How to Remove Urine Smell From Concrete Subfloor

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Things You'll Need

  • Heavy-duty broom

  • Shop vac

  • Heavy-duty floor cleaner

  • Bleach

  • Bucket

  • Mop

  • White vinegar (household vinegar, 5% acidity or greater)

Dogs and Cats make mistakes

Concrete is a strong and porous material. Homebuilders use concrete is because of its strength and ability to absorb dampness. When pets urinate on a concrete subfloor, the concrete absorbs the urine crystals, and the odor seeps into the floor.

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The smell of urine comes through the ventilation. Even when the house is clean, and the floors are thoroughly mopped, the scent of urine remains. This is frustrating for homeowners, but there is an inexpensive way to remove the urine smell from the concrete.

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Step 1

Remove any carpeting or non-adhesive flooring to expose the concrete subfloor.

Step 2

Sweep the floor with a heavy-duty broom to remove loose dirt. Then vacuum the entire concrete subfloor using a shop vac.

Step 3

Use a solution of a heavy-duty floor cleaner, bleach and warm water. Add ½ cup of bleach for each gallon of water.

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Step 4

Mop the floor in sections, changing the water when it is dirty. Continue mopping until the entire floor is cleaned.

Step 5

Use the shop vac to pick up excess water. Let the floor dry overnight.

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Step 6

Mix 1 cup of white vinegar for each gallon of water. Apply this solution to the floor and let the floor dry.

Step 7

Wait until the smell of the vinegar is gone. Check the area again for odors. Walk around the concreted area and mark the areas of odor with chalk.

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Step 8

Apply full strength vinegar to any area of the concrete floor that is still holding the odor. Let the vinegar dry. Repeat this step until all urine odor has dissipated.

Tip

Use a black light if the source of the odor is hard to find. Stains will illuminate with a greenish color when using the black light.

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