We’ve all been there. You use an unfamiliar bathroom—at someone else’s house or at a public space, and are left embarrassed by the smell you leave behind. Everyone poops, and everyone’s poop smells, but that doesn’t make it less embarrassing.
So what do you do the next time you find yourself in this situation? Here are some tips for getting rid of that poop smell, from Today and Greatist.
Photo: Dreamstime
1. Courtesy flush
Seriously, the courtesy flush is your best friend when it comes to pooping. Basically, you flush every time you hear a splash in the toilet bowl to prevent smells from diffusing. The quicker you do it, the less the odor.
2. Ventilate
You can open a window or turn on the exhaust fan, and leave it running after you leave. Getting air to circulate won’t get rid of the smell immediately, but it will help.
On the next page: more ways to cover up that embarrassing poop smell.
3. Check your purse
You might have something in your purse that can double as an air freshener. Apply scented hand lotion to your hands then wave them in the air. You can also squirt some into the toilet. You could also use hair spray, breath spray, or cologne as air freshener. If you really want to be prepared for situations like this, you can buy products made specifically for covering up poop odors, like the Poo-Pourri.
Photo: Pixabay
4. Check the cabinets
Got nothing in your purse? Check the cabinets for other things that can double as air freshener, such as spray bathroom cleaner, bleach, liquid hand soap, or even shampoo. Just be careful if you’re using bleach—less than a capful is enough, and don’t mix it with ammonia lest you produce a toxic gas. You could also light a match.
5. Just give a warning
Can’t do any of the above? Just quietly exit, or if someone’s waiting to use the toilet right afterwards, let them know that they might want to wait a little longer. Again, everyone poops. Don’t sweat it too much.
READ: The secret to keeping a clean bathroom without actually cleaning
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