The Secret To Getting Rid Of Bathroom Smells Is Hiding In Your Kitchen

Bathrooms are easily the most smelly room in your home. From musty towels, to mildew build-up, to unexpected culprits of bathroom odors — this space requires a lot of attention to maintain a fresh and clean environment. Even a spotless bathroom can deal with the occasional odor, which is why there is no limit to the options for expensive store-bought deodorizers, room sprays, candles, and essential oil diffusers you can find at many home improvement stores. However, if you're looking for a non-toxic, natural way to rid your bathroom of pesky odors, look no further than your kitchen pantry. You might be surprised to learn that a jar of plain rice is an effective, low-maintenance way to provide all the deodorizing help you need.

Rice, the staple grain that's in almost every pantry for yummy stir-fries and creamy risottos actually has a hidden talent as a natural deodorizer. It's no secret that rice is incredibly absorbent and soaks up moisture pretty effortlessly. That is exactly what makes it perfect for bathroom odors, since the rice will absorb moisture in high humidity areas and take the unwanted smells along with it. This DIY deodorizer is not just a great way to get rid of stubborn bathroom odors, it is also incredibly cost-effective and requires very little work to maintain. Getting your rice deodorizer all set up just takes a few minutes and you only need a handful of materials that you probably already have lying around your home.

To get started making your deodorizer, you will need dry rice, a small container, and your favorite essential oil. Some popular options are lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and citrus scents. Mason jars also work well as the container for this DIY project since they are sturdy and come in various sizes — but you can use any jar or container you already have for this easy project. You can also cover the jar with a breathable fabric, like cheesecloth, for a more finished and decorative look. Once you have all the materials, you can fill your jar with about ½ a cup to 1 cup of uncooked rice — whatever fits. 

Next, add a few drops of essential oils (about 10 should do the trick, depending on how strong your want the scent) and stir the oil into the rice so that it distributes it throughout the jar. Then all that's left to do is set the jar on a shelf or on the back of the toilet and let it do its thing. Depending on the humidity levels of your bathroom, the deodorizer will last for four to six months before it needs to be changed. If you notice odors returning, simply replace the rice to leave your bathroom smelling fresh as can be. The great thing about this trick is it also works well for musty closets, entryways, mudrooms, or anywhere else in your home you need to deodorize.