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Troubleshooting Motherhood

Tips from a perfectly imperfect mom

Home » How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell in Your Clean Bathroom

March 5, 2020

How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell in Your Clean Bathroom

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Do you have a stinky bathroom? Have you been wondering how you are going to get rid of the awful urine smell in your clean bathroom?

What more can you do when your clean bathroom still smells like urine? Despite all the scrubbing you’ve done, the bathroom still smells!

How many times have you gone into your kid’s bathroom and wondered where that awful urine smell is coming from? I sure have…lots and lots of times.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

Where is the urine smell coming from in your bathroom?

You’ve cleaned the toilet, mopped the floors, wiped down the walls, and washed the rugs, BUT the bathroom still reeks of pee!

The tough part is, that it can be hard to tell where exactly the pee smell is coming from. You may think it is the toilet that still smells, even after cleaning.

But, the fact is, it could be coming from anywhere around your toilet. Or just any surface that pee could land on.

How can urine be all over the bathroom? If you are reading this and asking that question, you definitely don’t live with any males!

Penises are how! Let’s face it, guys just can’t aim…and little boys are pretty hopeless when it comes to hitting the toilet bowl target.

So, what is this magical fairy dust that is the solution to your stinky problem?

Shaving cream!

Shaving cream used to get rid of the urine smell in a clean bathroom.

Using shaving cream to get rid of the urine smell?

Shaving cream for urine smell??? Yes, you read that right. That can of shaving cream in your bathroom vanity is going to completely take away the smell of urine in your bathroom.

The best part of this cleaning hack is that it’s going to do it within minutes. Seriously, it will get the urine smell out almost immediately!

A lot of people haven’t heard of this hack, but the truth is, nurses and caregivers have been using this trick for a looooong time.

Shaving cream is very soothing on the skin, so for nurses, it’s a safe way to clean stinky body parts. And since shaving cream works so well in getting rid of strong body odors, why wouldn’t it work on a bathroom surface?

So, what are you waiting for??? Let’s get started!

Disclaimer: Do not do this on real hardwood floors!

Weekly Cleaning Checklist Printable

Before you start…

First, to cover all of our bases, let’s make sure that your toilet is 100% clean.

Did you know that your toilet seat is most likely very easily removable? You can just pull the hinges right off of the toilet and get into all those little spaces where urine and bacteria like to hide.

If Toilet seat hinges are not cleaned properly the clean bathroom will still smell like urine.

Once you’ve taken the seat off, you can scrub and disinfect all those spots where urine has pooled thanks to boys with bad aim.

My favorite bathroom cleaner that I use on my toilet and my vanity is this 7th Generation Disinfecting Cleaner. I like that it disinfects without having that really strong chemical smell.

Once you’re sure those areas are clean, make sure that the entire outside of the toilet bowl, including all the little nooks and crannies, has been thoroughly cleaned.

Some of my favorite cleaning products to disinfect and get rid of the urine smell in the bathroom.
Some of my favorite bathroom cleaning products.

Pay special attention to those hard-to-reach areas. The harder the reach, the more likely it’s a spot that’s been overlooked in the past.

Once you’re satisfied that your toilet is truly clean, you can get started with getting the urine smell out.

How to get rid of the urine smell in the bathroom with shaving cream

Get your shaving cream out (any brand will do – I use generic) and spread it all over and around your toilet. For starters, put the shaving cream around the toilet base.

Then, put it on any part of the floor that you think could have urine on it. Pay special attention to the grout around the toilet since that is such a porous surface.

If you have little boys you could easily need to cover the entire bathroom lol. But, if you’re cleaning up after older kids or adults, you probably only need to spread it around the immediate areas around the toilet.

Toilet with shaving cream on floor to get rid of urine smell in a clean bathroom.

Next, let it sit for a couple of minutes. Literally, like 2 minutes.

Time to clean up!

Now it’s time to clean up the shaving cream mess and enjoy the clean scent of your bathroom.

Cleaning it off the floor probably seems like it’s going to be a lot of work. And it would be if you were just planning on cleaning it all up with a sponge and water.

The trick is to scoop it up! You can use a plastic cup for this or a dustpan with a squeegee also works really well. Just do a quick wipe-down after with a wet rag, and you’ll be done.

Tips for using shaving cream in your bathroom for urine smells

Here are some tips to remember before you start:

  • DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU HAVE WOOD FLOORS! There’s a possibility it could warp your floors or stain them.
  • This is used to take care of lingering smells, not in place of cleaning and disinfecting.
  • You don’t need to overdo it with the shaving cream. A thin-ish layer will work just as well as using the entire bottle.
  • Do not let this sit for a long time. The smell will be gone almost immediately, so there’s no need. If it sits and then dries onto your floor, it’s going to be a pain to clean up!
  • Have a super easy cleanup by scooping the shaving cream up with a plastic cup or onto a dustpan with a squeegee. (I prefer the dustpan method)

Happy Cleaning! And enjoy that fresh and clean smelling bathroom that no longer smells like urine!😊

If you liked this bathroom cleaning post, check out my other cleaning routines:

  • How to Clean When You’re Overwhelmed
  • Speed Cleaning Hacks for a Tidy Home
  • 10-Minute Daily Cleaning Routine Checklist
  • Daily Cleaning FAQs for Stay-at-Home Moms
  • Spring Cleaning Checklist
How to get the urine smell out of your clean bathroom PIN.

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips for Busy Moms Tagged With: cleaning, organization

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Comments

  1. Mariam says

    March 10, 2020 at 10:20 AM

    This is such a handy trick! I will definitely try this the next time I’m cleaning the bathroom. Thanks for the tip!

    bossbabechroniclesblog.com

    Reply
    • Christina Mott says

      March 10, 2020 at 10:43 AM

      You’re welcome!

      Reply
    • Paula Lynch says

      October 21, 2023 at 8:02 PM

      It works I’ve done this several times!

      Reply
    • Jeannette Lockwood says

      December 6, 2024 at 8:59 AM

      This is a very interesting topic. I will do what you suggest to clean the floor around my toilet and my toilet thank you for the advice.

      Reply
  2. Whitney says

    May 1, 2020 at 5:14 PM

    I want to try this, but why not on wood floors?

    Reply
    • Christina Mott says

      May 1, 2020 at 7:22 PM

      Because they are so absorbent so you run the risk of damaging them. It could possibly stain them or warp the boards so you need to be really careful with real hardwood floors:)

      Reply
  3. Niki says

    May 21, 2020 at 4:42 AM

    Could this work on walls? Should we be concerned about walls holding lingering pee? I have two small boys

    Reply
    • Christina Mott says

      May 22, 2020 at 9:36 AM

      It would work on walls but it’s probably not necessary. Wiping the walls down with your regular bathroom cleaner will work just fine if you’re just dealing with some splashes. If you feel like they are getting a lot of pee on the walls a good cleaner to use is Clorox Urine:) -Christina

      Reply
      • Susan M. says

        March 23, 2026 at 11:14 AM

        Wow! Never heard of “Clorox Urine” Learned something new today1

        Reply
  4. Jerald Prince says

    August 9, 2020 at 6:33 AM

    wh at about on carpet?

    Reply
    • Christina Mott says

      August 10, 2020 at 5:45 PM

      I would not recommend using this trick on carpet:)

      Reply
      • Cis says

        February 29, 2024 at 8:03 AM

        I used shaving cream on carpet stains it worked so good we did the whole floor. Rub it in and let set use a rag to scrub it and let it dry thoroughly then vacuum.

        Reply
    • Natasha says

      August 3, 2021 at 4:38 AM

      For carpet … spray the area with white vinegar and then sprinkling baking soda over it. Let the area completely dry, and then vacuum up the baking soda. This worked of me during potty training

      Reply
  5. Maxiex says

    December 29, 2020 at 10:12 AM

    Can this be done on travertine natural stone floors?

    Reply
    • Christina Mott says

      January 1, 2021 at 3:41 PM

      No, I would definitely not try it on any natural stone due to the risk of staining. Thanks for the reminder…I’ll need to add that to the post:)

      Reply
      • DONITA MOORE says

        December 3, 2023 at 10:05 PM

        Try press and seal on wood floors. Then just remove and replace. I use it on dress clothes for me and my grand kids.press and seal the surfaces the food falls an then remove after meal. Work in fridge to.keep shelves and drawers clean, just replaces needed.

        Reply
  6. Michelle says

    January 1, 2021 at 8:05 AM

    Do you use this on the toilet too or just the floor around it? Since my toilet is next to the tub I think I could use it on the side of the tub too. My son has no aim!

    Reply
    • Christina Mott says

      January 1, 2021 at 3:44 PM

      You definitely could try it! I know a lot of people cover every surface around the toilet, including the toilet itself.

      Reply
  7. Lora says

    January 15, 2021 at 8:47 AM

    Thank you. I will be trying this.

    Reply
  8. Lexx G says

    March 6, 2021 at 8:32 PM

    I believe it would be nice to list the possible flooring you could use this on. We have laminate and I was disappointed at first, but scrolled down and seen in a post to not use on “real” hardwood. Could this be updated for your blog readers?

    Reply
    • Christina Mott says

      March 9, 2021 at 4:56 PM

      Yes, I definitely need to update it with a list of flooring it should not be used on:) Thanks for the suggestion!
      -Christina

      Reply
  9. Tina says

    June 23, 2021 at 2:20 AM

    Having one big boy in our house, kids he blamed have left I still struggle when I open the door and the smell hits me. But after using your method hallelujah, all gone! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  10. RGouveia says

    February 23, 2022 at 2:12 PM

    Our Daughter is a VPK teacher and uses this trick in the school restrooms. She has been doing it for years. I’d never hear about it until she told me. Glad to see others using it.

    Reply
  11. Lesley Brough says

    May 28, 2022 at 6:45 AM

    Teach your menfolk to sit on the toilet if you do not have a urinal.

    Reply
    • Janet says

      November 14, 2023 at 1:55 PM

      This is the cause of the smell. Men splash all over. Tell them to sit down.

      Reply
    • LC says

      June 8, 2024 at 6:30 AM

      Urinals splash too and you will never get men to sit down. That is only a dream. 🙂

      Reply
      • Keri says

        July 21, 2024 at 8:49 AM

        My husband has aways been seated! Teach your boys to sit and explain the reason. Or require that they scrub the toilet and floor after EVERY time they pee! There is no excuse for allowing men and boys to stand and make messes. Besides……who cleans up after you?? I’m guessing not the men or boys.

        Reply
        • Sheila Dickie says

          January 29, 2025 at 6:27 AM

          good for you…why is it up to mommies to clean…I totally agree with you!!

          Reply
  12. janet says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:49 AM

    Thank you for the tip, Christina 😃 I will definitely use shaving cream after I thoroughly clean our toilets & surrounding floor area as well as the tub in the guest bathroom that my hubby insists on using. Why O why, Father, God in Heaven can’t men “stand closer, it’s not as big as you think”
    LOL 😆🤣 Oh, come on, just being goofy to maintain my sanity from constantly cleaning the toilet bowl & surrounding floor every night 🌙 before going to sleep 😴. I don’t enjoy cleaning that up 1st thing in the AM. YUK! LOL
    Thanks, again, Christina…God bless you & yours.

    Reply
    • Christina Mott says

      August 17, 2022 at 9:39 AM

      Thank you for the laugh!!!

      Reply
  13. Jolly Were says

    November 26, 2022 at 11:49 PM

    Thanks for all the tips. How do the caregivers use it body odors?

    Reply
  14. Shelby says

    December 21, 2022 at 11:59 AM

    Great tips. I have been looking for a way to get the bathrooms smelling fresh once more!

    Reply
  15. tj says

    September 23, 2023 at 6:06 AM

    Hello, would this work for cat urine? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Christina says

      September 23, 2023 at 12:08 PM

      That’s a good question and I don’t know for sure. Cat urine has different enzymes in it than human urine and it is much more concentrated-hence the strong smell. If you haven’t yet, try an enzyme cleaner like Odoban (the have different options, make sure you get the enzyme cleaner). If you’ve already tried that without success, I would give the shaving cream a try:)
      Good Luck!

      Reply
  16. Patricia walters says

    October 13, 2023 at 12:17 PM

    I had this problem even after cleaning the base. I discovered the urine was under the toilet lid hinges! Check there too😉

    Reply
  17. Debbie Brady says

    January 8, 2024 at 6:41 PM

    I had a cat that got pretty sick. We had to put him down 🙁
    When he was getting to the bad part of his illness he was loosing control of his bladder. He would urinate on my couch.
    I have shampooed it and disinfected it many times but the urine smell keeps coming back.
    I have wasted so much money on these “guarantied” cleaners but with no luck of removing the smell.
    Do you know if the shaving cream method will work?
    Thank you for your time
    Debbie Brady

    Reply
    • Christina says

      February 6, 2024 at 4:26 PM

      I haven’t done it personally, but from what I’ve read I think it might work:) Just make sure to test a small area first in case it stains your upholstery.

      Reply
  18. alison says

    February 3, 2024 at 12:20 PM

    Grandma now but raised 5 boys. I would make them help me change the wax ring every year. Works wonders and they know how to do it now.

    Reply
  19. Rosemarie M Buchanan says

    September 28, 2024 at 10:18 AM

    As others have mentioned, teach your sons to SIT, and then follow up with checking the bathroom (not just the toilet) to see if they’ve done what you asked. If you find pee where it shouldn’t be, hand the boy the cleaning supplies and teach him 1. don’t get pee anywhere but IN the toiler, and 2. here’s how to clean it properly.
    My 45 year old son can’t believe what pigs some guys are in the bathroom. My daughter-in-law is thrilled that my son is so clean in the bathroom.
    And don’t say it can’t be done. If your adult male partner can’t keep it clean, then you need to teach him, also If he objects,, stop cleaning the bathroom until it’s so disgusting that he’ll do it out of desperation. Works like a charm!
    There is no good reason or excuse for anyone to leave a bathroom dirty.

    Reply
  20. Gregg K Patrick says

    October 18, 2024 at 10:46 AM

    One sure way to assist for future use is to invest in a Hand Urinal, easily purchased off of Amazon. Place the Urinal near the toilet and when the Men go to use the bathroom, if they choose to stand up by the toilet, get them to use the Urnial, then pour the urine into the toilet, close the lid, THEN flush the toilet. The Urinal will need to be rinsed out on occasion as well. I spu9rt a plunge of soap into the urinal, fill halfway, close the urinal, shake a couple times, open the urinal, pour the contents into the toilet. Fill the urinal halfway again and repeat as before. Close the toilet lid, then flush.

    Reply
  21. Juliana says

    November 6, 2024 at 11:51 AM

    Can the shaving be used on laminatrd floors?

    Reply
    • Christina says

      January 27, 2025 at 6:55 PM

      Yes laminated is fine.

      Reply
  22. Kathy says

    November 20, 2024 at 5:11 AM

    Can you use any scent or just regular scent

    Reply
    • Christina says

      January 27, 2025 at 6:54 PM

      I used regular but I think any scent would be ok:)

      Reply

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How to get the urine smell out of your bathroom
how to get rid of the urine smell in your bathroom