anything that tickles your fancy).
*Dessicants
To absorb moisture in your bathroom, you may consider using dessicants. These materials can come in the form of silica gels. You may also opt for the stylistic route which is including plants in your bathroom as plants are natural desiccants. Plants like lilies and ferns do a great job of removing foul odours from bathrooms.
Cleaning the Bathroom
*Cleaning Materials
You may make a paste using lemon juice and baking soda and apply it to any bathroom fixture you want to clean. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then spray the surface with white vinegar. Once the paste bubbles up, then you should wipe it clean.
*Cleaning the Toilet Tank
Failure to clean your toilet tank regularly can cause it to stink. What you can do is open up the tank, pour in a fair amount of white vinegar, then get to scrubbing. Once you are finished, flush the toilet and repeat this process for a few more times.
*Be Wary of Mold Development
When you see green debris around fixtures and pipes or if you see black specks on the ceiling, then this is an obvious sign of mold. Some of the not so obvious signs are: runny nose, itchy eyes, rashes, wheezing, etc. Keep in mind that not only can mold be unsightly to smell and see, but it can also impact one’s health negatively.
What You Can Do:
*Close the toilet lid before flushing and keep it closed.
*Re-caulk your bathtub, shower and tiles.
*Regularly empty the trash bin.
*Wash bathroom mats, towels, curtains, rags, etc. as foul odour can cling to them.
*Contact us to fix any leaks!
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does bathroom odour cost in Oshawa?
The cost of bathroom odour in Oshawa varies depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and bathroom size. Hayes Plumbing provides free in-home estimates throughout Durham Region so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
How long does bathroom odour take to complete?
Most bathroom odour projects in Durham Region take between 2 and 4 weeks depending on the complexity and material lead times. Hayes Plumbing coordinates all trades to keep your project on schedule.
Do I need a permit for bathroom odour in Ontario?
In Ontario, you typically need a building permit if your bathroom odour project involves structural changes or moving plumbing lines. Hayes Plumbing can advise whether your specific project requires a permit from the City of Oshawa.
Need help with your bathroom renovation? Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering. Contact us or call (905) 576-3043 for a free estimate.
