Dogs can be a great source of joy and companionship, as they are loyal and loving animals, but they also come with their own fair share of messes. Quite often they will rip up trash, dig holes in the yard and, of course, be very messy eaters. One such mess is urine, which can leave an unpleasant smell on concrete surfaces if your dog is not toilet trained. Learn how to get rid of dog urine smell on concrete.
While this last one may not seem like a big deal, the truth is that dog urine can cause major staining and discoloration on concrete surfaces. It can also create an unpleasant smell that lingers long after your pet has relieved themselves. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of the dog urine smell on concrete and keep your home looking and smelling fresh.
Why Is Dog Urine on Concrete So Smelly?
Dog urine comprises many different compounds that contribute to its strong smell. The urea present in urine is turned into ammonia when it decomposes, and this is one of the main components that smells so bad. The pungent odor that is typical of dog urine is also caused by other compounds such as mercaptans, thiols, sulfides and disulfide, and even ammonia.
The other main component that contributes to the powerful smell of dog urine is bacteria. When urine is left on concrete, the bacteria present will begin to multiply and release foul-smelling gases. These gases can be extremely potent and difficult to get rid of.
7 Classic Cleaning Methods: Do They Really Work?
1. Bleach
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and can kill bacteria. However, it is also a harsh chemical that can damage concrete. If you decide to use bleach, be sure to dilute it with water and always test it on a small area first. Also, the smell of the urine may continue to linger even after bleaching.
2. Ammonia
This is not normally a cleaning product you would think of using on concrete, but some people swear by it. Like bleach, it is also a powerful disinfectant. However, you need to be careful with ammonia because it can also damage concrete and not even be very effective at removing urine odor.
3. Soap and Water
This is utterly the most straightforward method, but unfortunately, it is also the least effective. Soap and water will only remove surface dirt and grime; it will not do anything to remove the urine odor from concrete. This is because the odor is coming from the pores of the concrete, and soap and water will not reach those.
4. Vinegar and Baking Soda
One of the most effective cleaning solutions for removing urine odor from concrete is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. The vinegar’s acidity will help break down the urine, while the baking soda will absorb the odor.
5. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
A less common but more effective cleaning solution is Trisodium Phosphate (TSP). This is a strong chemical cleaner that is usually used for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. It will remove the urine odor from concrete but can also damage the concrete if not used properly.
Be careful when using TSP and always follow the directions on the package as well as any safety precautions.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide
A little safer and more gentle solution is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide will also break down the urine and remove the odor. It’s a good alternative
7. Enzymatic Cleaner for Concrete
Simply the absolute best of the best product you could use is an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners are specially formulated to break down the urine and remove the odor. They are safe to use on concrete and will not damage the surface.
How To Get Rid of Dog on Concrete & Garages in 4 Steps
The following guidelines should help you get rid of dog urine odor on concrete:
Preparation
Gather Your Materials
- A bucket
- Hot water
- Brush
- Rags or towels
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar (Optional)
- Baking soda (Optional)
- Enzymatic cleaner (Suggested)
- UV Lamp
Clean the Area Thoroughly
Clean up the mess as soon as possible. The longer urine is left on concrete, the harder it will be to remove the odor. Try using a UV lamp t to find all the spots that need to be cleaned. At first, soap and water may be enough to clean the area. However, for tougher stains and odors, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution.
Treat the Concrete Floor
Pre-treat the area with a pet odor eliminator or enzymatic cleaner. These products are designed to break down the urine and remove the odor. See the section above for more information on enzymatic cleaners.
If you don’t have a pet odor eliminator or enzymatic cleaner, you can make your own cleaning solution with vinegar and baking soda. The vinegar’s acidity will help break down the urine, while the baking soda will absorb the odor.
Let Dry and Repeat
Let the cleaner sit for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. After treating the area with a pet odor eliminator, wash the concrete with soap and water. This will remove any residue from the cleaner as well as any remaining urine or repeat as necessary.
Consider Waterproofing Your Concrete Floor
If you have a concrete floor in your home, it’s a good idea to waterproof it. This will help to protect the concrete from any future accidents and make cleanup easier. There are many different types of waterproofing sealers available, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with your type of concrete.
Conclusion
Dog urine can be tough to clean from concrete, but it is possible. The best way to remove the odor is to use an enzymatic cleaner or a pet odor eliminator and to clean the area thoroughly. You may also want to consider waterproofing your concrete floor to help protect it from future accidents.
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