When you enter your bathroom, you might smell some urine. Right? It is common since this is the place where all urine goes. However, what’s not normal is if your bathroom smells like urine all the time even if you are not urinating.
There are lots of reasons why your bathroom smells like urine and we will talk about that today! Also, I will be giving you some tips to get rid of the urine smell in your bathroom. Let’s go!
What Makes Urine Smell So Strong?
The strong smell of urine is primarily caused by the amount and concentration of various waste products excreted by the kidneys, as explained by the Mayo Clinic.
Under normal circumstances, well-hydrated individuals with good health typically have urine that is mostly water and has little to no odor. However, urine odor can become more pronounced in cases of dehydration, consumption of certain foods (such as asparagus), or when there is an underlying medical condition.
Urine contains urea, a waste byproduct that can sometimes give off an ammonia-like smell when it is broken down by the body. When combined with the high humidity and poor ventilation often found in bathrooms, this creates an environment that can foster the development of various foul odors.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “It’s the amount and concentration of various waste products excreted by the kidneys that causes urine odor.”
7 Reasons Why Your Bathroom Smells Like Urine
You Have Dirty Toilet
Let’s start by addressing the most evident issue—a disgustingly filthy toilet.
Not only is an ignored toilet repulsive to utilize, but a dirty toilet can also impede its functionality. Accumulated grime and mineral buildup can obstruct the toilet rim jets, resulting in a weaker flush.
One straightforward and unmistakable solution is to thoroughly clean the toilet.
The most repugnant region of the toilet (and where urine stains tend to accumulate the most) is beneath the seat and around the bowl’s rim. If you haven’t cleaned that area in a while, be prepared for an unpleasant task that may require a strong stomach and nose plugs.
Additionally, it’s not uncommon for the exterior sides next to the toilet bowl to have urine drips, especially if you have young children at home.
Stinky Garbage Can
If you’ve been neglecting to take out the trash or using an excessive amount of wet wipes, the foul odor in your building could be emanating from your garbage can. Additionally, diaper pails are another common source of sewer odors.
In case you haven’t disinfected your garbage can, don’t worry, there’s a simple solution to this problem that you can implement easily.
Filthy Walls And Molding Around Your Toilet
The area around the toilet, including walls and baseboards, can be potential breeding grounds for unpleasant urine odors due to occasional aim issues.
Moreover, people often overlook the wall behind the toilet, allowing dirt and grime to accumulate, which can further contribute to the presence of unpleasant smells.
A Smelly Toilet Tank
Sometimes, the reason why your bathroom smells like urine can be attributed to the toilet tank. It’s not uncommon for a high-moisture enclosed space to harbor unpleasant-smelling bacteria.
In order to identify if the toilet tank has a foul odor, take a whiff after lifting the lid.
If you do detect an unpleasant smell, one simple solution is to utilize white vinegar, which possesses disinfectant properties, to rectify the situation.
Stained Floorings Or Bathmaths
When it comes to cleaning, don’t forget about the flooring around the toilet area – it’s the second place that needs attention! And while you’re at it, why not give the rest of the bathroom floor a good mop too?
This includes any bath mats or rugs that may carry traces of urine odors. It’s not uncommon for accidents to happen without you even realizing it, especially if you have pets or kids. Once you’ve thrown the bath mats or floor towels into the laundry, if unpleasant smells still linger, here’s a handy cleaning hack you can try.
Toilet Leak Somewhere
When it comes to toilet leaks, there are several potential trouble spots to consider beyond just the wax seal. It’s crucial to determine the precise location of the leak to effectively address the issue.
Not only can a leak be unsanitary and emit unpleasant odors, but it can also result in damage to your flooring if left unattended.
Occasionally, you might notice water seeping from the line located behind the toilet. In other instances, the tank or the bowl could be the source of the leak. It’s essential to identify the exact point of the leak to initiate the necessary repairs.
An Old Or Cracked Toilet Wax Seal
All toilets are equipped with a wax ring, also known as a wax gasket or wax seal. This crucial component ensures a watertight seal at the base of the toilet, preventing any water leaks.
It is important to note that an old or cracked wax ring can lead to water leakage beneath the toilet, resulting in the accumulation of fluids and bacteria. This can produce unpleasant odors resembling sewage or urine.
If you possess basic handy skills or have a knowledgeable friend, you can easily replace the wax ring yourself. These components are inexpensive and readily available at most hardware or home improvement stores.
Undertaking this do-it-yourself project typically takes just a few hours. However, if you encounter any difficulties, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a professional plumber.
15 Ways To Get Rid Of Pee Smell In Your Bathroom
Detect The Scent
Although it’s common to use bathrooms for urinating, a clean bathroom should not have a lingering urine smell. The scent can vary from a faint hint left by someone to a strong odor that may indicate an infection. To address this issue, first determine if the smell is old or recent, then investigate potential stains and causes. This process will assist you in finding the most effective solution for eliminating the urine smell.
Clean The Spot
Bathroom tiles, with their glossy and gleaming surfaces, make it easy to spot pee spots. These tiny droplets can cause an unpleasant odor to develop. To maintain a fresh and clean bathroom, it is recommended to regularly check for the appearance of lemon-colored stains and promptly address them. Wiping off these pee spots takes just a minute, and if caught early, they can be eliminated using baby wipes or a bathroom sponge. This simple practice ensures a more hygienic and pleasant bathroom environment.
Try Vinegar
White vinegar (or even ACV) is a common household staple found in most pantries. It is not only organic and affordable but also gentle on your skin and environmentally friendly due to its mild acidic properties.
Apart from its cleaning capabilities, vinegar is also known for its antibacterial properties, making it an effective solution for tackling unwanted odors such as urine. To use, simply fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar and direct it towards the affected area. Allow it to sit for approximately ten minutes before wiping it off, and you’ll notice a significant improvement.
Get Essential
Essential oils offer numerous benefits, both tangible and perceived. Apart from their pleasant aroma, their high concentration means you only require a few drops.
Peppermint and lavender essential oils, in particular, act as potent remedies for eliminating bathroom odors caused by urine. You have the option to directly spritz the affected area or add a few drops of essential oil to your vinegar spray bottle for an effective solution.
Try Some Soda
Baking soda is an effective solution for eliminating unwanted scents, including urine smells in the bathroom. There are multiple ways to utilize baking soda: you can sprinkle it directly onto the affected areas, create a spray by combining it with vinegar, or even make a paste. When mixed with vinegar, a fizzing reaction occurs, quickly absorbing the scent within minutes.
Do The Dishes
Dishwashing soaps like Dawn have versatile uses beyond the kitchen. They are gentle enough to be used on animals and kids, while still being powerful enough to effectively remove tough grease and spice stains from your recipes.
Additionally, these soaps are highly effective in eliminating strong odors, such as pee smells. To tackle pee stains, simply apply a few drops of the soap directly onto the stains, allowing it to sit for a short period before scrubbing and rinsing it off.
Play With Oxygen Bleach
Dishwashing soaps like Dawn have versatile uses beyond the kitchen. They are gentle enough to be used on animals and kids, while still being powerful enough to effectively remove tough grease and spice stains from your recipes.
Additionally, these soaps are highly effective in eliminating strong odors, such as pee smells. To tackle pee stains, simply apply a few drops of the soap directly onto the stains, allowing it to sit for a short period before scrubbing and rinsing it off.
Use Some Clorox Wipes
It’s always a good idea to have disinfectant wipes in your bathroom. This is especially true if you have kids, holiday guests, or incontinent seniors. Encourage the children (and grandparents) to develop the habit of wiping the toilet seat before and after use. Additionally, it can be helpful to check the bathroom multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness.
Get A Urine Remover
Clorox offers a range of effective products for various cleaning needs. In addition to disinfectant wipes, Clorox has a specialized urine remover specifically designed for tackling urine stains. The Clorox Urine Remover is conveniently packaged in a spray bottle, allowing you to use it on both hard tile surfaces and softer fabrics.
It is important to note that this product is bleach-free, making it safe for use on bath linens. To ensure compatibility with the fabric, it is recommended to perform a small spot test before applying it. Additionally, other brands also offer similar products designed to combat pee stains.
Tea And Coffee
In addition to essential oils, herbal tea bags are widely used as a top ingredient for creating DIY bath products such as bath soaks, salts, and home spas. If you find yourself running out of essential oils, simply hang an aromatic tea bag in the bathroom to absorb and mask unwanted odors. Alternatively, coffee grounds can also be a great substitute for absorbing unpleasant aromas.
Spray Some Refreshing Spritz
In addition to bleach-based bathroom products, there are various alternatives you can consider when eliminating pee smells. Hospital cleansers such as Medline, enzyme cleaners like Nature’s Miracle or Rocco & Roxie, Febreze (formerly known as Fabreeze), and Lysol are all effective options. It’s worth noting that Lysol not only eliminates odors but also acts as a disinfectant, effectively killing germs and neutralizing unpleasant smells in your bathroom.
Chlorine Is A Good To Go
Most household bleaches commonly contain chlorine as their active ingredient. Chlorine bleach is effective at eliminating stains and unwanted odors. However, it is important to consider the potential environmental impact of using bleach.
If you have concerns about environmental damage, you can opt for oxidized versions of bleaches that were mentioned earlier. It is recommended to use chlorine bleach as a last resort.
Find Unexpected Pee Spots
If you’ve tried various methods to eliminate the persistent urine odor in your bathroom without success, consider this tip. Wait until it’s dark, grab a blacklight, and thoroughly inspect the entire space.
While you might have initially concentrated on the toilet, there could be urine splashes on unexpected surfaces such as blinds, shower curtains, skirting boards, stepping stools, laundry basket, bathroom rugs, toilet brush, or tile. Taking a closer look under blacklight can help identify additional areas that require cleaning or deodorizing.
Try Some Citrus
Lemon, lime, and lavender are commonly used scents for bathroom products. These fragrances not only add a pleasant aroma but also serve as effective odor eliminators, particularly for urine smells in the bathroom.
When faced with a fresh pee spot, a slice of citrus fruit can come to your rescue. Simply use the slice to wipe off the urine for instant relief. In case the stain has dried out, you can try using a mixture of thick lemon juice and baking soda to form a paste, which can help remove the stubborn stain effectively.
Change The Toilet
In many households, particularly those in regions with water scarcity or strict conservation regulations, it is common to not flush after urination. However, it is important to note that urine is not actually sterile.
Over time, this practice can lead to unpleasant odors. To address this issue, one possible solution is to replace your conventional toilet with a water-saving option that offers dual-flush functionality. By doing so, you can maintain a fresh-smelling bathroom while still being mindful of water usage.
Final Words
That’s it! Those are the reasons why your bathroom smells like urine and those are the things you can do to get rid of this nasty smell. Hope that my tips helped you to remove the urine smell in your bathroom.
