Ever wondered about the purpose of urinal cakes? These little bathroom accessories, often called urinal deodorizer blocks, are far from appetizing. But what are they really, and why do we need them?

For those with a sweet tooth, the word 'cake' probably gets you excited. However, if it's paired with 'urinal cake,' you might want to reconsider your enthusiasm. This type of cake isn't meant for eating, and you can bet it doesn't belong in your kitchen.

Urinal cakes, also known as urinal deodorizer blocks, are not something you'd want on your plate. The question is, why do urinals need these objects when other restroom fixtures, like toilets, don't have anything similar?

The main purpose of urinal deodorizer blocks is to neutralize the lingering odor of urine in public restrooms. Urinals tend to trap a lot of pee, and not all of it flushes down. This leftover urine causes unpleasant smells, and that's where the cakes come in to help reduce the stench.

Thanks to the inquisitive minds at SciShow, we now have a scientific explanation for why urine starts to smell when it sits around. Urinal cakes, which were originally made from naphthalene and are now commonly crafted with paradichlorobenzene—chemicals found in mothballs—are intended to absorb and mask the odors created by the urine that doesn't wash away. Unfortunately, these chemicals may be carcinogenic, so while it’s fine to relieve yourself on them, please don’t treat them like a snack.