The bathroom is often humid and has unpleasant odors. While you can use deodorant sprays and scented candles, they often only mask the smell without completely eliminating it. In response to this issue, experts have shared a simple and cost-effective deodorizing method – using rice instead of baking soda!
According to the UK magazine “Homes & Gardens,” to get rid of bathroom odors, it is essential to master effective cleaning techniques and maintain the drainage system regularly. Using high-quality natural deodorizers can certainly be helpful in combating unwanted odors.
Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, the CEO of the UK cleaning company “Cleaning Express,” explained that this trick is quite effective because rice has water-absorbing properties. It not only absorbs moisture in the air but also effectively adsorbs odors.
He suggested, “Adding a few drops of essential oil is a good method because this way, the rice itself will emit a pleasant aroma, masking any unpleasant odors it has absorbed.”
However, this method works best in small bathrooms.
If you want to give this trick a try, Scott Schrader, a cleaning expert from the US cleaning company “CottageCare,” recommends putting rice in a breathable container, such as a mason jar with holes punched on the lid, or a cloth bag.
Take a cup of rice and add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (adjust based on the intensity of the scent). It is recommended to replenish the essential oil every one or two weeks and change the rice monthly.
The rice, mason jars, and essential oils can be purchased at Walmart, and cloth bags can be bought on Amazon.
“Some bathrooms still have odors even after cleaning thoroughly, which are usually caused by pipes or drains. When pipes are dirty or partially blocked (especially with hair and soap scum buildup), they often emit a musty smell,” as mentioned in “Homes & Gardens.” Using quality drain cleaners can help remove these residues, making the drain smell fresher.
Moreover, leaking pipes can cause musty odors behind bathroom fixtures or inside cabinets, leading to mold growth. If this is the case, it is essential to inspect carefully and seek professional repairs if necessary.
According to reports from the UK’s “Daily Express,” cleaning expert and influencer Chantel Mila recently shared another clever trick using rice and essential oils to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth inside closets and cabinets.
The combination of humidity, poor ventilation, and organic substances in closets and cabinets makes mold growth easy, especially in colder weather. Mila’s go-to dehumidifying method involves using rice and lemon essential oil to absorb moisture and odors.
Mila suggests filling a drawstring bag with a suitable amount of rice and placing it in the closet. She also adds a few drops of lemon essential oil into the rice to keep the closet smelling fresh.
Rice not only absorbs moisture but also eliminates lingering odors. What’s even better is that it can stay in the closet for two to three months. If you notice clumping, it’s time to replace it.
Since rice can absorb moisture, some people might put a wet phone in a bag of rice to dehumidify it, but it is crucial to mention that Apple advises against putting a wet iPhone into rice, as the tiny rice particles could damage it.
As reported by the Associated Press, the best method is to use silica gel, a desiccant that can absorb large amounts of moisture. Silica gel beads are usually packaged in small bags accompanying products like beef jerky, seaweed, or sneakers to maintain dryness. You can also purchase them online and place them in a sealed container with your phone for optimal dehumidification effectiveness.