Is there an easy way to get rid of urine odors?

[NurseJackie]

A loved one has a bedside commode in their bedroom that (often) gets used in the night, or sometimes during the day. (It's not her primary place to go to the toilet... it's just supposed to be for emergencies.)

Because of her dementia, she only remembers to close the lid half the time, and even though her caregiver empties the commode pot as soon as she's aware... the smell of urine has already drifted throughout the room and into everything.

Even after the source of the odor has been removed... even if the windows have been opened and fresh air has circulated... the odor has penetrated the bedding, carpets, drapes, upholstry, everything.

Are there any tips to help eliminate these odors, or to kill them before they start? Sprays and oils just mask it temporarily... or it smells like flowers/citrus and pee. She's considering having someone install a bathroom exhaust fan near the potty chair. Even though it would draw-out the AC or heating, it would still improve the quality of life.

I'm not the caregiver, but I do care very much for the caregiver and her mother. She's at the end of her rope. Also, I avoid visiting because of the odor. (Her mother really ought to be in assisted living, but the cost is prohibitive, so they're doing their best.)

[Me.]

1. Mrs. Meyers Room Deodorizers Are Remakably Effective

and you might put a small amount of lysol in the chamber pot

[NurseJackie]

3. I'll check that out. If I can find it on Amazon, I'll ship it to her.

[Me.]

10. I See They Have Basil

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mrs.+myers&ref=nb_sb_noss_2


which I really like, but elsewhere I buy Lemon Verbena. WE bought the lavender and didn't like it at first but now do. I see they have a couple of new scents for their products like peppermint and apple cider which might be helpful for your situation. THey last a long time, are very effective.

[SharonAnn]

2. If the urine smell persists, I would bet that it's in the carpet, the bedding, clothing, and ???

An open toilet does not spread the pee smell throughout the house.

[NurseJackie]

4. It's not a toilet, it's a bedside potty-chair.

They have a covered "diaper genie" for disposing the wet depends... but the mother will sometimes just toss the depends in a non-covered wastebasket, and THAT is another source of odors.

There might indeed be some overnight leaks that get on bedding... but my friend says she's always checking sheets and blankets... and changes them almost daily if there's even a HINT of urine smells.

There are large rugs (but not wall-to-wall carpet) I'll suggest to her that they be removed or professionally cleaned.

Lord, I hope I never become a burden to my children... just let me go quickly.

[no_hypocrisy]

5. Ozium Spray

I swear by it. My father, a doctor, used it effectively in his office for incontinent patients.

I also used it in college to get rid of the smell of weed.

[Kali]

8. is that still around??

[no_hypocrisy]

16. Dozens of places where you can buy it.

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=iD6sXdBNjq7nAv6ttPAF&q=ozium+spray&oq=ozium+spray&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l10.1486.4416..4736...0.0..0.90.871.11......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i131j0i10.C2W1erTPRhk&ved=0ahUKEwjQsZvp16rlAhUO11kKHf4WDV4Q4dUDCAc&uact=5

[mia]

6. An enzyme based cleaner works very well.

I used to buy it from the pet store to clean up the bathroom when my kids were young. Nothing else would remove the odor. Medline carries similar products.

[Kali]

7. there are good urine odor removers in the veterinary world

I think one is just called "odor no more," you can order on line or pick up at feed and or pet stores. there are different brands/formulas but the enzyme ones are best and most are ok for carpet and fabric.

febreze actually works but stinks pretty bad itself. bleach is absolutely best for anything that can handlr it.

suspect mattress and carpet are the main problem. mattress is ruined anyway, I would try spraying till pretty damp w dilute bleach, let dry then encase in waterproof vinyl zip case.

[thinkingagain]

9. Try baking soda & or vinegar

I had a pet make a mess on our carpet in our den so I steam cleaned it it got worse finally after all kinds of things I read both vinegar and or baking soda should work. I sprinkled baking soda on the carpet later vacuumed it up no more smell.
Both can be added to wash laundry & clean the commode etc and then put a open box of baking soda near by I think it would draw the smell from the air and it’s all natural.

[Sanity Claws]

11. Zero Odor

It is made to get rid of pet urine smells and should work on human urine too. You can get it at pet supply stores and bed bath & beyond.

[NurseJackie]

12. THANK YOU everyone! These are great tips! I don't know...

THANK YOU everyone! These are great tips! I don't know why we hadn't even considered PET urine cleaning-solutions and odor-products.

[alfie]

13. One other suggestion...

the caregivers should make an effort to be sure she is adequately hydrated. She should also be checked for a urinary tract infection. Dehydration and infection can greatly increase the odor of urine.

[Kali]

17. this

good point

[NurseJackie]

18. Thank you.

[brush]

14. Try activated charcoal.

Air Purification

In the same spirit, activated carbon is also effective as a filter for air purification. Much like baking soda, commercially available charcoal bags can be placed in the refrigerator, car, pet areas, gym bags, and other places to freshen air, neutralize odors, and combat mold.

Activated Charcoal Forms

Activated charcoal is available in pills, tablets, capsules, and loose powder for multipurpose use. In all forms, activated charcoal is odorless and neutral-tasting.

[Backseat Driver]

15. Biokleen Bac-Out

https://biokleenhome.com/product/bac-out-bathroom-cleaner/