Want to save this recipe?
It might sound odd at first: why would anyone throw a match into a toilet bowl? While it may seem like a bizarre or pointless action, this trick has been passed down through generations — and it’s not just a myth. In fact, there’s a real chemical explanation behind it, and this simple gesture can help solve a problem many people deal with daily: lingering bathroom odors.
An old-fashioned trick with a real purpose
Long before chemical sprays and perfumed deodorizers filled bathroom shelves, people used natural or practical methods to freshen up their homes. Lighting a match after using the toilet may sound like something your grandparents did — and they probably did, because it works.
It’s not a superstition or a quirky habit. The science behind it is quite simple, and many professional plumbers even vouch for it as an effective way to mask or eliminate bathroom smells.
How does this trick work?
When a match is struck and burns for a few seconds, the head of the match — which contains sulfur — releases sulfur dioxide. This gas has a strong, recognizable smell and interacts with other odor-causing gases in the air, such as hydrogen sulfide (the one responsible for that rotten egg smell).
In short, the sulfur dioxide doesn’t just cover the bad odor — it helps neutralize it on a chemical level. That’s why, within a few seconds, the foul smell seems to vanish. The stronger burnt sulfur scent briefly replaces it, then quickly fades away, leaving the air clearer.
How to use the match trick safely and effectively
If you’re curious to try it out, here’s how to do it the right way:
- Make sure the bathroom is ventilated — open a window or turn on a fan if possible.
- After using the toilet, strike a match and let it burn for a few seconds.
- Blow it out safely and drop the extinguished match into the bowl (optional) or discard it in a trash bin once cooled.
The result is often immediate. Most people notice that the unpleasant odor disappears almost instantly, with no need for artificial sprays or scented candles.
Is it dangerous to use fire in the bathroom?
In most cases, lighting a match in the bathroom is safe — but there are exceptions. If your bathroom is poorly ventilated and there’s a large buildup of methane or sewer gases (which can occur in rare plumbing issues), open flames may pose a small risk of ignition.
This is extremely uncommon in modern homes, but it’s wise to avoid using matches if you smell gas or notice persistent plumbing issues. If strong odors return frequently, it may point to a deeper problem in your plumbing or drainage system.
Natural alternatives to consider
If you’d rather not use an open flame — or want to explore other methods — here are some effective, natural alternatives:
- Baking soda: Pour a spoonful into the bowl daily to absorb odors and keep the drain clean.
- White vinegar: Pour some into the bowl or around the rim to disinfect and reduce smell-causing buildup.
- Essential oils: Add a few drops to the toilet water or place a cotton ball with oil in a corner of the room.
- Natural candles: Beeswax or plant-based candles can help purify air rather than just masking odors.
These methods are safe, eco-friendly, and can easily be used alongside or instead of the match trick.
Why not just use air fresheners?
Most store-bought air fresheners don’t eliminate odors — they mask them. Worse, many release chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air that can be irritating to the lungs, especially for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
In contrast, lighting a match or using natural alternatives actually reduces or neutralizes the source of the odor. That’s w