Easy Tips for Removing Urine Odor

As we age, our bodies and the way it functions can change. One of those changes can come in the form of urinary incontinence, and though women are more prone to bladder control issues than their male peers, it can happen to anyone.

While bladder control issues can be embarrassing for your loved one, they can also become a source of stress for the caregiver. The good news is that you're not alone, and there are some ways to make human odor removal easy and effective. We've put together a list of the top 7 tips the caregiving community might find helpful as they help loved ones.

Tips for Removing Urine Odor From the Home

1. Thoroughly Clean the Body

Reducing the smell of urine starts with the source of the odor. Using soap and water or high-quality personal cleansing wipes in sensitive areas is a great first move. You can also follow this with scented body wipes, which are a fast, easy, and portable way to replace a shower or bath.

 2. Act Quickly

It is always best to address the accident as soon as possible. Wipe the area until there's no visible urine. Old newspapers are great to have on hand to soak up urine. If you use a towel, immediately place it in a plastic garbage bag and throw it away.

3. Try an Enzymatic Cleaner

An enzymatic cleaner can address pesky stains, harnessing the power of basic chemistry. Human urine contains uric acid crystals, and enzymatic cleaners destroy these odor-causing compounds. 

4. Use a Black Light to Find Urine Stains

You can't address a stain if you can't find it. Don't leave anything to chance. A black light can help you detect stains you might miss during the cleaning process. Be sure to mark any stains with chalk to locate and treat them.

5. Use paper towels instead of rags

Use disposable paper towels to soak and clean urine instead of towels or rags if you can. Paper towels are more absorbent than rags and won’t hold onto odors like rags can. They’re also disposable, which means less laundry for you!

6. Use disposable bags 

Use odor-fighting disposable bags made for incontinence care. Dispose of towels, rags, or clothing that need to be thrown away immediately and tie the bag tightly. If possible, throw the bag away in a covered trash bin outside the home.

7. Use absorbent pads 

Absorbent pads can be placed in beds or on other surfaces like couches, chairs, or wheelchairs to help absorb urine as soon as a leak or accident happens. You can get disposable pads for easy, convenient cleanup or reusable pads that are more economical.

8. Use a Wet Vac with Lukewarm Water

Hot liquids and urine stains don't mix well. So instead, use lukewarm water and a wet vac/steam cleaner to tackle the mess. Many hardware stores offer rental options, or you might want to invest.

9. Create a DIY Odor-Fighting Solution

You can make a solution using baking soda, peroxide, and any dish detergent. When combined, it can combat strong urine smells. Mix eight fluid ounces of peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish detergent. 

You might want to test this on a small area first to see if it will stain. If you feel comfortable proceeding, then apply the concoction to the soiled area. Allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes, and then brush/rub the area.  

10. Use Essential Oils

Like the tip above, essential oils offer a nontoxic approach to controlling urine odors. 

• Mix one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of vinegar, ½ teaspoon of orange essential oil, and about 5 ounces of hydrogen peroxide. 

• Test on a small area first. 

• Spray the prepared mixture onto any stains. Let it dry completely. If powder remnants are visible after drying, clean them with a vacuum cleaner. 

• If the smell of urine persists, repeat.

11. Use odor sprays

To quickly eliminate lingering odors, try an air deodorizer. These sprays will add a fresh scent to the air by eliminating airborne odor-causing bacteria.

Need Help?

Choosing the right products to keep urine odors at bay can be overwhelming - Carewell's here to help. If you need help finding the perfect product, talk to one of our caregiving specialists today. Call (800) 696-CARE. We're here to support you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!