Learn how building service contractors can identify and eliminate restroom odors caused by urine buildup, dry floor drains, poor cleaning practices, and inconsistent cleaning schedules.
For building service contractors (BSCs), effective restroom odor control is essential to protecting a facility’s image and improving the occupant experience. In many commercial facilities, people judge restroom cleanliness by smell. If a restroom or locker room has an unpleasant odor, occupants often assume the entire building is not being properly maintained.
The key to eliminating restroom odors is finding the source rather than masking the smell. While odor detection can be challenging, identifying the root cause is the most important step toward long-term odor removal and better restroom maintenance.
1. Urine Buildup in Tile and Grout
One of the most common causes of restroom odor is urine buildup in porous surfaces such as tile and grout, especially around urinals in men’s restrooms.
There are several ways to remove odor from grout and other porous restroom surfaces. Some contractors rely on floor machines for deep restroom cleaning. These machines can extract contaminants embedded in porous materials and remove the odors along with them.
In less severe cases, a high-performance restroom floor cleaner—many of which are now environmentally certified—may be sufficient. However, if urine odor has been present for an extended period, deeper mechanical cleaning is often required.
Another effective approach is the use of enzymatic cleaners for restroom odor control. These products break down odor-causing bacteria at the source. Once the area is rinsed, the odor is typically eliminated.
2. Dry Floor Drains and Sewer Gas Odors
Floor drains are frequently overlooked but can be a major source of restroom odors. When the water in a drain’s trap evaporates, sewer gases can escape into the space, negatively affecting indoor air quality.
Pouring bleach into floor drains is not recommended for odor control, as it can damage plumbing systems and harm the environment.
A better solution is a liquid trap primer, such as EverPrime, which helps maintain the water seal in the drain. Adding a small amount periodically can help prevent sewer gas odors from returning for extended periods.
3. Incomplete Restroom Cleaning Practices
Inadequate cleaning practices can also lead to persistent restroom odors. Cleaning efforts are sometimes limited to obvious surfaces like toilets, sinks, and floors, while adjacent areas—such as partitions, walls, vents, and corners—are neglected. Dust buildup, mold, and mildew in these areas can all contribute to unpleasant smells.
Product selection also matters in commercial restroom cleaning. General-purpose cleaners are not designed to eliminate odor-causing microbes. On the other hand, disinfectants are often unnecessary for routine cleaning and should be reserved for specific high-risk situations.
A more balanced approach is to use sanitizers as part of a restroom maintenance program. These products reduce most surface bacteria and help control odor without the overuse of stronger chemicals.
4. Inconsistent Restroom Cleaning Frequency
Cleaning frequency plays a significant role in restroom odor control. In recent years, some facilities have reduced how often restrooms are cleaned.
When contaminants remain on surfaces for longer periods, they can penetrate deeper—especially into porous materials—making restroom odors more difficult to remove. Maintaining consistent cleaning schedules is critical to preventing buildup and keeping restrooms odor-free.
Waterless Urinals and Restroom Odor: A Common Misconception
Waterless urinals are no longer considered a primary source of restroom odor problems. Improvements in both product design and cleaning practices have addressed earlier concerns.
When properly maintained, waterless urinals perform effectively and can remain clean and odor-free, often better than many other restroom fixtures.
By Robert Kravitz
Robert Kravitz is a former building service contractor.
