Removing Urine Odor From Concrete Patios: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to get urine smell out of concrete patio

Getting urine smells out of concrete can be a challenging task due to the porous nature of the material. The uric acid crystals in urine bond tightly to the concrete, penetrating deep into its pores, and are resistant to regular cleaning agents. To effectively remove urine odours from concrete patios, a multi-step process is often required, which may include scrubbing, the application of specialised cleaning products, and the use of odour-eliminating solutions.

One recommended method is to first identify the affected areas using a UV light or black light, as urine stains will stand out under this lighting. Next, scrub the area with a strong solution of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) and hot water to remove bacteria and urine residue. After scrubbing, the area should be rinsed with clean water and allowed to dry completely. Once dry, a liberal amount of an enzymatic pet urine cleaner or odour eliminator should be applied to break down the uric acid crystals. This process may need to be repeated multiple times, especially for heavily soiled areas.

Additionally, some home remedies have been suggested, such as using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or straight alcohol or diluted chlorine bleach. While these methods may be effective for minor odour issues, they may not be sufficient for more severe cases.

For particularly stubborn urine odours, it may be necessary to seek professional help or consider sealing the concrete with a non-breathable coating to block any remaining odours.

Characteristics Values
Concrete type Porous
Uric acid Bonds tightly to concrete
Uric acid Forms deep within the pores and capillaries of the concrete
Uric acid Crystals are insoluble and will not bind with regular soaps and other cleaning agents
Enzymatic cleaner Attacks and breaks down the uric acid crystals
Enzymatic cleaner Separates the uric acid crystals from the concrete
Enzymatic cleaner Uses bacteria to digest malodors, waste, and stains
Enzymatic cleaner Bacteria produce enzymes that break down the molecules of the uric acid crystals into smaller bits
Enzymatic cleaner Bacteria digest the smaller bits and break them down into carbon dioxide and water
Concrete Needs to be dried before applying the enzymatic cleaner
Concrete Needs to be etched before sealing
Concrete Needs to be ground before sealing
Concrete Needs to be cleaned with Trisodium Phosphate before sealing

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Use an enzymatic cleaner

Using an Enzymatic Cleaner to Remove Urine Odors from Concrete

Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that break down and eliminate the source of tough odors. They are particularly effective on porous surfaces like concrete, where urine bonds tightly to the material as it dries, penetrating deep within its pores.

How to use an enzymatic cleaner to remove urine odors from concrete:

  • Clear the area: Keep pets and children away from the area during application.
  • Apply the enzymatic cleaner: Follow the instructions on the product. Some enzymatic cleaners may require dilution with water, while others can be applied directly to the concrete. Use a brush or broom to scrub the concrete surface and work the cleaner into the pores.
  • Let the cleaner sit: Allow the enzymatic cleaner to sit on the concrete for at least 10 minutes. For best results, do not let it dry during this time. The longer it stays damp, the more time the bacteria have to digest the odor-causing organic soils.
  • Rinse and repeat if necessary: Rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue from the enzymatic cleaner. If the urine odor persists, repeat the process.

Tips for using enzymatic cleaners:

  • Use enzymatic cleaners during cooler times of the day, such as dawn or dusk.
  • Every third or fourth time you apply the product, scrub and rinse the concrete with plain water to avoid buildup.
  • For particularly stubborn areas, scrub the affected area with a scrub brush before allowing the product to sit.
  • In windy or warm conditions, lightly mist the area with more odor eliminator to prevent quick evaporation.

Recommended enzymatic cleaners:

  • Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator
  • Nature's Miracle
  • Clorox Urine Spray

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Seal the concrete with a non-breathable coating

Sealing your concrete patio with a non-breathable coating is an effective way to prevent urine odours from resurfacing. This method is particularly useful if you want to ensure the smell doesn't return, even after it has initially gone.

The first step is to identify the exact areas of urine odour. You can do this by using a UV light or black light to identify the affected areas. Once you have identified the urine stains, you will need to clean the area with a strong solution of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) and hot water. This will remove bacteria and urine residue, leaving only the uric acid crystals behind. You should wear gloves and eye protection when handling TSP.

After cleaning with TSP, you will need to treat the concrete with an enzymatic pet odour remover. This will break down the uric acid crystals and separate them from the concrete. It is important to follow the directions for the product you choose and not to rush this process. Allow the concrete to dry completely before applying the enzymatic cleaner.

Finally, you can apply a non-breathable, topical concrete coating to seal the concrete and prevent any residual odours from escaping. Epoxy coatings, such as EpoxyShield by Rust-Oleum, are a good option for this purpose. These coatings are film-forming and do not allow odour molecules to pass through. It is important to note that concrete preparation, such as grinding or etching, is required before applying the coating. This will open up the pores of the concrete and allow for better absorption of the sealer.

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Use a vinegar solution

Vinegar is a great option for removing urine odours from concrete patios. Concrete is porous, and urine odours can be difficult to remove because they bond tightly to the concrete as they dry, penetrating deep within its pores. Here is a detailed guide on how to use a vinegar solution to get rid of urine odours from your concrete patio:

Step 1: Clean the Surface

First, thoroughly clean the concrete surface using a mild detergent or concrete cleaner. Use a brush or broom to scrub the area and remove any dirt, grime, or organic matter that may be causing the odour. This step will ensure that there is no residue left on the concrete that could interfere with the vinegar solution.

Step 2: Rinse with Water

After cleaning, rinse the concrete surface with clean water to remove any remaining detergent or residue. This step is important to ensure that the vinegar solution can come into direct contact with the concrete and the urine odour.

Step 3: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Common household vinegar usually contains about 5% acetic acid, which is effective at neutralising odours. You can also use a specialised product, such as Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator, which uses safe, naturally-occurring bacterial microbes to eliminate odours.

Step 4: Apply the Vinegar Solution

Spray the vinegar solution onto the concrete surface generously. Make sure to cover the entire affected area. Let the solution sit for a few minutes. The vinegar will start to neutralise the odour and break down the uric acid crystals that cause the smell.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse Again

Use a brush or broom to scrub the concrete surface while the vinegar solution is still on it. This will help to further remove any lingering odours and dislodge any remaining urine crystals. After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water to remove the vinegar solution and any remaining urine residue.

Step 6: Use Baking Soda (Optional)

If the urine odour is particularly strong or persistent, you can use baking soda as an additional treatment. Baking soda is a natural deodoriser that can help absorb and neutralise odours. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the concrete surface and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub the area again with a brush or broom and rinse with water to remove the baking soda residue.

Step 7: Allow to Dry

Finally, allow the concrete surface to air dry completely. This step is crucial, as it will help eliminate any remaining odours. If the urine smell persists after following these steps, you may need to repeat the process or try using a specialised odour-eliminating product designed for concrete surfaces.

Concrete Patio Cost: 12x17 Space, Priced

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Try a baking soda and vinegar paste

If you're looking to get urine smells out of concrete, one method you can try is a baking soda and vinegar paste. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  • Start by cleaning the concrete surface with a mild detergent or concrete cleaner. Use a brush or broom to scrub the area and remove any dirt, grime, or organic matter. This initial cleaning will ensure that the baking soda and vinegar paste can penetrate the concrete effectively.
  • Rinse the concrete surface with clean water to remove any residue from the previous step. It is important to ensure that the surface is thoroughly rinsed before proceeding.
  • Prepare the baking soda and vinegar paste by mixing the two ingredients in a suitable container. The paste should have a thick consistency that can be easily applied to the concrete. You may need to adjust the proportions of baking soda and vinegar to get the desired consistency.
  • Generously apply the baking soda and vinegar paste to the affected areas of the concrete patio. Use a brush or broom to work the paste into the concrete, ensuring that it reaches deep into the pores where urine odours are often trapped.
  • Allow the paste to sit on the concrete for several hours or even overnight. During this time, the baking soda will work to absorb and neutralise the odours. The vinegar in the paste will also help to break down the urine odour-causing compounds.
  • Once the paste has had sufficient time to work, it's time to scrub the concrete again. Use a brush or broom to scrub the area vigorously, ensuring that you cover all the areas where the paste was applied. This step will help to remove any remaining odour-causing residue.
  • Rinse the concrete surface with clean water to remove the paste and any remaining residue. Ensure that you rinse thoroughly and remove all traces of the paste.
  • Finally, allow the concrete surface to air dry completely. This final step is crucial, as it will help eliminate any lingering odours.

If the urine smell persists after following these steps, you may need to repeat the process or try a different approach, such as using specialised odour-eliminating products designed for concrete surfaces.

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Use a wet vac

Using a wet vac is an effective way to get urine smell out of a concrete patio. Concrete is porous, and urine odours can be difficult to remove. Here is a detailed guide on how to use a wet vac to eliminate urine odours from your concrete patio:

Step 1: Identify the Urine Areas

Use a UV light or black light to identify the exact areas on your concrete patio affected by urine. Hold the light close to the concrete and scan the surface in sections. Urine stains will typically appear as blue, green, or yellow markings. You can also use your sense of smell to identify the areas with urine odour.

Step 2: Clean the Affected Areas

It is important to properly clean the urine-affected areas to remove bacteria and other residual elements. Create a strong solution by mixing ½ cup of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) with 1 gallon of hot water. Put on safety gloves and eye protection before handling the solution. Use a short-bristled nylon brush or a deck brush to scrub the urine-stained areas vigorously. Keep the solution on the concrete for at least 10 minutes to allow it to soak into the pores and capillaries, breaking down the uric acid crystals.

Step 3: Rinse and Vacuum

Once you have scrubbed and allowed the TSP solution to soak, it's time to rinse and vacuum. Pour clean hot water over the treated area and then use your wet vac to remove the water and any remaining urine residue. It is recommended to repeat this rinsing and vacuuming process at least twice, or three times for heavily soiled areas. Ensure that you dispose of the vacuumed liquid responsibly, as it will contain urine residue and bacteria.

Step 4: Allow the Concrete to Dry

After rinsing and vacuuming, allow the concrete surface to air dry completely. This drying period is crucial, as concrete needs to be entirely dry before applying any further treatments or coatings. Depending on the climate and ventilation, this drying process can take 24 hours or more.

Step 5: Treat with an Enzymatic Cleaner (Optional)

Even after cleaning with TSP, urine odours may persist due to the deep penetration of uric acid crystals into the concrete. To address this, you can use an enzymatic cleaner that contains bacteria that digest and break down these uric acid crystals. Apply a liberal amount of the enzymatic cleaner to the affected areas and scrub it in with a brush. Keep the area wet for at least 10 minutes to allow the cleaner to absorb into the concrete. You can cover the area with a cheap painter's tarp to prevent evaporation and give the cleaner more time to work. This step may need to be repeated multiple times, especially if the concrete has been soaked with urine for an extended period.

Step 6: Seal the Concrete (Optional)

In some cases, sealing the concrete may be necessary to prevent any residual urine odours from returning. It is important to note that not all sealers are effective. The only type of sealer that will work is a non-breathable, topical concrete coating, such as a 2-part epoxy coating or polyurea coating. These coatings create a barrier that blocks odour molecules from escaping. Apply the sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring proper concrete preparation, such as grinding or etching, for optimal adhesion and effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions

Use a UV light or black light to identify the source of the urine. Old urine stains will stand out as blue, green, or yellow markings on the concrete.

First, clean the area with a strong detergent or concrete cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or organic matter. Then, use a mixture of water and vinegar or an enzymatic cleaner to break down the uric acid crystals and eliminate the odour.

You can use a paste made from baking soda and vinegar, straight alcohol, diluted chlorine bleach, or a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

You can use Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator, Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator, or Clorox Urine Remover.

If the urine odour persists, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or consider using specialised odour-eliminating products designed for concrete surfaces. You can also try sealing the concrete with a non-breathable, topical concrete coating such as EpoxyShield by Rust-Oleum.

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