This topic is about finding ways to control bathroom odors in a situation where there is no exhaust fan, window, or the ability to use scented products. The person in question has moved into an older apartment and is looking for effective, non-scented solutions to manage bathroom and ostomy-related smells. Here are some suggestions and insights that might help:
1. Mechanical air movement and filtration:
- If the bathroom shares an external wall, consider installing a through-wall exhaust fan, though this requires building approval.
- Use a small plug-in air purifier like the "Hamilton Beach TrueAir," which uses a carbon filter and doesn't add any scent.
- Explore vent-less tabletop or wall-mounted fans available online if permanent installation isn't possible.
2. Absorb or neutralize odors without fragrance:
- Place an open box or two of plain baking soda in the bathroom to help absorb smells passively.
- Use activated-carbon canisters or odor eliminators in unscented versions, and remember to replace the cartridges regularly.
3. Reduce odor release at the source:
- Flush immediately after each portion of pouch emptying and again after cleaning the outlet. This minimizes the time odors linger in the air, though it uses extra water.
4. Ostomy-specific deodorizing options:
- Consider using "Salts Odor Eliminating Spray," which is unscented and available by prescription for some users.
- Some people place peppermints, Tic Tacs, Life Saver mints, or peppermint Altoids inside the pouch. These have some flavor but minimal airborne fragrance.
- A fellow community member offered to mail spare deodorant drops as a private arrangement.
5. Budget or low-tech ideas:
- Strike a wooden match after emptying the pouch; the sulfur from the match can quickly mask odors, though it has a brief scent.
- Products like "getlooloo.com" toilet-bowl freshener and Poo-Pourri were mentioned, but they are scented and might not be suitable for someone with fragrance allergies.
6. Structural or long-term solutions:
- If funds allow, replace the toilet seat with a model that has a built-in exhaust fan, which costs around $400.
- Ensure the toilet mechanics are working properly to allow for multiple rapid flushes, which has already been addressed.
See full discusison