This topic is about managing toilet bowl odor after having an ileostomy. The person sharing their experience used to clean the toilet with bleach after every use, which removed the smell but left a strong bleach odor. They found a better solution with an odor-eliminating spray called "Pooph." Here's how they manage the situation and some additional tips:
1. After emptying the ileostomy bag, they brush the toilet bowl while the tank refills. Once the water stops, they spray Pooph, and the odor disappears.
2. Simply flushing the toilet can leave residue on the bowl walls, which can turn the water light brown and start to smell after a few days. Regular brushing, even with just the bowl water, can prevent this build-up.
3. Timing the flush properly can help minimize residue. Emptying the bag while the water is actively rushing down can remove most waste and prevent ongoing odor or staining.
4. Toilets differ in how well they rinse the bowl. Upgrading to a model with a stronger rinse or a "vacuum toilet" system can help reduce lingering odors without extra cleaning. It's a good idea to consult plumbers or check Consumer Reports before making a purchase.
5. Alternative odor sprays like Ozium air sanitizer, available in vanilla and other scents, can effectively control bathroom odors after use.
6. A quick-rinse method involves keeping a soft squeeze "Peri bottle" filled with water, and optionally a drop of Dawn dish soap, on the counter. As you flush, squirt the bowl walls to wash away any residue, then refill the bottle for next time.
7. Traditional disinfectant approaches, such as using inexpensive bleach sprays like Walmart’s Great Value brand, can effectively kill odor-causing germs and leave a fresh scent.
8. Some people find that they never need to scrub or treat the bowl if they rely solely on thorough flushing. This can vary depending on individual anatomy, output consistency, and toilet design.
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