Keeping the home smelling clean and fresh can be challenging for us with pets and children. If you or someone you care for suffers from incontinence, that can be an additional stress. Urine leaks and odors can be difficult to manage. If you are looking for how to get rid of the smell of urine in the house, we’ve got some affordable homemade odor eliminator formulas, recommended products, and other tips to help make it easier.
Why does urine smell bad?
Many people limit the amount of fluids they drink if they have urinary incontinence in hopes they can reduce leakage. When fluid intake is restricted, urine becomes more concentrated. Highly concentrated urine is dark yellow and has a foul odor.
Urinary incontinence can also lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Poor hygiene habits can allow bacteria to enter the urethra, so it is critical to practice good hygiene with incontinence. Urine becomes concentrated and strong-smelling for those with a UTI.
Getting the smell of urine out of carpet and furniture
Here are some tips we have come up with on how to eliminate urine odor in the house.
Vinegar & Water
Whether cleaning up urine from the carpet or the couch, the first step is to blot as much of it as possible using a paper towel or absorbent cloth. The easiest method to try is a vinegar and water mixture. Fill 1/3 of a spray bottle with white vinegar and the rest of the way with water. Spray the affected area well and allow it to penetrate. Then, take a cloth and push it into the carpet or material to soak up the fluid. Repeat these steps with this homemade odor eliminator solution a few times for the best results. This can be an excellent deodorizer for urine smell.
Baking Soda, Peroxide, & Dish Soap
Alternatively, you can make a solution of baking soda, peroxide, and dish soap when looking for how to get rid of urine smell in the home. In a spray bottle, mix 8 ounces of peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap. Spray this homemade odor eliminator mixture onto the affected area and allow it to penetrate for up to 20 minutes. Using a brush, gently scrub the area and wipe the area with a cloth. Make sure to test the site with this mixture first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the carpet or fabric. Peroxide is an alternative to bleach, so this solution could be damaging. Once again, this can be a great deodorizer for urine smell.
Getting the smell of urine out of bedding and clothing
Urine leaks can happen at night when a person has urinary incontinence. If urine gets on clothing or bedding, it is critical to wash them immediately to eliminate urine smell. Try soaking the clothing and bedding in a homemade odor eliminator mixture of 3:1 water and white vinegar for about 15 minutes to neutralize the smell of urine. Then, wash the items in lukewarm water on a double-rinse cycle. This is effective when looking for options of how to get rid of the smell of urine in clothing and bedding.
Using an underpad, bed pad, or chux can help make cleanup more manageable if you want to take preventive measures to protect your bedding. You can also consider mattress protectors to take it a step further. These mattress covers are waterproof and protect the entire bed while you sleep. Don’t forget that underpads can be used for pets, furniture, and car seats.
Overnight absorbency incontinence products can also be helpful. These products are made to hold a more considerable amount of fluid and can help you get a better night’s rest. Personally Delivered Overnight Protective Underwear, Abena Abri-Form Premium Adult Briefs, and Tranquility Premium Overnight Underwear are all excellent products that can keep you protected and dry throughout the night and help eliminate urine smell.
Getting the smell of urine out of the air
When looking for how to get rid of the smell of urine in the house, many odor eliminator products can help control the air in your home. However, there are several homemade odor eliminator hacks to try to keep the air in your home smelling clean and fresh.
If you are looking for how to get rid of urine smell in the house air, here are some of our favorites:
Downy Unstopables & Baking Soda
In a small mason jar, fill approximately ¼ with baking soda. Add a capful of Downy Unstopables. Place a small square of burlap over the top of the jar and twist on the outer rim of the lid. You can place these all around the home to help eliminate urine smell! You can find the full tutorial HERE.
DIY Plug-In Air Fresheners
Refill your plug-in air freshener with your own homemade odor eliminator. Remove the cap, fill the plug-in halfway with your favorite essential oil, and the rest of the way with water. Replace the cap, give it a shake, and plug it back into the wall.
Baking Soda, Water, & Essential Oils
Fill a spray bottle with water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of your essential oil of choice. Give the bottle a good shake and spray your cushions and bedding to keep them smelling clean and fresh with this homemade odor eliminator as a deodorizer for urine smells.
Open the Windows
If weather permits, open the windows! Fresh air can help rid the home of foul-smelling odors as a natural deodorizer for urine smells.
Reed Diffuser
A reed diffuser is another option for a homemade odor eliminator. Choose a small jar with a narrow opening. Next, you will need a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil. Fill the jar halfway with this oil and then add a tablespoon of isopropyl alcohol. Add 25-30 drops of your favorite essential oils and give the jar a swirl to mix everything together. Arrange 3-5 reed sticks and place the jars throughout your home for a beautiful and pleasant smell. After about a week, you can flip the reed sticks, add a few more drops of essential oils, and insert the dry end of the reed sticks back into the jar. Have fun and experiment with different essential oils for this deodorizer for urine smells!
It is essential to practice good hygiene if you or someone you care for has incontinence. By washing your hands often, using hand sanitizers, and cleaning up accidents right away, you can keep yourself and your home smelling fresh.
If you have a pet, it is essential to regularly clean and maintain their areas, including litter boxes, to prevent odors from returning and eliminate urine smell.
We hope these homemade odor eliminator tips and recipes can help you learn options for how to eliminate urine odor in the house to live with less stress! For even more ways to clean your home, check out Porch’s article 15 Ways to Clean Your House Fast.
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Disclaimer: Important Notice Regarding Medical Advice
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
