Have you ever wondered how to make your bathroom smell like a spa?
We’ve all experienced it before. A smelly bathroom filled with stale air and unpleasant odors.
It’s probably one of the worst things to come home to.
After all, a bathroom is one of the most important rooms in a house.
And I’m sure all you want to do is take a long shower and unwind after a long day.
But if your bathroom stinks, you’re not going to get the relaxing ambiance you want.
Sounds like a familiar situation?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
In this post, I’ll teach you six simple, affordable, and nontoxic steps you can take to make your bathroom smell like a spa.
And if that’s not enough, you’ll find eight more ways to recreate your favorite spa scent in your bathroom.
Keep reading to find out the best scents for your bathroom and some important dos and don’ts when it comes to making your bathroom smell like a spa.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. Read the full privacy policy here.
Too busy to read the entire article? Here’s the best tip on how to make your bathroom smell like a spa naturally – tie a fresh eucalyptus bunch at the top of your shower. Steam from a hot shower will release the oils from the eucalyptus, releasing a soothing and fragrant aroma.
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But, if you’re looking for the ONE product that will make your bathroom smell like a luxury spa, check out Neom’s Real Luxury Reed Diffuser in Lavender, Rosewood, and Jasmine.
Related: How To Make Your House Smell Like A Hotel In 12 Simple Steps
What Is The Best Scent For A Bathroom?
The best scent for a bathroom is one that is light, fresh, and relaxing.
As bathrooms tend to be small, you want to avoid anything that’s too strong or overpowering. Less is definitely more when it comes to this!
Here are the best ten scents for a bathroom:
- Lemon – crisp and uplifting
- Eucalyptus – refreshing and soothing
- Bergamot – bright and fresh
- Lavender – floral and calming
- Rosemary – herbal and woody
- Peppermint – fresh and cooling
- Fresh cotton/linen – airy and clean
- Tea Tree – fresh and Invigorating
- Sweet Orange – bright and energetic
- Light florals (Rose / Jasmine) – sweet and romantic
My favorite scents for the bathroom are eucalyptus and rose.
The former makes me feel like I’m relaxing in a spa, whereas the latter feels so romantic and luxurious.
It definitely feels like I’m being pampered whenever I smell either scent in my bathroom!
How To Make Your Bathroom Smell Like A Spa Naturally
Are you on a mission to buy different home fragrances to make your bathroom smell like a spa?
STOP!
Before you start shopping, here are six easy and inexpensive ways you can make your bathroom smell like a spa naturally.
1. Ventilate the bathroom
2. Deep clean your bathroom
3. Dry your towels outside the bathroom
4. Replace your towels regularly
5. Add greenery in the bathroom
6. Put citrus slices inside the bathroom
1. Ventilate the bathroom
It’s common for unpleasant odors to be trapped in the bathroom.
And, you may want to use an air freshener in your bathroom to get rid of these odors because it’s an easy fix.
But, your bathroom will smell worse if you mask these odors with chemicals without solving the root problem.
The first thing you need to do to get your bathroom to smell good is to ventilate your bathroom.
A well-ventilated bathroom ensures that your bathroom is free from odors and mold.
There are many ways to ventilate a bathroom. But, the easiest thing to do is to open the windows so stale air can leave the room and fresh air can come in.
Opening the windows also helps to eliminate excess humidity from the room.
If your bathroom doesn’t have windows, don’t worry! Here are 13 simple ways to keep a bathroom fresh without windows.
2. Deep clean the bathroom
The next thing you need to do is to deep clean your bathroom.
Scrubbing the toilet and wiping down the sink weekly is not good enough.
You have to deep clean and disinfect the toilet, shower stall, bathtub, sink, shower curtain, and yes, even the shower door!
Additionally, you should be removing limescale and soap scum on bathroom fixtures and scrubbing grout on bathroom tiles.
Don’t forget to clean and disinfect toothbrush holders, knobs, switches, and trash cans too!
Looking for nontoxic cleaning ingredients? Try baking soda!
Baking soda is a great deodorizer that eliminates odors caused by bacteria, mold, and mildew. It leaves surfaces smelling fresh and clean.
You can also pair baking soda with white vinegar. I swear by this all-natural combo – it is great at lifting grime, dirt, and stubborn stains from surfaces.
Related: Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning Your Home – What’s The Difference?
3. Dry your towels outside the bathroom
If you are drying your towels inside a small windowless bathroom, chances are your bathroom smells musty and stale.
Towels won’t dry completely if there is no proper ventilation.
When this happens, your damp towels will make your bathroom stink.
If you want your bathroom to smell good, dry your towels outside the bathroom where there is proper ventilation and less humidity.
4. Replace your towels regularly
Speaking of towels, make sure to replace your towels regularly.
I’m talking at least once in three days.
Towels can trap residues and buildup that cause odors and you definitely don’t want that!
When it comes to choosing towels, go for high-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton towels. They are very soft and highly absorbent.
You can also opt for bamboo or microfiber towels. Both towels are absorbent, fast-drying, and antimicrobial.
5. Add greenery in the bathroom
If you’re looking to add a fresh and natural spa-like scent to your bathroom, try adding a plant or two in your bathroom.
Plants are amazing for bathrooms because they purify the air while simultaneously absorbing moisture from it.
As a result, plants can help to improve the overall air quality.
Not sure which plants to get?
Try Boston Ferns, Green Pothos, ZZ plants, and Aloe Vera. These can survive in low-light and high-humidity environments like a bathroom.
If you want a stronger scent, try tying a fresh eucalyptus bunch at the top of your shower.
Then, you’re going to run a hot shower and enjoy a lovely and fragrant aroma, as the steam will release the oils from the eucalyptus.
I love doing this because it is truly the easiest nontoxic way to make your bathroom smell like a spa.
Plus, the calming smell lasts up to a month and the eucalyptus bunch looks beautiful in all bathrooms.
6. Put citrus slices inside the bathroom
The smell of citrus (lemons, limes, and oranges) is popular in the bathroom because it offers a fresh and pleasant odor that’s energizing.
Citrus fruits are a great way to make your home smell like a spa naturally.
Not only are they easy to find and purchase, they’re very affordable.
You can cut up sliced lemons and place them on a flat dish and place them on a bathroom shelf or counter.
You can even insert dried orange or lemon slices in small mesh bags and place them in your bathroom drawers or cabinets.
I love using freshly cut lemons because they keep my bathroom smelling fresh for about a week.
Btw, I learned this trick after I realized my fridge smelled so good after I placed lemons in it!
Did you know using lemons is also a nontoxic way to eliminate mold in your bathroom?
That’s right! You can use a lemon to rub around the rim of the bathtub, shower stall, and sink.
The citric acid in lemons kills germs and removes mold whereas the oil in lemon peels cuts through grease and other tough substances.
8 More Simple Ways To Make Your Bathroom Smell Like A Spa
1. Use essential oils
2. Place a reed diffuser on the vanity
3. Light a candle
4. Use scented bath products
5. Use scented cleaning products
6. Try a toilet spray
7. Add scented sachets in bathroom drawers
8. Use a linen spray on bath towels and hand towels
1. Use essential oils
Is your bathroom sparkling clean and well-ventilated now?
Great!
It’s time to add a natural home fragrance, and the best way to do this is by adding essential oils.
The best thing about essential oils is that they can be used in various ways.
Yes, these are some tried-and-tested DIY ways you can make your bathroom smell like a spa!
You can dip a Q-tip in the oil of your choice, then tape the Q-tip to the inside of your toilet roll tube.
By doing this, you’ll get a subtle whiff of the essential oil of your choice every time you visit the bathroom.
You can also soak cotton balls in the oil and place them in a bowl to achieve the same effect.
Besides that, you can make your own room spray by diluting your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle.
All you have to do is add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil, give it a good shake, and voila, you’re done!
Finally, you can also use an ultrasonic diffuser to diffuse your essential oils.
The good news is that the fragrance from an essential oil typically lasts for more than a week.
So, these DIY tips will keep your bathroom smelling fresh for a while!
Always look at the safety guidelines of essential oils before using them. Essential oils can be toxic to pets and may not be suitable for pregnant women and young children.
Are you an essential oil newbie? Try this starter kit which includes 8 relaxing scents (peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass, rosemary, frankincense, and orange) and a booklet that has over 25 amazing recipes!
Related: Oil Diffuser vs Wax Warmer: Which Is Better For Your Home?
2. Place a reed diffuser on the vanity
If DIY is not your thing, you can still make your bathroom smell like a spa by placing a reed diffuser on your bathroom vanity.
Reed diffusers are popular to use in bathrooms because they are flameless and heatless.
Plus, they come in beautiful glass bottles that double up as decor in the bathroom.
I can’t live without the Neom Real Luxury Reed Diffuser in Lavender, Rosewood, and Jasmine.
Yes, it’s expensive, but the smell is absolutely beautiful.
It’s relaxing and comforting without being overpowering. None of that harsh artificial-smelling stuff.
You’re also paying for quality as the oils in the diffuser are made of 100% natural essential oil blends. And, the scent lasts for 12 weeks!
- A relaxing scent that smells very spa-like
- Long-lasting
- 100% Natural
- Comes with a beautiful glass bottle
- Expensive
- The smell may be overpowering if all of the reed sticks are placed inside the bottle
Another reed diffuser I love for the bathroom is Nest’s Linen Reed Diffuser.
It has a light, airy, soft aroma that smells of fresh linen. Perfect for the bathroom!
- Mild and pleasant scent
- Long-lasting
- All-natural diffuser reed sticks
- High-quality alcohol-free fragrance oils
- Free from Formaldehyde, Parabens, Phthalates
- Cruelty-free & vegan
- Made in the USA
- Expensive
- Made from natural and synthetic ingredients
3. Light a candle
If you’re taking a long bath, you may want to light a candle that has a spa-like scent.
Not only will your bathroom smell divine, but you’ll also get to enjoy the warm and cozy flicker of candlelight as you relax in the bath.
LAFCO’s Rosemary Eucalyptus reminds me of a spa because its scent is mild yet inviting and refreshing.
- Clean and fresh eucalyptus scent
- Long-lasting smell
- Nontoxic soy wax
- Beautiful reusable handblown glass vessel
- Expensive
- Small size
Related: Reed Diffuser vs Candle – Which Is Better For Your Home?
4. Use scented beauty and bath products
You can easily get your bathroom to smell like a spa by using scented bath products.
All it takes is a hand soap and body wash that smells good.
Method has two great cruelty-free body wash options that smell wonderful.
If you love a sweet floral scent, try the Method Body Wash in Pure Peace. It is infused with peony, rose water, and pink sea salt.
But if you’re looking for something soothing and subtle, go for the Method Body Wash in Daily Zen.
True to its name, the relaxing smell comes from cucumbers, seaweed, and green tea.
For hand soap, I love Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Hand Soap in Lavender for daily use. It smells fresh, and clean, with just a hint of lavender.
It’s also cruelty-free and made with clean and safe ingredients.
5. Use scented cleaning products
Another easy way to make your bathroom smell like a spa is to use scented cleaning products.
This trick also makes cleaning way more enjoyable, trust me!
If you’re a long-time reader of the blog, you’ll know that I LOVE Method because they smell AMAZING!
Their cleaning solutions work well and smell good.
They offer a wide range of fragrances, but my favorites for the bathroom are eucalyptus, spearmint, and ylang-ylang.
Everything smells fresh yet calming.
Plus, they include nontoxic ingredients and use recycled plastic for their packaging. I’m a huge fan!
Here are three of my bathroom cleaning essentials.
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6. Try a toilet spray
Sometimes we just need a quick fix especially when you have a house full of guests!
A toilet spray is great because it’s affordable, effortless, safe, and conceals any unpleasant odors immediately.
The Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray in Original Citrus is my #1 go-to. (It’s also the #1 home fragrance room spray on Amazon with more than 4.5 stars rating and over 100,000 reviews!)
This spray leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and clean with its lemon, bergamot, and lemongrass scent.
All you have to do is shake the bottle well then spritz 3-5 sprays into the toilet bowl on the water’s surface.
This spray traps bathroom odor under the water’s surface, so it never enters the air.
This is a genius hack for anyone who wants to make their toilet smell good.
7. Add scented sachets in bathroom drawers
Do you have drawers or cabinets in your bathroom?
If you do, consider adding scented sachets inside them.
This is an inexpensive and easy way of making your bathroom smell like a spa.
I recommend the Winslow & Brody Premium Italian Lavender Sachets because it’s an all-natural way to freshen your drawers and cabinets.
Made from 100% real Italian dried lavender flowers, this sachet has a soft, fresh, and lovely lavender smell.
Unlike highly processed scented sachets, this does not smell artificial or overwhelming.
However, the scent may not last long so you’ll need to replenish this often if you like the scent.
- Long-lasting and natural lavender scent
- 100% Natural
- Individually-packed
- Scent doesn't last very long
8. Use a linen spray on bath towels and hand towels
Want to make your bathroom smell and feel like a spa?
Use a linen spray on your hand and bath towels.
Just a few spritzes will make your linens smell SO good!
The Caldrea Linen And Room Spray in Lavender Cedar Leaf is multi-purpose – you can use it as it is as a room spray or spray it on your linens.
The lavender smell is natural, refreshing, and subtle. It does not smell like your typical synthetic air fresheners.
According to one Amazon reviewer, this spray is one of the most effective ones he has used to cover bathroom odors. It is not cloying or too sweet, but it sure is effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are luxury bathroom scents?
Have you noticed how the smells in luxury spas are always soft and subtle?
The key to luxury bathroom scents is to choose delicate scents that are calming yet long-lasting.
In addition, they must not smell artificial and overpowering. Those are the worst!
For a true luxury bathroom experience, try lavender, rose, and bergamot.
Or you can simply pick up the Neom Real Luxury Reed Diffuser in Lavender, Rosewood, and Jasmine.
You’ll feel like you’ve been instantly transported to a luxury spa!
Related: How To Make Your House Smell Like A Spa With 12 Simple Tips
Can I put essential oils in the bath?
However, you should always seek advice from a medical doctor if you have any medical conditions or health concerns.
Just remember that essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil before topical use.
And, you should always purchase a reputable brand that provides high-quality genuine essential oils.
If you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to do a patch test before use.
Can I pour laundry detergent or fabric softener inside the toilet tank?
Although there are many articles that claim that this makes your toilet smell good, plumbers advise against it.
According to the experts, fabric softener in the toilet tank may increase build-up and cause drainage issues.
If you want to keep your toilet smelling fresh naturally, dip a Q-tip in the essential oil of your choice, then tape the Q-tip to the inside of your toilet roll tube.
Alternatively, you can soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them on a dish near the toilet.
Conclusion
There you have it – six safe nontoxic ways to make your bathroom smell like a spa and eight additional tips on how you can add a home fragrance to your bathroom!
I know most of you may be looking for all-natural methods, so I’ve tried my best to suggest brands that use clean and safe ingredients in their products.
I hope these tips and tricks work for you and you’ll have a bathroom that smells like a spa in no time!
Feel free to check out this post if you want your entire home to smell like a spa too, or this post if you prefer your home to smell like a five-star hotel instead!