Cleanliness is a key element in a happy home, with our noses often leading the way. When it comes to harboring offending odors, the bathroom wins the prize - but it doesn't have to be that way. With one or two exceptions, the things you need to keep your bathroom looking and smelling great are available for a few dollars at your local retailer. You supply the elbow grease.

Basin Deodorants: These hang in small bottles in the basin of your toilet: as the water level rises after a flush, small amounts of cleanser and scents are released. When I was a kid, one of them was called "Ty-D Bol" and their television spokesman was a little guy in a boat that piloted around the inside of the toilet basin. I remember it was a really big deal when the "Ty-D-Bol" people released a new lemon scented product. I think they had a parade or something. There are certainly many other brands available now.

Clip-On Toilet Bowl Deodorizer: These are similar to the above items, with the exception that they hang inside the bowl of your toilet.

Regular Cleaning: You'll need Comet, Ajax, or a similar cleaner to brush the inside of your toilet regularly. This is another one of those things where procrastination works against you - if you ignore your toilet week after week, it won't be long before it becomes dismal, dank and crusty. There are any number of suitable products that make it easy, including bubbling cleaners and those with bleach. Be proactive. Clean your toilet.

The Space Around And Behind: A lot of moisture can accumulate around your toilet - if you've got carpet in your bathroom, the problem compounds. For linoleum and tile, don't neglect the areas behind your toilet when mopping. If you have to, get on your knees and use a sponge and some spray cleaner between moppings. For carpet, you may have to deep clean, when possible. Try the carpet shampoos that come in cans and feature a stiff plastic brush on the cap, then hand vacuum. Also, sprinkle some baking soda on the moist areas of the carpet to avoid mold, then rub it in.

Fix Leaks: The leaky shut off valve can create mold and mildew around your toilet; other leaky components can do the same. You may need a plumber.

True Grit: If you've got a ring around the interior of your toilet bowl, it probably annoys you every time you see it. You probably smell it, too. I've found that sandpaper of the finest grit removes these rings and other stains very well. Take care not to etch or mar the porcelain surface however - this could make things worse.

Water Softeners And Filtration Systems: If you have one of these, chances are your toilet will smell better. Water softeners filter out iron particles that can leave unattractive and foul smelling stains on the basin and bowl of your toilet. These systems are somewhat expensive, but installing one can reap considerable benefits, including better tasting, healthier water and less soap scum buildup in your drains (you can use less soap when bathing).