How to Get Rid of Mold Smell in Bathroom

Follow me

If you’ve ever walked into your bathroom and smelled something damp or musty, you’re not alone. Bathrooms are often warm and wet, which makes them the perfect place for mold to grow. That smell is not just unpleasant, it’s a sign that mold or mildew might be hiding somewhere. The good news is you can get rid of it easily with simple cleaning and care.

A bright, clean bathroom with white tiles, sunlight coming through the window, and a small green plant on the counter looks and feels so much better. You can make your bathroom smell that fresh again too.

Step 1: Find Where the Smell Is Coming From

Before cleaning, try to find the source of the smell. Mold can grow in places you might not even see. Check these spots carefully:

• Around shower grout and corners
• Under the sink or inside cabinets
• Behind the toilet where water sometimes collects
• Bathroom rugs, towels, or shower curtains
• Sink and shower drains

A person using a small flashlight to check under the sink and along tile corners can help spot hidden mold. Once you find where the smell is coming from, you can clean that area properly.

Step 2: Deep Clean All the Surfaces

Once you know where the mold is, it’s time for a deep clean. You can use things you probably already have at home.

You’ll need:
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Dish soap
• A small brush or old toothbrush
• A clean cloth

Here’s how to do it:

Spray vinegar on the moldy areas and leave it for 10 minutes.
Mix baking soda and water into a paste and scrub the grout or corners.
Rinse and dry everything well.
For stubborn spots, spray hydrogen peroxide and wipe after a few minutes.

Step 3: Wash and Replace Smelly Fabrics

Even if the tiles are clean, the musty smell can stay in towels, rugs, and curtains. These fabrics often trap moisture.

• Wash towels, bath mats, and shower curtains with hot water.
• Add one cup of vinegar to the wash to kill bacteria.
• Replace old plastic liners that smell.
• Check rugs under the sink or near the shower.
• Clean small bathroom items like trash bins and soap holders too.

Freshly washed towels and a clean bath mat folded neatly can make your bathroom smell instantly fresher.

Step 4: Clean the Drains

Sometimes, the moldy smell comes from your sink or shower drain. Hair, soap, and dirt can build up and cause odor. You can fix it with this simple method:

Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain.
Add one cup of vinegar and let it bubble for about 10 minutes.
Pour hot water down to rinse everything out.
For tough smells, add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide afterward.

A person pouring baking soda into a sink drain with bubbles forming is exactly what this looks like. Doing this once a week helps keep your bathroom smelling clean.

If you still notice a bad smell, try running water through each drain daily. This keeps the pipes from drying out and stops odors from coming back.

Step 5: Improve Airflow and Reduce Moisture

A big reason mold grows in bathrooms is because of trapped humidity. You can stop it by improving airflow.

• Turn on your exhaust fan during and after showers.
• Open the bathroom window if you have one.
• Use a small dehumidifier if the room stays damp.
• Wipe water off mirrors, tiles, and countertops after showers.
• Keep the shower curtain open to help it dry faster.

Adding a small houseplant like a peace lily or fern also helps absorb moisture and keeps the air feeling fresh.

A bathroom shelf with a plant, candle, and folded towels near a window looks calm and clean and that’s exactly what good ventilation can do.

Step 6: Keep It Smelling Fresh Naturally

Once your bathroom is clean and dry, you can make it smell even better using natural scents instead of chemical sprays.

Try these ideas:
• Use an essential oil diffuser with lavender or lemon oil.
• Keep a small jar of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil.
• Place activated charcoal bags under the sink or near the toilet.
• Boil lemon slices in water and set the pot near your bathroom to freshen the air.
• Leave a small bowl of vinegar or coffee grounds overnight to remove strong smells.

A small glass jar with baking soda and lemon oil sitting on a shelf gives a natural, simple touch and helps keep the space fresh.

Step 7: Stop Mold from Coming Back

After you’ve cleaned everything, it’s important to keep mold away. Small daily habits can make a big difference.

• Fix leaky taps or pipes right away.
• Wipe down wet areas every few days.
• Hang towels to dry instead of piling them up.
• Reseal shower grout once a year to keep water out.
• Keep toiletries and bottles dry between uses.

A sparkling shower with dry shelves and organized bottles shows that a little care can keep your bathroom clean and healthy for longer.

The Takeaway

Getting rid of mold smell in your bathroom isn’t difficult you just need to clean the right places, dry everything completely, and keep air moving. Once you do, your bathroom will smell fresh and look brighter too.

Next time you notice that damp smell, remember it’s not just about odor, it’s about keeping your home healthy and comfortable. Try these steps this week and enjoy walking into a bathroom that smells clean every day.

Save this guide for later, you’ll want to use it whenever your bathroom needs a quick refresh.