Bidet is undoubtedly an excellent addition to your bathroom for improved personal hygiene. However, some people complain that “why does my bidet smell?”. There are several reasons for that issue, from evaporated urine to electrical problems.
Meanwhile, you can check out our article where we’ve ranked the best bidet converter kits if you plan to buy one.
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Why Does My Bidet Smell So Bad?
There are a few reasons for your bidet to smell bad, including:
- Structural damage
- Draining and plumbing issues
- Electrical problems
- Infrequent or incorrect cleaning and disinfecting of the bidet
- Evaporated urine (occurs when warm components like a dryer heat the urine)
- Issues with deodorizers
- Missing P-trap or damaged seals
Here are some bidet smell issues with tips on how to fix each:
1. Smells Like Urine
Built-in bidets often cause a urine-like odor. You can also encounter this smell with bidets attached to electrically heated toilet seats or standalone bidets that shoot warm water.
This issue is because urine and heat do not mix well. Of course, urine inevitably trickles down your toilet or the standalone bidet’s wall.
Please do not turn on the heat function or wash it away with warm water afterward because it will result in urine condensation. This can make the urine-like smell worse.
How to fix:
- Use a Q-tip or soft cloth to clean the air dryer area. Ensure to clean all crevices surrounding the dryer by lifting the flap. Do not stick anything around the dryer opening.
- Get a soft cloth with water to wipe the seat. If the seat’s surface is soiled, you can use a diluted fabric in dishwashing detergent.
2. Smells Like Sewer
Structural damage or plumbing may be the reason for a bidet that smells like a sewer. It is recommended to check the bidet for blocked drains or broken seals.
A missing P- or S-trap usually causes the issue if you have a standalone bidet. These traps help drain sewage waste and are located under the toilet.
Meanwhile, all bidet models feature sealing attachments designed to link the bidet to the plumbing system. If there is a seal failure, sewage blocks the pipes and causes odor.
You can solve this problem by installing a new seal or trap. Since new trap installation is a complicated job, it is best to hire a plumber.
As with the new seal installation, you can do it yourself. First, you have to turn off the water supply. Then loosen the bolts and remove the toilet bowl. After that, you will need to replace it with a new unit.
3. Smells Like It Is Burning
This issue is encountered in electric bidets. Most electric models feature dryers. If your bidet comes with a dryer, clean it regularly and inspect for lint and small debris.
Like other electrical items, your bidet may have some wiring issues. While electrical models are safe to use, anything electrical still carries a risk. So, ensure always to unplug your bidet once it emits smoke.
4. Smells Like a Chemical
A chemical smell may come out from the bidet, especially for newly installed bidets. If you have an electric bidet, you may notice a heater. This bidet type burns off the coatings once it begins to work initially, producing chemical smells.
The plastic may also react with the heat from the dryer and heater during the initial phase. This causes some chemical smell. This issue also applies to bidet attachments that produce warm water when the hot water travels through the side panel.
The chemical smell goes away gradually. So, you may not need to do anything other than to way. The plastic will soon not react with the heat, and the coating will completely burn.
However, if your bidet still smells bad after the initial phase, the materials may be the issue. The best thing you can do is contact the manufacturer if it is still under the warranty period.
5. Smells Like an Unpleasant Damp
An unpleasant damp smell from your bidet or even all over your bathroom may originate from the deodorizer.
You can find deodorizer in most electric bidets or even in bidet toilet combos. It breaks down or filters the smelly air molecules rather than masking them. On the other hand, deodorizers require regular cleaning and maintenance.
Once your bidet deodorizer is clogged, it fails to dissolve bad smells. Then, it will release unpleasant odors. This strange smell also occurs once you use an aftermarket deodorizer replacement due to incompatibility.
When removing an unpleasant odor from the deodorizer, the most straightforward solution is to clean it thoroughly. You have to pull the deodorizer’s case out and then raise the opening out. Next, carefully take out the filter.
You can use a hair dryer to clean the dust in the carbon filter. After that, put everything back in its place.
However, if the above method still does not work, replacing the deodorizer with a new unit is better. Getting a deodorizer from the bidet manufacturer is advisable to ensure compatibility and prevent another bad odor problem.
What Is the Right Way to Clean an Electric Bidet to Prevent Smell Issues?
Frequent cleaning is necessary for electric bidets. If you have no time for it, you can go for bidets with self-cleaning features like Sethersons Bidet Converter Kit with a self-cleaning nozzle.
Meanwhile, electric models are known to use nozzles, and you need to clean them regularly. You can use a soft toothbrush soaked in vinegar to clean the nozzles every few days.
When cleaning the bidet, you have to remove the toilet seat. Then, use gentle dish soap to wash it and a dry, soft cloth to wipe it down.
Related: How Much Do Bidets Cost?
FAQs
Q: Do I Need to Clean the Bidet to Prevent Odor?
Regular cleaning helps prevent the unpleasant smell from the bidet. Don’t worry; you do not have to clean under the base whenever you give the toilet seat a cleaning. But some bidet toilet seats require removal of the entire unit.
Q: How Often Should I Clean My Bidet to Avoid an Unpleasant Smell?
You will need to clean the bidet nozzles at least once a month. You can use a soft toothbrush and vinegar to clean it manually.
Q: How Do I Resolve the Smelly P-Trap?
Pour half-gallon water into the p-trap as it helps restore the barrier. It also helps prevent odors. You can also add one cup of vinegar bleach to slow down the evaporation and eliminate larvae.
Final Thoughts
While bidets enhance convenience and comfort in the bathroom, unpleasant odors cause frustration among owners. So, it is best to determine the root cause to find the best possible solution.
