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Get cat pee or other urine out of concrete with this guide
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If you have pets, you know how annoying it is to clean up dog or cat urine. It’s even worse when the urine seeps into concrete and leaves behind an odor. It may seem like you’ll never get the smell out, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll teach you the best way to remove urine odors from concrete using TSP and enzymatic cleaners. We also talked to experts for their tips on cleaning the concrete and getting rid of odors.
How to Get Pee Smell Out of Concrete: Quick Steps
- Clear the area and clean any dirt and debris off the concrete.
- Mix ½ cup TSP with 1 gallon of water and scrub it into the concrete.
- Pour hot water over the treated area and vacuum up all the liquid.
- Let the concrete dry overnight, then apply an enzyme cleaner.
- Let the cleaner soak into the concrete overnight to remove the odor.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Using an Enzymatic Cleaner to Remove Urine Smell From Concrete
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Clean the area of any dirt or debris. First, remove any furniture that might get in the way or be damaged by the cleaner you use, and tape off any baseboard trim. Cleaning specialist Regina DeCorte recommends cleaning concrete by vacuuming or sweeping away debris, then scrubbing the concrete with hot, soapy water using a stiff bristle brush. You can also remove residue like carpet adhesive with a scraper . Starting with a clean floor means you won’t create a muddy mess when you start using cleaners, nor will you drive any of the grime down into the porous surface of the concrete. [1] X Research source
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Locate the urine by smell or with a UV flashlight. If you have a UV light (or blacklight), turn off the lights in the room and hold the UV light 1-3 feet from the floor. Urine stains usually show up as a yellow, blue, or green mark, so use a piece of chalk to mark any spots you see. If you don’t have a UV light, air out the room, then simply sniff around until you find the smelly area. [2] X Research source
- Using a UV light can sometimes reveal the site of an old stain, which is helpful if you’ve already washed the floor and there’s no longer a visible stain.
- It’s possible to simply spot-treat the concrete, focusing on the urine spots you outlined, but it is recommended to treat the entire floor so you don’t miss any spots that didn’t show up. Treating the entire floor will also keep it from looking spotty.
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Scrub trisodium phosphate (TSP) into the concrete. Put on protective goggles and rubber gloves to protect yourself from harsh chemicals. Create a mixture of TSP and hot water, using 1/2 cup of TSP for every gallon of water, then pour the mixture onto the concrete. [3] X Research source Work in small increments (about 3x3 feet) so the TSP doesn’t dry out too quickly, and use a scrubbing brush to work it into the porous surface.
- Heavy-duty cleaners like TSP help ensure that all other elements of urine (like bacteria) are completely removed, making it easier for enzymatic cleaners to dissolve the uric crystals.
- Allow the TSP to sit on the surface for at least 5 minutes. If the mixture dries out before then, add more to the area. The longer it remains wet, the deeper it can penetrate the concrete.
- The urine smell may grow very strong as you pre-treat the floor. This is a normal reaction of uric acid crystals and water.
- If you don't want to use a heavy-duty chemical like TSP, try cleaning with a water and vinegar mixture (2 parts vinegar to 1 part water) instead. However, vinegar isn’t as strong and usually only masks the odor temporarily.
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Rinse and dry the concrete. Pour hot water over the treated area, then use a wet/dry vacuum or shop vac to vacuum up all the liquid. This will remove most of the spent TSP solution. Then, rinse the floor with hot water two more times and allow the concrete to dry naturally overnight. [4] X Research source
- Don’t use fans to speed up the drying process. Your goal is to saturate the concrete and loosen up as much of the urine residue as possible.
- If your vacuum smells like urine after sucking up the TSP mixture, spray the hose with 1 part enzymatic cleaner and 30 parts water while the machine is running. Then, turn the machine off and spray the inside of the dirty water tank.
- If you use a carpet cleaner, add water to the tank instead of pouring water on the ground, then run it in a rinse/removal cycle.
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Prepare an enzymatic cleaner according to its instructions. While it’s sometimes possible to remove urine odors with natural products like baking soda or vinegar, enzyme cleaners are much stronger, as they work to break down the urine. Some cleaners must be mixed with a carpet cleaning solution, others require the addition of water, and some can be applied as-is. Follow all instructions carefully to make sure you apply the product properly. [5] X Research source
- Make sure the floor is entirely dry from pre-cleaning before you begin applying your enzymatic cleaner.
- Some popular enzymatic cleaners include Nature’s Miracle and Simple Solution . In general, any enzyme cleaners that target pet odors, like cat urine , will work.
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Saturate the area with the enzymatic cleaner. Work in small sections of about 3x3 feet, and apply your cleaner to the concrete according to its instructions. Use enough of the solution so that there is standing liquid on the area for at least 10 minutes. Add more solution if the area begins to dry out, as it is essential for the liquid to permeate every layer and every pore of the cement to break down the uric crystals. [6] X Research source
- For easier application, use a clean deck or household sprayer . Using a dirty sprayer will cause residue (like mildew or dirt) to be sprayed into the absorbent concrete and may result in another bad smell.
- Be especially aggressive with the urine-stained areas you marked with the UV light. Consider using a scrub brush to really work the cleaner into those areas.
Commit to a thorough cleanse.
"As foster parents for rescue dogs, we were struggling with persistent urine odors from the concrete floor in our basement kennel area. After quick vacuum sessions and some spray cleaner, the smell would always return and often with a vengeance. This article gave us the knowledge that a deep cleanse is essential to neutralize uric acid crystals in pores. Though it will be laborious, we now feel equipped and committed to methodically wash, enzymatically break down residues, and seal the floor against future accidents. No more half-measures!"
- Deb H.
Employ an overnight powder soak.
"With multiple elderly cats at home, concrete floors were the bane of my existence when it came to stubborn urine odors. I'd cleaned daily with various products to no avail. The tip to sprinkle on carpet powder, let it soak overnight, then rinse away was a game changer for releasing smells from cement pores. The powders are inexpensive, and this passive method gave my aching back a break! No more endless scrubbing for me."
- Rob W.
Gain insight into the cause.
"I was baffled why my cat's urine stains kept resurfacing with a vengeance, especially when I opened windows to air out the basement. This article finally explained why moisture reactivates urine crystals stuck in concrete, releasing more potent odors. Knowing the science behind this phenomenon, plus having a concrete game plan to thoroughly wash, enzyme treat, and seal the floor will be life changing. No more confusion and frustration!"
- Marge W.
Save money on floor replacement.
"Finding soggy, smelly carpet over urine-soaked concrete initially had me in despair over ripping up our whole basement flooring. But this guide gave me hope for a DIY cleanse and renewal! After using cleaning mixtures to wash the slab, enzyme solutions to dissolve residues, and paint to seal it, our basement looks fresh with money left in our wallets. The hours of work saved us thousands on new flooring."
- Kevin L.
Did you know that wikiHow has collected over 365,000 reader stories since it started in 2005? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story here
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Allow the concrete to dry overnight. Once you have finished your treatment, allow the concrete to air dry naturally. Do not try to speed up the process. Instead, prolong the process by covering the floor with a plastic tarp. This will slow the evaporation of the solution and give it more time to work. If the smell persists after the concrete dries, treat heavily-soiled areas again with another round of enzymatic cleaner. [7] X Research source
- If the urine smell lingers in the air after you clean the concrete, cleaning expert Kadi Dulude says to leave bowls of vinegar around the room: “It will smell strongly [of] vinegar while you’re cleaning, but once that smell goes, it also tends to ‘take’ all bad smells with it.”
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Seal your concrete floor to protect it from future odors. Make sure the urine smell has truly been eliminated, then seal your concrete floor to prevent urine or other liquids from seeping into its porous surface. This will make your floor much easier to clean in the future. Follow your sealant’s instructions to apply it correctly. [8] X Research source
- Landscaper Tony Hoang says that sealing concrete "can preserve the look and longevity of the concrete while bringing out its rich color… It even helps fight stains by creating a thin layer between the spill and concrete.”
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Alternatively, use baking soda or vinegar for a temporary solution. If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, natural odor eliminators like baking soda or white vinegar can sometimes cover urine odors. However, these solutions usually only mask the smell temporarily, so they’re best used as a quick fix until you can clean your concrete with stronger chemicals. [9] X Research source
- Bleach often works better than baking soda or vinegar, but many people report that it is also temporary.
- Even if you think the smell is gone after using conventional cleaning products, it will only take a little bit of moisture (even just a humid day) to revive the smell of urine. The presence of water causes the uric acid to release a gas, which creates a strong, foul odor.
- Cat urine is known to be particularly strong because it’s highly concentrated, so it may be best to skip the natural solutions and go straight to the enzymatic cleaner in this case.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I treat a floor made of clay brick that is not cemented together?Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.For this kind of floor that isn't cemented you will need to add sand at all the joints.
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QuestionHow long should I let my concrete floor dry before I lay plank flooring on it?Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.Usually about one day, but you should use a moisture meter if you want to be sure.
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Tips
- When applying enzymatic cleaner to highly-stained areas, it may begin to bubble. Take note of these areas, as you may need to treat them again to remove the smell entirely.Thanks
- Wood that is nailed to the floor and wooden steps may need special attention because urine contamination tends to collect between the wood and the concrete.Thanks
- Cleaning excrement-contaminated concrete with a pressure washer can make removing the odor much more difficult, especially if the water from the pressure washer is directed at the concrete at higher than 45 degrees or if a narrow-angle nozzle is used. It drives the material causing the odor deeper into the concrete, making it more difficult to get to and neutralize.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Scrubbing brush
- Wet/dry vacuum , shop vac , or carpet cleaner
- Enzymatic cleaning solution
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Water
- Mop bucket
- Clean deck sprayer (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning/22289389/cleaning-concrete
- ↑ https://allgaragefloors.com/remove-pet-urine-odors-from-concrete/
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning/22221192/trisodium-phosphate
- ↑ https://allgaragefloors.com/remove-pet-urine-odors-from-concrete/
- ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1521836/get-rid-of-dog-pee-smell-concrete-floors/
- ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1521836/get-rid-of-dog-pee-smell-concrete-floors/
- ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-to-get-dog-pee-smell-out-concrete-garages
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-seal-concrete/
- ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-to-get-dog-pee-smell-out-concrete-garages
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To remove urine odor from concrete, start by spraying the concrete with a mixture of 2 parts white vinegar and 1 part water. Then, scrub the mixture into the concrete using a scrub brush. Once you've scrubbed the whole area, rinse the solution off with hot water and vacuum up the liquid with a wet vacuum. If the urine odor lingers, you may need to try cleaning the concrete with an enzymatic cleaner, which will break down the urine. To learn how to use an enzymatic cleaner, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "As foster parents for rescue dogs, we were struggling with persistent urine odors from the concrete floor in our basement kennel area. After quick vacuum sessions and some spray cleaner, the smell would always return and often with a vengeance. This article gave us the knowledge that a deep cleanse is essential to neutralize uric acid crystals in pores. Though it will be laborious, we now feel equipped and committed to methodically wash, enzymatically break down residues, and seal the floor against future accidents. No more half-measures!" ..." more
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"As foster parents for rescue dogs, we were struggling with persistent urine odors from the concrete floor in our basement kennel area. After quick vacuum sessions and some spray cleaner, the smell would always return and often with a vengeance. This article gave us the knowledge that a deep cleanse is essential to neutralize uric acid crystals in pores. Though it will be laborious, we now feel equipped and committed to methodically wash, enzymatically break down residues, and seal the floor against future accidents. No more half-measures!"
..."
more
"I was baffled why my cat's urine stains kept resurfacing with a vengeance, especially when I opened windows to air out the basement. This article finally explained why moisture reactivates urine crystals stuck in concrete, releasing more potent odors. Knowing the science behind this phenomenon, plus having a concrete game plan to thoroughly wash, enzyme treat, and seal the floor will be life changing. No more confusion and frustration!"
..."
more
"With multiple elderly cats at home, concrete floors were the bane of my existence when it came to stubborn urine odors. I'd cleaned daily with various products to no avail. The tip to sprinkle on carpet powder, let it soak overnight, then rinse away was a game changer for releasing smells from cement pores. The powders are inexpensive, and this passive method gave my aching back a break! No more endless scrubbing for me."
..."
more
"Finding soggy, smelly carpet over urine-soaked concrete initially had me in despair over ripping up our whole basement flooring. But this guide gave me hope for a DIY cleanse and renewal! After using cleaning mixtures to wash the slab, enzyme solutions to dissolve residues, and paint to seal it, our basement looks fresh with money left in our wallets. The hours of work saved us thousands on new flooring."
..."
more
"The steps to follow to make sure smell is completely eliminated. It is a longer process than I thought. I will work on it, did not realize that it is a really long-term problem if not corrected properly. Thank you."
..."
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