There's a Reason Why It Smells Extra Gross If You Fart in the Shower

No, it’s not just you: Farts really do smell worse when you let one rip while taking a steamy shower. But it’s not like water contains magical properties that make flatulence more potent, right? So what gives?

As Hank Green explains in SciShow’s latest video, part of the reason for the extra-noxious fumes is simply that you’re stuck in an enclosed space, so your butt blasts have nowhere to migrate. Plus, you’re not wearing clothing to absorb or lock the smell in.

That said, the bathroom’s humidity probably also plays a part, as research shows that water vapor in the air can actually enhance your sense of smell. Scientists don’t know why exactly this is, but one possibility is that “the water vapor helps the molecules that make up the smell interact with receptors in your nose,” Green explains. Another theory is that the gas particles bind to the water vapor, as if the air were a sponge for your fart molecules. This allows it to hold more of the stench than plain old dry air.

Either way, the result is a shower experience that doesn't exactly make you feel squeaky clean. Learn more smelly facts about shower farts by watching the video below.