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 of SciShow explains in the video down below, 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, according to Green, is that “the water vapor helps the molecules that make up the smell interact with receptors in your nose.” 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.

Given that the average person typically farts around 12 to 14 times a day, you might not be able to completely avoid tooting in the tub. Switching up your diet may help you cut back on cutting all that cheese, especially if you avoid drinks with high-fructose corn syrup, certain legumes (like beans and lentils), and cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and collard greens. Not only that, but eating slowly, working out a bit more, and staying hydrated could all help reduce the number of farts you’re making in a given day. Either way, there are things you can do if your shower experience doesn’t exactly leave you feeling squeaky clean.

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A version of this story was originally published in 2017 and has been updated for 2025.