Why do bad bathroom odors persist even after cleaning?

HELLO. MY NAME IS ERIC WITH PLUMBING PARAMEDIC 911 Sometimes bathroom odors can be stubborn despite your best cleaning efforts. Here are a few reasons why those lingering smells might still be hanging around.

IVE BEEN A PLUMBER FOR 26 years. Throughout the years I have been in some smelly situations and smelly bathrooms. My number 1 and number 2 reasons "Ha-ha funny you get it. would be my best educated guess.

1. Mold and Mildew
2. Drain or Plumbing Issues " Main line stopped up or has been stopped up leaving behind some not so grey water in your P-Traps.
3. p- trap don't have water in it either has evaporated from fixture not being used or venting issue causing the trap to get sucked dry from another fixture. This allows sewer gas to escape into your house. The p-trap stays full of water keeping the gas away. All your fixtures have a p-trap
4. Drains can trap hair, soap scum, and other debris that eventually cause funky smells. A damaged wax ring under the toilet can also allow sewer odors to leak into your bathroom.
5. Moisture and Ventilation
6. Bathrooms often trap moisture, leading to mold or mildew growth. Insufficient ventilation—like a fan that’s broken, too small, or not used enough—lets that damp air stick around, causing lingering odors.
7. Curtain or Bathmat
8. Shower curtains, liners, and bathmats can develop mold and mildew over time. If they’re not cleaned or replaced regularly, they can cause musty, unpleasant odors that spread throughout the bathroom.
9. Toilet Tank Residue
10. Many people overlook the inside of the toilet tank. Over time, mineral deposits, bacteria, and mildew can build up there. Each flush pulls that smell into the bowl and out into the room.
11. Air Fresheners vs. Real Solutions
12. Sometimes using sprays or plug-in air fresheners simply masks the smell temporarily rather than getting rid of the source. If there’s a deeper issue, you’ll notice the odor reappearing once the fragrance fades.
13. Hidden Buildup
14. Even if surfaces look spotless, odor-causing bacteria can hide in places like under the toilet rim, inside the toilet tank, around the base of the toilet, or in grout lines. A standard wipe-down might not reach the deep grime.

What to Do

• Give the toilet an extra thorough cleaning: especially under the rim and inside the tank.
• Clean and unclog drains. Try a safer, enzyme-based cleaner or pour hot water mixed with vinegar and baking soda down the drain.
• Check the wax ring if you suspect a sewer gas leak. If you smell a strong sewage odor when you flush or near the base of the toilet, you might need a new seal.
• Increase ventilation by running the fan longer after showers or opening a window to reduce moisture.
• Wash or replace shower curtains, liners, and bathmats regularly.
• If the odor persists or you suspect a plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to get professional help—sometimes a hidden leak or pipe issue is the real culprit. Hey, Plumbing Paramedic, 911 will be there when you need us 24/7, we're just a Call-Away. 864-446-8911 plumbingparamedic.org