Urine’s not a wee problem, especially if you have pets, little boys with bad aims, or family members with incontinence. Not only is there the issue of cleaning up after the accident and dealing with the residual smell, there’s also the challenge of locating the spot once the urine’s dried.
For years, the go-to products for cleaning up urine were baking soda and/or white distilled vinegar — and these are still a Band-Aid remedy in an emergency. However, today there are some new urine-busting superstars on the market. These enzyme-based urine removal products do more than dilute the urine. They’re also safe to use around pets and people.
How these products work
Enzyme-based urine removers use enzymes to break up uric acid crystals and destroy bacteria that surrounds it. In order for these products to be effective, they must saturate the area affected by urine. In the case of old, dried urine, the product needs to remain wet and in contact with the urine crystals until they are all dissolved. Sometimes this requires repeated applications but rest assured, the enzymes will do their job.
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While these cleaners work on hard as well as soft surfaces, instructions vary according to the surface and if the urine is dried or fresh, explains Donna Bowman, representative for Bio-Pro Research, makers of Urine Off. General directions for fresh urine include removing as much urine as possible before applying the product, allowing the product to sit on the urine until dry, and wiping away residue. Bottom line, if you want it to work, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Recommended enzyme-based products for urine removal
Urine Off by Bio-Pro Research, $9.95, Bio-Pro Research and Walgreen's drugstores
- A bio-enzyme product, it comes in easy-to-apply liquid.
- The “Find It, Treat It” kit, $24.99 online, includes an LED UV light that locates urine, fresh or old.
Out! Urine Remover by Out Pet Care, $4.60, Walmart
- Comes ready-to-use and in concentrate
Urine Erase by Reidell Chemicals, Ltd, $18.95, Amazon and at veterinarians
- A two-step process that includes a dry enzyme powder that must be mixed with water and a hydrogen peroxide/water solution to remove stains.
OdorZyme by Odor-Solutions, $19.95, Amazon
- Also in concentrate
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Shine a light on the problem
Locating urine accidents, especially those that have dried, is a challenge. This is especially helpful for carpet, furniture and around the toilet area where splashes and drips of urine are hard to detect. Urine Off’s Find It, Treat It cleaning kit comes with an LED UV flashlight but UV flashlights can also be purchased separately online or at home goods and discount stores.