If you’re looking for a low-cost, effective (and dare I say it, kinda fun!) way to neutralise toilet smells, you’re in the right place! The other day I shared a couple of Instagram stories showing how to get rid of toilet smells by slathering shaving cream all over the base of the toilet, floor and walls.
I thought I’d get a few laughing or surprised emoji reactions… never could I have imagined those crime-scene-like photos would be my most liked, commented and viewed stories of all time!
Apparently, a toilet cleaning hack that looks slightly unhinged is exactly the content the internet wants 😂! But here’s the best part. This shaving cream toilet cleaning hack actually works.
Related article: 18 of the best bathroom cleaning hacks to make your space sparkle
Related article: How to clean grout — 6 of the most effective grout cleaning tricks
Why toilets can smell even after cleaning
You scrub the bowl, disinfect the seat and mop the floor. And yet, the bathroom still smells. As a Mum with two young boys, I feel this deep in my core… trust me!
So if your toilet looks clean but still smells, the issue is usually hiding in places you’re not cleaning properly.
Common culprits include:
- urine splashes around the base of the toilet (hello life with boys!)
- odours absorbed into grout or silicone joins
- tiny drips that run down the back of the pan
- build-up underneath the rim
- poor ventilation. This is especially common in smaller bathrooms.
Often, toilet smells from underneath or around the base are caused by microscopic splashes that soak into porous surfaces. Standard surface sprays don’t always penetrate deeply enough to neutralise the smell.
What causes toilet smells around the base?
This is the big one. Even in spotless bathrooms, urine can splash onto grout, silicone joins, tile joins and the underside edge of the toilet base.
Over time, these surfaces absorb odours. That’s why you can clean the bowl thoroughly and still notice a lingering smell, especially in warmer weather.
How the shaving cream toilet cleaning hack works
So why shaving cream? Shaving foam expands and clings. It seeps into grout lines, textured tiles and tiny crevices around the toilet base. As it sits, it helps draw out odours trapped in porous surfaces.
I will say that it’s not perfect solution. And it’s not a substitute for proper disinfecting. However what it IS brilliant for, is deodorising.
That’s why this shaving cream toilet smell trick has gone viral. It’s simple, inexpensive and surprisingly effective.
Your step-by-step guide for how to get rid of toilet smells using shaving cream
1. Start with a clean toilet
Give the bowl, seat and exterior a standard clean first.
2. Shake your shaving cream
Use a basic white shaving foam (not gel). The cheaper the better.
3. Apply generously
Spread the shaving cream:
- around the entire base of the toilet
- along grout lines nearby
- onto the floor around the toilet
- lightly on lower wall tiles if needed.
Yes, it will look dramatic! Lean into it 😉
4. Let it sit
Leave it for at least 15 minutes. For stronger odours, up to 30 minutes should do the trick. You can leave it on for up to 3 hours if you like, but no longer than this, as the shaving foam could dry and become more difficult to remove.
5. Wipe and rinse
I like to clean it off using a 2-part approach. I start by removing the excess shaving cream with a microfibre cloth (one only used for the toilet) and warm water. Then I go back over with multipurpose cleaner and paper towel to remove any residue. Shaving cream can be slippery so it’s important to remove it all.
You should notice the bathroom smells fresher immediately.
Does shaving cream really remove toilet smells?
The short answer is yes… but with context.
Shaving cream helps neutralise and lift odours trapped in porous surfaces. However:
- it won’t fix plumbing issues
- it won’t repair a broken wax seal
- this is not a long-term solution if there’s a deeper leak.
If your toilet constantly smells from underneath, or there’s a strong sewer smell, it’s worth getting a plumber to check it out.
But for everyday odour build-up, this toilet cleaning hack is a winner. I’ve tried it, I’ve tested it, I live in a rental and I have 2 young sons. I feel like I’m pretty a pretty good case study for this cleaning hack!
How to stop toilet smells coming back
If you want to prevent the problem rather than just treat it, you should regularly clean around the base of your toilet, not just the bowl. Be sure you pay attention to the grout and silicone joins and consider resealing your grout if it’s very porous.
If possible, improving the ventilation in your bathroom can help stop toilet smells from coming back. And give your toilet (and the base) a monthly deep clean using this shaving cream method.
It’s a simple DIY toilet deodoriser trick that can make a big difference.
FAQ: Toilet smells and natural cleaning
Why does my toilet smell even after cleaning?
Because odours are often trapped in grout, silicone joins or around the base… not in the bowl itself.
How do I deodorise a toilet naturally?
Baking soda and vinegar can help, but shaving foam is particularly effective at penetrating porous areas.
Is shaving cream a non-toxic toilet cleaner?
It’s generally mild, but it’s best used as a deodorising step, not as a disinfectant.
Is this just another household cleaning hack trend?
Maybe! But sometimes the internet trends gets it right.
If you’re keen for ideas on how to get rid of toilet smells, I’d highly recommend giving this shaving cream toilet cleaning hack a go. It’s affordable, low effort and oddly satisfying.
Just prepare yourself. It will look like a bubble bath exploded in your bathroom! And honestly? That’s half the fun. Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you give it a go and ask any questions you may have in the comment section below!
