How to Get Rid of Strong Urine Odor in the House
Caring for an aging loved one is a rewarding but challenging responsibility, and part of that care often includes managing unexpected messes, like urinary incontinence accidents. The lingering smell of urine on clothing, furniture, or bedding can be difficult to tackle, but you’re not alone in facing this issue.
The good news? There are plenty of effective ways to eliminate urine odor from your home while ensuring your loved one feels clean and comfortable. From powerful odor eliminators to practical hygiene tips like adult wipes, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 12 solutions to keep your space fresh and odor-free.
Most Common Ways to Reduce Urine Smell
Use Premium Incontinence Products
High-quality products with the appropriate fit and absorbency level will help contain any accidents, reducing the potential for odor to spread. The key to effective odor control is the quality of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) used in the product, so look for incontinence products that contain premium SAP for superior absorption and odor protection.
Disposable bed pads: Often referred to as Chux, disposable bed pads are absorbent, waterproof pads that can be put under sheets or on the floor to prevent any urinary incontinence accidents from spreading further around the house. Using a premium product with high-quality SAP or a sufficiently absorbent filler, along with wings that tuck under the mattress, can keep every accident contained. Just be sure to promptly dispose of used bed pads to keep the odor under control.
Adult diapers: While any adult diaper helps with odor, not all diapers are created equal. Instead of opting for a generic brand, premium diaper brands like Dry Direct offer superior SAP technology and better features to contain accidents and odors. Many Dry Direct products include:
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High-quality, super absorbent polymers (SAP) that trap and deodorize urine smell
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3x the absorbency of diapers found at brick-and-mortar stores
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A high-performance top sheet that wicks moisture away from your skin
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Tailored fits, leak guards, and leg cuffs designed to reduce leaks
Other premium products that can help contain urine and odor include:
Start to Clean Up as Soon as You Can
The most effective way to keep urine odor down in the house is to clean it as soon as possible. If urine sits for too long, it stains and leaves an odor on beds, chairs, and upholstery that’s hard to get out, even with professional stain remover. Keep calm, gather your cleaning products (Citrus II Germicidal Cleaner & Deodorizer is great for this), and reassure your loved one that everything will be okay.
Use Odor Eliminating Spray
Odor-eliminating spray is a great and fast way to get rid of urine smell in your home. However, it’s important to choose a medical-grade odor-eliminating spray that actually gets rid of odor instead of masking it. Some of the most effective products that can help get rid of the smell of urine in the air include:
Soak Up the Urine and Clean Again with Disposable Wipes
Even if it’s just paper towels, it’s best to use disposable cleaning rags to soak up urine because they can be thrown in the trash and taken out of the house immediately.
After soaking up the urine, rinse the area with hot water to help break down any remaining residue. Then, go back over the area with odor-eliminating wipes to sanitize thoroughly. Make sure to wipe as many surfaces as possible to get rid of any human or pet urine you may have missed.
Use an Adult Diaper Pail or Disposal System
Instead of using a regular trash can where the smell can spread through the air, there are disposal products explicitly designed to lock in odor. Adult diaper pails and disposal systems also offer hands-free use, so you don’t have to worry about further spreading odor or bacteria.
Use Enzymatic Cleaners
Urine contains uric acid crystals. These enzyme-based products cling to uric acid, destroy it, and then remove the odor. Enzymatic cleaners not only remove urine stains and odor, but they also eliminate odor-causing bacteria around the stain. Spray the cleaner on the area and rub until the stain and odor are gone.
Try These Common Home Remedies
Aside from using bleach or white vinegar, you can actually make very powerful odor eliminators at home. Try mixing a cup of peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a couple drops of dish detergent and putting it into a spray bottle. Spray the area, allow it to sit for about 20 minutes, and rub the affected area until the foul pee smell is eliminated. Homeowners — be sure to do a small test patch first, especially if you’re using these remedies as carpet cleaners or in high-traffic areas.
Use Borax and Other Grocery Store Items for Unpleasant Odors in Bedding
To get stubborn odors out of bedding and clothing, try simply mixing equal parts Borax and washing soda. These two ingredients are safe to use in any washing machine and can usually be found at your local grocery store. You can also try mixing in a little white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a high-quality solution that tackles odor at the source.
Additional Tips For Eliminating Urine Odor
Need more ideas for getting rid of strong urine smells? Here are a few additional tips and cleaning methods:
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Turn On a Black Light: If you’re really having a hard time finding the source of urine odor, try using a black light. The light will show any urine spots you may have missed. Make sure to mark the spots where there are stains so you can easily clean them when you turn on the lights.
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Try Essential Oils: If you want something more natural, you can make an odor-eliminating spray at home using essential oils. Mix together a half teaspoon of any essential oil, one teaspoon of vinegar, one teaspoon of baking powder, and five ounces of hydrogen peroxide. Spray your cleaning solution on the area and let it dry.
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Practice Excellent Hygiene: Above all else, it’s important to keep you and your loved one clean. Urine smells especially strong on the skin, so be sure to always wash your hands after you’re done cleaning and use gloves when necessary. It’s also extremely important for you to make sure your loved one is clean. Use disposable wipes for adults to wash any urine off the skin while in between bathing. Change their bedding frequently, and never leave them in a used diaper.
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Reach Out to Other Caregivers: There are times when caring for an aging loved one can be overwhelming. Stay connected with friends, family, and other caregivers to get advice on any trouble or concerns you have.
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Get a Professional Cleaner: If the odor is persistent or deeply embedded, it might be time to call in a professional cleaner. They have specialized tools and products to thoroughly clean and neutralize strong odors, ensuring your space is fresh and odor-free. They can offer everything from carpet cleaning to steam cleaners for more persistent pet odor, such as cat urine and deep pet stains.
Turn to Parentgiving for the Best Urinary Incontinence Products
At Parentgiving, we’re committed to providing the highest quality products to help you care for your aging loved ones with ease and confidence. From effective odor-eliminating sprays and disposable wipes for adults to reliable adult diapers and other essential supplies, we’ve got everything you need to make caregiving simpler.
Don’t forget to explore our Air Freshener & Odor Control collection for even more ways to keep your home fresh and comfortable. Together, we’ll make every day easier.