5 Enzyme Cleaner Mistakes That Make Smelly Toilets Worse in Commercial Bathrooms

5 Enzyme Cleaner Mistakes That Make Smelly Toilets Worse in Commercial Bathrooms

Persistent odours in commercial toilets are a common issue, and one that can damage your business's image. While you might be cleaning regularly, lingering smells often stem from subtle missteps—especially when it comes to how enzyme-based toilet cleaners are used. Enzymes are powerful allies in eliminating odour, but only when applied correctly.

This blog explores 5 common mistakes businesses make with enzyme toilet cleaners and how to fix them to maintain a fresh, hygienic bathroom environment.

If you're looking to understand more about how enzymes work in cleaning, check out our related article: Enzymes in Drain Cleaning: What They Are, How They Work, and Why NZ Workplaces Should Use Them. It provides a deeper dive into the science behind enzyme action and why it's essential for commercial hygiene.

1. Inconsistent Use of Enzyme Cleaners


Mistake: Only using enzyme cleaners occasionally or skipping key areas like under the rim, drains, or behind fixtures.
Why it worsens odour: Enzymes need consistency to break down organic waste effectively. Sporadic use limits their full odour-fighting potential.

Fix / Best practice:

  • Incorporate enzyme toilet cleaners into your daily cleaning routine.

  • Focus on key odour zones: toilet bowls, urinal traps, flush rims, and drain openings.

  • Use a product-specific checklist to ensure thorough coverage.

2. Using Enzymes with Incompatible Products

Mistake: Mixing enzyme cleaners with harsh chemicals like bleach or acidic disinfectants.
Why it worsens odour: These chemicals kill the beneficial enzymes, rendering the cleaner ineffective and allowing odours to return quickly.

Fix / Best practice:

  • Use dedicated enzyme-based cleaners first, followed by a rinse if using a disinfectant.

  • Avoid mixing products during the same clean.

  • Ensure staff are trained in product compatibility.

3. Ignoring the Contact Time Required

Mistake: Rinsing or wiping off enzyme cleaners too quickly.
Why it worsens odour: Enzymes require time to break down biofilms and organic matter. Cutting this short reduces effectiveness.

Fix / Best practice:

  • Allow sufficient dwell time (as per the label) before rinsing or wiping.

  • Let enzyme-based products work overnight in drains or urinals when possible.

  • Consider using slow-dissolving enzyme blocks for continuous treatment.

4. Overlooking Enzyme Maintenance in Floor Drains & Urinals

Mistake: Treating only the visible surfaces and neglecting deeper sources of odour like urinal traps and floor drains.
Why it worsens odour: Organic build-up in plumbing is a major source of smell and needs targeted enzyme application to be neutralised.

Fix / Best practice:

  • Flush enzyme-based drain cleaner through all urinals and floor drains weekly.

  • Use urinal enzyme tablets to maintain freshness.

  • Schedule routine maintenance cleans with enzyme pipe products.

5. Choosing the Wrong Type of Enzyme Cleaner

Mistake: Using a general-purpose or fragranced cleaner with no proven enzyme action for bathroom cleaning.
Why it worsens odour: Without active enzymes, you’re just masking smells instead of breaking down the actual cause.

Fix / Best practice:

  • Select commercial-grade enzyme toilet cleaners specifically formulated for organic waste.

  • Look for products with verified enzyme strains and odour-neutralising technology.

  • Avoid relying solely on air fresheners or deodorisers.

Summary & Quick Checklist

Mistake Why It Worsens Odour Solution
Inconsistent enzyme use Limited odour breakdown Daily enzyme cleaning routine
Mixing with harsh chemicals Enzyme activity destroyed Separate chemical and enzyme use
Rushing dwell time Enzymes can’t do their job Allow proper contact time
Ignoring hidden sources Odour builds in pipes Enzyme drain/urinal treatments
Wrong cleaner type Just masks smell Use targeted enzyme products

By correcting these enzyme cleaner mistakes, your business can maintain a consistently fresh and professional toilet environment—improving both hygiene and customer perception.

FAQ

Q: Can I use bleach with an enzyme toilet cleaner?
A: No. Bleach kills the active enzymes. Use them separately with a rinse in between.

Q: How often should I use enzyme cleaners in commercial toilets?
A: Ideally, daily—especially in high-traffic areas. Weekly for deep treatments like urinals and floor drains.

Q: Are enzyme cleaners safe for all plumbing?
A: Yes. Enzyme cleaners are generally safe for all commercial plumbing and septic systems.

Q: Do enzyme cleaners remove the smell or just mask it?
A: They remove odour at the source by breaking down the organic matter causing it.


Need the right enzyme cleaners for your business?


Explore Insinc’s enzyme-based cleaning range to help your workplace stay fresh, hygienic, and professional every day.

Posted: Monday 13 October 2025

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