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Should You Keep Your Bathroom Door Open or Closed When Not in Use?

Should we keep the bathroom door open or closed when it's not in use? Let's hear what the experts have to say.

6 November, 2024

The bathroom is typically the most humid and poorly ventilated space in a home. For this reason, many people choose to leave the bathroom door open after use to air it out. However, this habit can be unhealthy, and some people prefer to keep the door closed.

It’s better to keep the bathroom door closed after use.

When we use the toilet or take a shower, bacteria and odors are released into the air. If we leave the door open, these bacteria and odors will spread into the house.

Therefore, it is recommended by experts to:

– Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use and turn on the exhaust fan. You can also open the windows to keep the room dry and prevent bacteria and moisture from entering.

– If your living space is too small to have a separate bathroom, consider installing a waterproof shower curtain. This will not only separate the dry and wet areas but also help extend the life of your bathroom fixtures and cabinets.

How to deal with odors coming from the bathroom?

Bathroom odors usually come from the toilet and floor drain, so it’s essential to address these two sources effectively.

+ Toilet odor removal

Toilet bowls can become smelly due to dirt and grime buildup on the inner walls. To solve this issue:

Step 1: Cut off one end of a disposable face mask to create a small bag. If you don’t have these masks, you can use old socks instead.

Step 2: Place leftover soap scraps inside the bag. Use the mask’s ear loop to secure the opening, creating a small soap-filled bag.

Step 3: Place this soap bag inside the toilet tank to effectively remove odors.

+ Floor drain odor removal

The pipes connected to the floor drain are often overlooked during cleaning. Over time, hair, dirt, and grime can build up inside these pipes, leading to unpleasant odors and bacterial growth. To solve this issue, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.

Step 2: In a cup or bowl, mix baking soda with a few drops of dish soap and some hot water. Pour this solution down the drain.

Step 3: Follow it up by pouring some vinegar down the drain. The vinegar and baking soda will react, creating a foaming action that helps break down buildup.

Step 4: Let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water.

+ Place air fresheners in the bathroom

While air fresheners can help mask odors, most of them contain chemicals that may be harmful if inhaled over extended periods. It is best to place air fresheners in well-ventilated, dark, and cool areas to slow down the rate of evaporation.