[Home Tips] How to remove toilet odors in a long-term manner?

🕵️♀️ Editor’s observation: Why do Hong Kong toilets tend to have a particularly bad odor?

Hong Kong's toilets are generally small, have few or no windows, and are damp . This, combined with building design and aging plumbing, makes it easier for odors to accumulate. The main reasons include:

1. Drain pipe smells bad 🪠

   • If there is no water seal in the U-shaped air trap (commonly known as P-trap) in the toilet floor drain, washbasin drain, and bathtub drain, sewage odor will flow back into the room.
   • If the drain level is not used for a long time, the water seal will evaporate and the odor-isolating effect will be completely lost.

2. Moist toilet breeds mold 🌧

   • Hong Kong has high humidity, so corners and tile joints are prone to mold, which will release a musty smell.

3. Toilet seal aging 🚽

   • The sealing ring (wax ring or silicone) between the toilet and the floor is aging and will leak sewer odor.

4. Insufficient ventilation 🪟

   • There are no windows or the exhaust fan is not powerful enough, so odor and moisture accumulate and are difficult to dissipate.

5. Lifestyle issues🧴

   • Infrequent cleaning, long-term storage of trash cans, and accumulation of hair and soap residue in drains will release a foul odor.

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⚠️ Editor's reminder: Toilet odor is more than just a bad smell

Long-term breathing of sewer gases (such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia) may:

• Causes headache, nausea, eye irritation
• Aggravation of asthma and nasal allergies
• Affects sleep quality and mood, so long-term solutions are more important than short-term cover-ups.

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🛠 Editor's Guide: Instant + Long-Term Deodorization

Step 1: Immediate odor removal (short-term emergency)

1. White vinegar + baking soda 🧪
   • Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then pour half a cup of white vinegar, wait for 15 minutes and then rinse with hot water. This will help break down dirt and neutralize odors.
2. Boil lemon peel in water 🍋
   • Boil lemon peels in water and pour it into the toilet or drain to remove odors and kill bacteria.
3. Activated carbon/bamboo charcoal bag🪵
   • Place it in the corner of the toilet to absorb odor molecules in the air.

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Step 2: Long-term deodorization (root treatment)

1️⃣ Check and maintain water seal

• Empty each drain outlet with clean water at least once a week to maintain the water level in the U-shaped air trap.
• Drain outlets that are not used for a long time can be sealed with rubber plugs.

2️⃣Replace aging seals

• Once the sealing ring at the bottom of the toilet is aged, it should be replaced immediately.
• If there are gaps in the drain pipe joints under the wash basin, re-apply silicone sealant or replace the sealing gasket.

3️⃣ Improve ventilation

• Install moisture-proof and high-efficiency exhaust fans (Hong Kong standard IPX4 waterproof grade).
• Set the timer function to run automatically for 10-15 minutes after flushing the toilet.

4️⃣Anti -mildew treatment

• Regularly scrub tile joints and corners with bleach (diluted 1:99) to prevent mold growth.
• You can use mildew inhibitors to seal the tile joints to reduce the source of musty odors.

5️⃣ Waste Management

• Toilet trash cans should have covers and be emptied every day, especially for sanitary napkins, diapers and other garbage that are prone to odor.

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Step 3: Advanced Methods to Prevent Odor Backflow

• Install an odor-proof floor drain : it has a one-way valve design that only allows water to flow down and prevents gas from flowing back.
• Use drain deodorizing gel : it forms a long-lasting protective layer in drains to isolate odors.
• Have your drains professionally cleaned regularly : Remove any accumulated grease, hair, and soap scum from the pipes.

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📝 Editor's Summary

The odor problem in Hong Kong toilets cannot be solved by sprays alone, as the fragrance only temporarily covers the problem, and the root cause still exists.

1. First check the water seal and seals of the drainage system
2. Further strengthen exhaust ventilation
3. Cooperate with mildew prevention and garbage management
4. Install odor-proof equipment when necessary

This way, you can achieve long-lasting odor removal and maintain health and hygiene . The toilet will no longer be "stinky" and going to the toilet every day will be a pleasure 🚿🌿.