We often get questions about how to best manage odors and prevent stains when caring for a loved one with incontinence. That's why we've put together this helpful list of our 8 favorite products, designed to help you handle accidents and keep your home smelling clean and fresh.
Carewell’s best products for managing urinary stains and odors
The products featured below are some of our top-rated and best-selling cleaning solutions. Whenever possible, we've included real user feedback
1. Lysol Surface Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes
When you're caring for someone with incontinence, quick cleanups are essential. These Lysol Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes are perfect for those spills that land on hard surfaces like bathroom floors and toilet seats. They kill up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and have a fresh lemon scent that tackles odors at the source, helping to keep your home clean and fresh.
Key Benefits & Features
Each wipe features a micro-pocket pattern that traps odors and lifts messes
Safe for use on almost anywhere in your home, including counters, floors, and bathroom surfaces
80 wipes per container
Customer Review of Lysol Surface Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes:“I love how these wipes work and [they] smell wonderful!” - Lucindia M.
2. Dermarite Bye, Bye Odor Deodorizer
This Dermarite Bye, Bye Odor Deodorizer is one of our most popular products because it doesn't just mask unpleasant smells – it eliminates them at the source. This non-toxic spray has a mild scent and can be used on fabric, in the air, or on hard surfaces. Caregivers tell us it's especially effective at getting rid of odors from diaper pails and bedpans, freshening up any room with just a few spritzes.
Key Benefits & Features
Eliminates airborne bacteria
Has a mild, pleasant scent
Safe on almost any surface emitting unpleasant odors
Customer Review of Dermarite Bye, Bye Odor Deodorizer: “This product is wonderful for so many things that I have to do. First of all, It has a great scent that’s refreshing and not overwhelming. I use it to deodorize our shoes. Also, to refresh the rooms in our home and spray any garbage bags that we are disposing of. It’s not expensive and gives us peace of mind when others are visiting our home.” - June L.
3. Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Air Freshener
The Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Air Freshener contains baking soda, which is known to reduce odors by up to 70%! It comes in an easy-to-use aerosol can and has a light, refreshing scent that starts working right away. Use it to keep your kitchen trash can smelling fresh or to quickly eliminate odors after a diaper change.
Key Benefits & Features
Instantly deodorizes
Neutralizes odors with the power of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
The aerosol is easy to use, even if you have limited hand or finger mobility
Customer Review of Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Air Freshener: “[I] recently purchased two cans for the purpose of “poopy” smells. Great job by Arm & Hammer! Quick short bursts and the smells are gone!” - Linda S.
4. McKesson Multi-Fold Paper Towels
As a family caregiver, you know accidents can happen at any time. These McKesson Paper Towels are a lifesaver, especially if your loved one has difficulty getting to the toilet or experiences regular urinary leaks. They quickly absorb liquids, making it easy to contain spills and an excellent addition to any bathroom or diaper changing area.
Key Benefits & Features
Customer Review of Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Air Freshener: “[These] work well for messes and as napkins!” - Jessica L.
5. McKesson Latex-Free Vinyl Gloves (To Protect Your Hands While Cleaning)
Incontinence care can be messy, but a quality pair of gloves makes all the difference! These McKesson Vinyl Gloves have a beaded cuff and a smooth inner and outer surface. They're latex-free, so you don't have to worry about irritating your or your loved one's skin. Put on a pair before diaper changes or when cleaning up messes to avoid contact with germs.
Key Benefits & Features
Powder-free
Ambidextrous (fit on either the left or right hand)
Available in various sizes, from small to extra large
Customer Review of McKesson Latex-Free Vinyl Gloves: “These work wonderfully! I use them not only for giving personal care but [also find] them great to use when doing other work during these chapped hands time! With the winter weather drying them out, these work wonderfully in protecting my hands from splitting! Great quality and now one of my favorites!” - Nancy B.
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If you care for a loved one with incontinence, having odor control and cleaning supplies on hand is crucial. We offer fast, free shipping on orders $49+, and signing up for Autoship is an easy way to ensure you have the products you need exactly when you need them. Some products even qualify for an additional 5% off every order!
Additional tips for managing incontinence-related odors
The products above make incontinence care and cleaning easier, but urine and fecal odors can still arise. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent them from lingering in your home. Here are our top tips:
Address leaks quickly: When your loved one has an accident or experiences leakage, act fast. Use paper towels to soak up as much of the void as possible. When left to sit, urine attracts bacteria and other microorganisms that make the smell even worse. Prompt action won't prevent smells altogether, but it will make them more bearable.
Open windows for fresh air: Fresh air does wonders for stagnant smells caused by urine and feces. Open your windows to increase airflow throughout your home. Depending on where you live and the time of year, this might not always be an option, but it's worth trying when the weather cooperates.
Run a fan: Where do you complete most diaper changes? The bathroom? Bedroom? Or somewhere else? If you haven't already, try installing a fan in this area. Any type of fan will do – portable, box, or ceiling. While it won't eliminate odors completely, a fan increases airflow and prevents smells from stagnating.
Use an air freshener and/or light a candle: Smells sometimes linger, even after cleaning and improved airflow. In these instances, try lighting a scented candle or spraying an air freshener. Candles and air fresheners won't eliminate odors, but they can help minimize them so your home smells pleasant.
We can help you choose cleaning and odor control products!
Selecting the right products for your loved one is challenging at any time. But if you've recently started incontinence care, it can be even more so. With so many options, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Our friendly Care Team is happy to answer your questions and make product recommendations. Contact them by calling (800) 696-CARE or sending an email to support@carewell.com.