I want my house to always smell fresh and clean. Sometimes animals add a bit of unpleasant “aroma,” but they are already used to dealing with this, but when a person creates the problem, few people know how to do it correctly. Therefore, it will not hurt each of us to become familiar with how to get rid of the smell of human urine, how to remove it, what effective methods and means exist.
What is urine and why does it smell?
Urine is a human waste product that has a rather complex composition. It mainly consists of uric acid, salts and other substances that the body no longer needs. Urine is excreted after processing by the kidneys. They filter the blood, clearing it of proteins, salts, toxins, and waste. Urine does not dissolve in water.
This is why washing the surface is not enough. You just need to get rid of the particles that cause the unpleasant aroma, and not try to kill it.
If we are talking about the toilet, then cleaning agents and neutralizers are constantly used here. But what if the problem is in the living rooms, if urine gets on the bed linen, sofa, clothes or carpets? Here you will have to work hard. Although, knowing proven methods, this will not be difficult to do.
The issue is most acute in premises where elderly people or patients suffering from enuresis live.
Many people wonder why there is no unpleasant ombre in children's urine, but it is so difficult to remove it from adults. This is due to the fact that there is still no “garbage” in the small body, no residues from taking medications and other components.
Note!
The smell of urine in the apartment does not appear immediately after the “trouble.” And after some time, when the water contained in it evaporates, and only decay products remain.
Connection problem
The rubber pipe seal or corrugation connection that seals the toilet bowl does not provide an airtight seal. As a result, the smell passes from the toilet - between the sewer pipe.
If the rubber o-ring is damaged or has come off, sewer odors can leak out either periodically or constantly. You won't see urine on the floor, but the smell comes from right underneath the toilet. The only way to prevent this is to clean the base of the toilet and replace the corrugation.
Solution: replace the toilet corrugation. First of all, you must close the shut-off valve to avoid water leakage. Do this by turning the supply valve clockwise. After this, unscrew the bolts or nuts connecting the toilet. This type of odor problem is typical for both floor-mounted toilets and insolation units.
With a wall-mounted toilet or instillation, due to improper installation, namely connection to earthenware or poor casting of the ceramic outlet pipe, the geometrization of the connection is disrupted.
Now that only the bowl is left on the floor, you must detach it from the base by unscrewing a couple of bolts. It allows you to move the toilet, so lift it up and place it on the side on the floor.
Then you should thoroughly clean the toilet and replace the corrugation or hard liner. Additionally, if necessary, the connection can be sealed with sealant. No more urine smell in the toilet.
Once you have done this, you can begin assembling the toilet. Reinstall the bowl and then reinstall it along with the filling hose. Turn on the water supply so that water can flow into the toilet again. Break the drain to make sure it is sealed using a napkin.
How to withdraw
Many people try to remove the smell of urine using air freshener, perfume or other fragrances. It ends up getting worse. The chemical components of the selected product react with the liquid on the surface. The aroma not only becomes more intense. Getting him out after this will be even more difficult.
Special means
Have you decided to go to the household chemicals store? The right solution, especially if the problem is not a one-time problem, but other methods cannot remove the smell of urine. There are many options for combating unpleasant odors. But when choosing, you should consider that:
- Alkaline based products are prohibited. When using them, the size of the spot will only increase, and the nasty ombre will be eliminated only for a short period of time;
- conventional means, even if they contain o, are not suitable;
- Some substances can cause an acute allergic reaction in the body. If there are small children, allergy sufferers or pets in the house, you need to be very responsible about your choice.
If you are making a purchase for the first time, you cannot just look at the cost and blindly believe the information on the packaging. Get advice from the store manager, read reviews on the Internet left by people who have also encountered a similar problem.
Note!
Good results can be achieved by using silver-based household chemicals, as well as some animal urine products.
Folk remedies
Many available tools can cope with the problem, you just need to know how to use them correctly:
- Vinegar. Perhaps this is the most popular remedy. It perfectly kills microbes that cause unpleasant odor in urine, and also destroys uric acid molecules. To treat, you need to mix it in a ratio of 1:5 with water, wet a clean cotton cloth, and wipe the stain well. Then ventilate the room so that the vinegar aroma comes out. Usually works the first time.
- Soda. Excellent absorbent. It can eliminate odor, even if it is old. If the stain is fresh, sprinkle it well with baking soda, leave it until dry, and vacuum it. If it is already dry, the surface should be slightly wetted by sprinkling with water from a spray bottle, and then do the same manipulations. There is no need to rub in soda.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Another way to get rid of an old stain. The surface must be moistened, sprinkled with baking soda, and then sprinkled with a mixture of peroxide and water (1:1 proportions). A chemical reaction will begin, as a result of which all the “fragrant” microbes will be drawn to the surface. After drying, you also need to vacuum it well.
- Iodine. This is a product for removing baby urine stains. It will not be able to cope with more serious contaminants. You need to dissolve 20 drops of iodine in a bucket of water and wash the stained surface.
Important!
Iodine, even in such a minimal amount, can leave stains, so it is better not to use the solution on light-colored materials.
- Potassium permanganate. This remedy acts like iodine. You need to add a few grains to the water to make a light pink solution and treat the surface with it. It also cannot be used on light-colored surfaces, and it cannot be used to remove strong old stains.
- Ammonia with vodka. The mixture copes well with ammonia, which can smell like the urine of an old or seriously ill person. You need to mix 2 tbsp. ammonia and 200 ml of vodka (or diluted alcohol), wipe the contaminated areas with a napkin or cloth.
- Lemon acid. To get rid of an unpleasant odor, you need to take a spoonful of citric acid, dissolving it with a small amount of water, or squeeze the juice from one lemon. Use a spray bottle to treat the stain. Leave for half an hour, spray again. Wipe several times with a cloth dampened in clean water.
- Laundry soap. To treat the surface of human urine, you can use laundry soap. It is quite effective, but it can also leave stains on the surface; rinsing the sofa or mattress will not work. Therefore, it can only be used on multi-colored or dark surfaces. It is enough to lather the sponge with soap, and then treat the stain with it several times. Then blot with a clean cloth and dry.
- Bleaching. This remedy used to be one of the most popular. But given how aggressive it is, it is recommended to avoid it. It should be borne in mind that the fumes from bleach very strongly corrode the mucous membrane, so if you use it, then in a minimal amount and only for crumpling surfaces that it will not “corrode.”
Remove by drying
This method is simple, but it only helps neutralize the smell of children, and only if the stain was noticed in time. You need to blot the stain with a paper napkin, then cover it with white paper or gauze folded several times and iron it until completely dry.
You can dry the surface with a hair dryer. You need to direct the air flow to the stain from different sides, blowing for 10-12 minutes from each position. In this case, the windows must be open. This way, the smell will go away faster.
Other types of problems
If no problems are identified with the water seal, then you will have to carefully inspect the room, paying attention not only to the sewer system, but also to ventilation and other nuances. Let's try to understand in more detail what exactly can cause the stench.
To successfully remove clogged pipes installed in the bathroom of an apartment or house, it is enough to purchase a special chlorine-containing product.
To effectively clean sewer pipes in bathrooms and bathrooms, products from leading manufacturers are most often used: Domestos, Deboucher, Tiret or Mole.
Cleaning the toilet with household products containing chlorine can be done with your own hands. The drugs are used according to the instructions on the bottle
The drug is poured into the sewer pipe for a certain period of time. Due to the effective action of modern household products, the blockage usually disappears and the normal functioning of the plumbing fixture is restored. If a household chemical does not clear the pipe, then you need to call a plumber.
The reason for the poor functioning of plumbing equipment can be not only problems with the siphon. The reason for the narrowing of the lumen in the pipe may be a clogged sewer. Methods for cleaning sewer pipes are described in detail in our recommended article.
In this case, cleaning of the pipeline is required. Mistakes made during the installation of the sewer system lead to breakdowns and drying out of the water plug.
Installation of plumbing equipment in the bathroom of an apartment or house must be carried out taking into account accepted standards and installation rules
In some cases, when installing plumbing equipment, pipes of small diameter are used that do not comply with building codes.
For normal operation of the sewer system, it is necessary that the cross-section of the pipe is not completely blocked by drains, otherwise a vacuum will arise in the pipeline, which will lead to the failure of the installed water seal.
If pipes are laid in a cold room, they may become icy in winter. To solve the problem, you need to melt the ice with hot water and select pipes of a larger diameter.
A clogged drain pipe is a common cause of failure of normal plumbing operation. This element is installed on the roof of the building and is designed to equalize the pressure in the installed sewage system.
The sewer pipe may become clogged (for example, it is blocked by a plug of ice in winter), resulting in a vacuum in the sewer system.
Every time water is flushed (for example, when using a toilet flush tank), the siphons are broken and gases penetrate into the room. To eliminate the cause of the smell, you need to clean the pipe.
The cause of the sewer smell may be a leak in the pipe or connections. It should be noted that it is not always possible to quickly detect the location of the leak.
Sometimes hidden pipes are installed in the bathroom, which makes it difficult to find the problem. Drainage slowly flows out from the leak and causes mold growth and an unpleasant odor.
To identify problems with plumbing, you need to check the locations of sewerage leaks. In the case of hidden installation, it is difficult to immediately notice a leak that has appeared.
A plumbing leak may be in the most unexpected place. For example, it is quite difficult to detect a leak in a floor slab. The most common cause of leakage and the appearance of a strong sewer smell in the toilet is a loose connection between the corrugation and the drain pipe.
Having discovered this defect, it is necessary to urgently replace the corrugation, as well as restore the mandatory tightness of the pipe joint. If there are leaks in the connection between the sewer pipe and the siphon, it is necessary to use a sealant.
A layer of silicone will reliably protect the area where the elements of plumbing equipment meet from leaks.
Water is used daily in the toilet and bathroom, so there is increased air humidity in these rooms. To successfully combat this phenomenon, a ventilation system must be installed in the bathroom and other rooms listed above.
Most apartment buildings use a natural exhaust system, but it does not work effectively in every case.
It should be taken into account that ventilation ducts are constantly clogged with cobwebs, dust and other debris. For this reason, they should be cleaned periodically
In order to check how well the installed ventilation system works, you should carry out a simple test. You need to take a sheet of paper and bring it to the ventilation. If it works well, then the leaf will be pressed against the grille.
If a paper sheet falls on the floor, the ventilation system is not working properly and requires cleaning.
Checking the ventilation system can be carried out independently by the owners of the premises. To do this, use a sheet of paper or a lighter (match)
In some cases, cleaning the ventilation ducts does not bring the desired result, then the need arises for the construction of forced ventilation.
Additional equipment is usually installed in the opening for natural ventilation. The second fan is turned on as needed - when using the bathroom.
To avoid ventilation problems, it is necessary to clean the ventilation openings as often as possible. For better air exchange, it is better to install a hood equipped with a check valve.
It happens that a strong sewer smell appears in the toilet or bathroom almost immediately after moving into a new apartment or house. In this case, the cause of the stench must be sought in an improperly installed sewage system.
Today, there are specific standards for laying sewer pipes that must be observed during installation. If there is a breakdown in the sewer, you will have to re-install the pipeline, which will entail considerable costs.
Often an unpleasant odor in the bathroom appears due to improper connection of sewer pipes. If accepted installation standards are violated, the system will not be able to operate properly.
Stagnation of wastewater and the appearance of a persistent fetid odor is caused by improper placement of sewer pipes, or more precisely, by failure to maintain the optimal angle of inclination.
The error can only be corrected by dismantling the system and installing sewer pipes at the correct slope. You will learn about the angle at which sewer pipelines should be laid from our article.
If plastic elements are used, it is necessary to repair pipe connections that are not tightly tightened. It is enough to install sealing cuffs or change gaskets.
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Nowadays, home owners prefer to construct buildings themselves. In this case, in order to avoid misunderstandings, it is better to entrust the development of a utility network project and the installation of a sewer system and plumbing equipment to specialists.
The owner of any residential premises must understand that one of the most common causes of unpleasant odor in the bathroom is failure to comply with hygiene rules.
The cause of the stench may be untimely flushing of waste products and infrequent washing of plumbing equipment.
Every owner of an apartment or house must follow the usual rules of hygiene and constantly wash the sink, bathtub and toilet with household products intended for this purpose.
To care for the plumbing in the toilet, it is enough to follow simple sanitary requirements and regularly wash the toilet with special products. They effectively kill germs, eliminating the causes of bad odors in the bathroom.
In the modern market of household products, disinfectants have proven themselves to be excellent: Domestos, Toilet duck, Dosia, Oda, Cillit Bang, Comet.
Getting rid of the smell of baby urine
Children's urine also requires quick removal from any surfaces, although at first and even after a couple of days there is practically no smell. It is best to use baking soda and drying agent for this. Baking soda will absorb germs, and drying will help quickly dry out a mattress or sofa. If the stain has already dried on its own, it is better to use a mixture of baking soda and peroxide.
It's good if the mattress is removable. It must be removed, washed with the addition of concentrated gels, and then dried in the fresh air.
Advice!
The stain can be pre-washed with vinegar, treated with citric acid or laundry soap.
Clearing the blockage
Blockages in the siphon or in the toilet riser are eliminated using chemical and physical methods.
Mechanical methods
It is recommended to first break through a complex blockage with a plunger or a cable.
In everyday life, a plunger and a plumbing cable are most often used.
- A plunger is a rubber bowl on a wooden handle. When used, it creates pressure in the pipe and thus moves the dirt plug. It is washed out immediately when the water is drained or is destroyed and washed out in parts.
- Plumbing cable is a twisted metal cable with a handle. It is lowered into the drain hole and pushed while turning the handle. When the end of the cable reaches the plug, it literally screws into it and thereby destroys it.
The cable can also be used to clean pipes if you attach a round brush to it.
Chemicals
To eliminate pollution, the most common folk compositions are used.
A prerequisite: before cleaning, the water from the bowl must be completely scooped out by hand. A glass of soda is poured into the drain , and after a couple of minutes a glass of vinegar . The reaction is violent, so it is better to open the door in advance. After 30 minutes you can wash it off.
You can add a mixture of equal parts of rock salt, soda and water . It is not as effective, but does not pose a danger to sanitaryware.
Any household chemicals designed for this purpose are suitable for cleaning the toilet.
- “Mole” - dissolves heavy mud plugs.
- Sanfor - based on alkali and chlorine. Also used for disinfection.
- Pothan is a granular dry powder that dissolves the organic components of the cork, such as peelings, hair, fibers.
It is preferable to use liquid products. They are not as concentrated and have less impact on pipes and plumbing.
Getting rid of the smell of urine from elderly people and bedridden patients
It is very difficult to remove the smell of urine from the clothes of an old person, and if he is also bedridden, then it is necessary not only to deal with dirt, but also to use interrupting agents. In a room where there is a patient, even the walls become saturated with unpleasant odors.
In addition to washing and treating stains, you must regularly take measures to eliminate the unpleasant odor of urine. To do this, the room must be ventilated every few hours, the floors must be washed at least once a day with the addition of bleach or using special disinfectants. It is better to remove carpets, heavy curtains too.
Change bedding daily and wash separately from other items so that they are not saturated with unpleasant odors.
Of course, you need to wash the patient too. Otherwise, it will be impossible to get rid of the smell.
Toilet seat hides odors
The first problem is the most common as many people unintentionally urinate on the toilet seat. It only takes a moment of deconcentration to spill a few drops of urine on the toilet seat.
Droplets of urine quickly hide under them, so they are not even visible, especially in a dark bathroom. What you can do is lift the toilet seat to check for any traces of urine. Yellow spots are easy to spot, so it's time to do something about it.
Solution: Clean the seat.
Luckily, fixing your toilet seat problem is not difficult. You just need to clean your toilet seat properly and the awful urine smell will go away. To make the job easier, we suggest removing the toilet seat.
It is attached to the toilet with a pair of bolts, so they need to be unscrewed with a screwdriver. Turn the bolts counterclockwise until they are loose enough to pop out. After this, clean the seat and the entire bowl to eliminate the unpleasant odor.
Getting rid of urine smell in the toilet
It is already quite easy to overcome this problem. For processing you can use:
- chlorine-containing products (but not pure bleach). They kill bacteria and germs, perfectly clean the surface of the toilet bowl, and give the room a pleasant aroma;
- products containing acid. Suitable not only for odor removal, but primarily for cleaning heavily soiled surfaces;
- sticks that are glued directly to the surface of the toilet;
- special soap or aroma balls that are immersed directly into the tank.
Important!
When working, be sure to use protective gloves.
To maintain the result, you can use gel or aerosol fresheners after each visit to the toilet.
Old smell
If measures to remove the smell of urine are not taken in a timely manner, it will simply permeate the entire room. Moreover, people living here will get used to it and will not feel it. It will be unbearable for guests.
To combat old aroma, drastic measures are needed. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the floors and re-cover the walls; sometimes it is enough to change the mattress or bedspread, or buy new carpets. Although sometimes the smell is absorbed very deeply even into the base of the sofa and bed.
You can try washing curtains, tulle, tablecloths, clothes and bedding. And if it doesn’t help, you’ll also have to buy a new one.
Treatment
Conservative therapy
Therapeutic tactics are chosen taking into account the cause of terminal urine leakage. The following methods are used:
- Infectious and inflammatory processes.
Antimicrobial therapy is indicated for patients with urethritis, prostatitis and colliculitis. The drug is selected taking into account the type of pathogen; it is possible to use antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal agents. Patients with andrological pathologies are prescribed antispasmodics, NSAIDs, prostate massage, and physiotherapy. - BPH.
Conservative therapy is recommended at the initial stage of the disease and if surgical intervention is not possible. Treatment is carried out using alpha-blockers, herbal medicines, antibiotics to fight infection, vasodilators to improve local blood circulation and more active delivery of drugs to the gland tissue. - CPPS.
Depending on the etiology of the pain syndrome, antimicrobial agents, hormones, alpha-blockers, antioxidants, antiplatelet agents, angioprotectors, neuroprotectors, muscle relaxants, and vitamin preparations are prescribed. Electroacupuncture, laser therapy, magnetotherapy, medicinal electrophoresis, and vibration are used. Psychotherapy is carried out according to indications. - Neurogenic dysfunction.
Drugs are recommended to stimulate blood circulation, reduce muscle tone and combat hypoxia. It is possible to carry out botulinum therapy and intravesical administration of irritants. Patients are advised to normalize their diet, conduct detrusor training, and perform special exercise therapy complexes. Additionally, hyperbaric oxygenation, electrical stimulation, and other physiotherapeutic techniques are prescribed.
Surgery
Patients with terminal leakage undergo the following operations:
- Non-tumor diseases of the urethra:
bougienage and stenting of strictures, internal urethrotomy, resection of the urethra with plastic replacement of the defect, diverticulectomy, marsupialization of the diverticulum. - Urethral neoplasia:
minimally invasive methods of removal and surgical excision of benign tumors, transurethral or circular resection for early stages of cancer, amputation of the penis and cystectomy for common forms of malignant neoplasia. - Andrological diseases:
transvesical and retropubic adenomectomy, transurethral resection, laser techniques, embolization of prostate arteries, laparoscopic, radical and nerve-sparing prostatectomy, brachytherapy, enucleation of the testicles for hormone-dependent cancer, TUR of the spermatic colliculus for hypertrophy. - Neurogenic dysfunction:
incision of the external sphincter of the bladder, plastic surgery to increase detrusor capacity, installation of cystostomy drainage.
What to do for prevention
Removing urine odor is a very difficult task. Therefore, we must try with all our might to prevent it or at least reduce it to a minimum. There are special pads and diapers for those suffering from enuresis. And if a person is embarrassed to use them or does not admit the existence of a problem, you can cover sofas and beds with oilcloth and lay down urological diapers.
Waterproof mattress covers are sold for mattresses. Of course, sheets, bedspreads and blankets will get dirty, but washing them is not difficult. Moreover, there are household chemicals that remove stains and odors on sale.
A persistent smell of urine can appear in anyone's home. There are many reasons. These include small children, animals, and sick relatives. Now you know how to get rid of this problem and try to prevent it. Just remember that you cannot use aggressive products such as bleach. They can cause harm not only to furniture, carpets and other surfaces, but also to your health.
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Weak flushing system
Every toilet should be flushed, but sometimes the flushing system is too weak to do it properly. This means that some urine remains in the toilet even after flushing, causing your toilet to smell.
Solution: Improve your flushing system If you have a low-flow toilet in your home, you should consider upgrading it. It is not possible to convert a low-flow toilet to a high-flow toilet, but you can make the flushing system more powerful with the following cistern adjustment techniques:
- Raise the tank float to increase water intake.
- Unscrew the fill valve to allow more water into the tank.
- Move the float of the cylinder into the toilet cistern.
How to get rid of odors in toilet tanks
Before you begin odor removal, consider the following:
Mold – If you see a patchy black substance on the inside walls of your tank, it could be black mold. This type of mold can be hazardous to your health, so clean out the tank immediately and make sure you collect everything you need.
Using Bleach – Sometimes the problem may be too severe to be solved with mild detergents and bleach may be necessary. In this case, start diluting by adding a cleanser of one part bleach to 10 parts water. Increase strength only if you need it.
Protection – Be careful when working with bleach or other harsh chemicals. Wear gloves and a mask, make sure there is air flow in the bathroom (an open window or fan will do), and never mix multiple chemicals in a tank.
Quick Fix – Will the company arrive in an hour? Light a match in the bathroom to temporarily mask unpleasant odors with the less unpleasant (and for some people, wonderful) smell of sulfur dioxide.
And the best way to rid your bathroom of musty cistern smell? After you clean the tank, follow the prevention method. If you get there a couple times a year, you won't have to do it as a last resort.
To learn more about eliminating odors and effective ways to clean your bathroom.
