Dear Ellen,

Is there an easy, nontoxic way to get rid of "bathroom odors?" I would rather not use aerosol sprays, but my downstairs lav is completely unventilated, and it embarrasses me.

Joan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dear Joan,

The fastest, easiest, most effective way to get rid of "bathroom odors" is to light a match, let it burn down a short way, and then blow it out. The burning match will consume all the odors in the bathroom. Be sure to dowse the hot match in water afterwards, so you don't start a fire in your trash can!

Environmentally yours,

Ellen