I've heard of things like that. You have to be cautious because some of the ingredients aren't meant to be in contact with a "wound" (i.e. The stoma), so adverse reactions may occur.

Wow! I can't wait to try all these ideas. I've had a colostomy for 12 years. Just recently I noticed that my stomach is so much more sensitive to more and more foods. I'm "trying" to diet to lose a little weight. (I'd be happy if I was 15 pounds thinner 😊) but I've noticed when I eat vegetables, salads and any type of alliums like onions or garlic, I immediately have diarrhea and my pouch fills up and looks like the Hindenburg under my shirt!! Sorry to be so graphic. Then when I change my pouch, the ordor is extremely strong and very embarrassing if I'm in a public place. Living with this problem has prevented me from traveling on vacations with friends or visiting with relatives out of state. I am 55 & widowed and live alone but I don't know if I could date anyone if I continue to have this issue. ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

Hi Susan,

Have you kept a food diary to see which ones trigger you more? Sometimes, it may simply be a food intolerance, and other times it may be that you simply need to get used to eating certain foods (our gut bacteria needs to adjust to having more fiber if you haven't been eating it that often). 

For odors, I do recommend using a pouch deodorant, but you'll have to try a few types to see which works best for you. Currently, the Hollister M9 is one that works very well for me!

vinegar is used for many household odors so it makes sense.

Hi Lynn I use a closed end one piece pouch and replace it about 2x a day. I’m fortunate to not have any skin irritations but I was wondering... Do you think if I put drops of malt vinegar in the pouch it could possibly irritate the stoma??

I use Adapt Lubricating Deodorant  mixed with a little Hydrogen Peroxide and a little Baby Oil . After empting I give just a very small squirt in my bag and that works for me . The amount that I squirt in is only really enough to stay in the bottom of my bag not enough to reach my stoma . I think the Baby oil just helps things empty easier and the Peroxide and the Adapt work on the odor .

Posted by: Lynn

vinegar is used for many household odors so it makes sense.

I would be cautious if using vinegar at full strength. We can't forget that it's still a very strong acid. 

I use a few drops of peppermint essential oil and Im minty fresh , i find it works really if you are venting , people get a burst of peppermint instead of output fumes .

Hi Susan Bill uses a drainable 2 piece bag so puts the vinegar drops in each time he empties it. He normally has the bag on for 3 days and has not had any problems with the vinegar. He still thinks vinegar works better than the commercial drops supplied by the hospital.

My Home Health Nurse told me 4 yrs. ago when I got my first visit with her when I got home from the hospital to use the cheapest Green Mouth Wash I could find. I go to Dollar Tree and get it and use 1 cap full and it hasn't let me and Vickie down yet.

My Home Health Nurse told me 4 yrs. ago when I got my first visit with her when I got home from the hospital to use the cheapest Green Mouth Wash I could find. I go to Dollar Tree and get it and use 1 cap full and it hasn't let me and Vickie down yet.

Hey memaw002us. Does that mouthwash contain alcohol or is it alcohol-free?

I think when I eat EGGS is when I the odor problem is the greatest. I am going to try these home remedies and no more eggs. On weekends before I go out I take a couple of gas relief pills like beano, just for insurance weather I need it or not.

I am leary of adding anything to my pouch.  I love the smell of fabric sheets you put in the dryer.  Voila!  I use a small safety pin and attach one to the inside of my shirt and smell fresh all day long!!!  

Yes it does but I don't have a bottle right now so I'm not sure how much it has.

So is it safe to use those oils in your colostomy bag

Diluted, essential oils should be fairly safe, but it also depends on which one you use. Some may burn or cause harm if they are absorbed by your stoma. Always use caution if putting anything that isn't intended for use in an ostomy bag.

WANNA KNOW WHAT I DISCOVERED?😊
THOSE GREAT "FEMININE WASHES"...ADD A LITTLE EACH TIME YOU EMPTY! I COULD HARDLY BELIEVE HOW GREAT THAT WORKS!😁

@LISA CURRIER

That's brilliant, Lisa! haha

Hello my names Adrian I have an Ileostomy and I have found something that disguises the smell when emptying my bag ,it is a spray I make up of 20 drops of top quality lavender oil to a egg cup of water and a egg cup of real white vinegar the vinegar must have some sort of chemical reaction with the oder and neutralises the smell and the lavender tops it of with a pleasant after smell. Hope this will help someone.