Surprising way crew get rid of bad smells in plane toilets

Aeroplane toilets can be a nightmare scene. Photo / 123RF

There's no denying the stench of aeroplane toilets.

With a steady flow of passengers paying a visit over several hours and no windows, the air in there can get pretty putrid.

But never fear, cabin crew have a nifty trick to keep the bad smells at bay.

If it's getting nasty in the loo, a crew member will brew a strong pot of coffee and take it with them when they clean the lav.

According to the crew from Norwegian Airlines, pouring a strong cup of black coffee down the toilet will neutralise odour.

Experts say coffee neutralises the bacteria causing the stink and brings a new, more welcomed smell.

Dr Alan Hirsch, a researcher from the Smell and Taste Research Center in Chicago, says the scent of beans is a neutraliser.

Many flight attendants also place coffee ground bags in bathrooms to neutralise the smell as it can absorb some of the odour.