Learn simple home remedies to remove urine smell from toilet using safe, natural methods. Step-by-step guide, common mistakes, FAQs, and real-life Indian experiences.
Introduction
Unpleasant urine smell in the toilet is a common problem in many Indian homes, especially in frequently used bathrooms. Even after regular cleaning, the smell can linger around the toilet seat, floor edges, or drain area. This becomes more noticeable during summer and monsoon seasons when humidity increases.
Neha Gupta from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, faced this issue in her guest bathroom. Despite daily cleaning with floor cleaner, the smell returned within a few hours. “It was embarrassing when guests visited,” she said. Like many homeowners, she assumed stronger chemical cleaners were the only solution.
However, strong cleaners often mask the smell temporarily without addressing the root cause. Learning how to remove urine smell from toilet using simple home remedies helps eliminate odour safely, improves hygiene, and avoids harsh chemicals. This article explains why the smell occurs, effective natural solutions, and how to prevent it from returning.
Why Urine Smell Persists in Toilets
Urine smell does not come only from the toilet bowl. It often builds up in hidden areas such as:
- The base of the toilet seat
- Gaps between tiles and grout
- Floor edges near the commode
- Drain openings
- Splash-back areas on walls
Urine contains ammonia, which becomes stronger as it dries. If not cleaned properly, residue seeps into grout lines and porous surfaces. Moist conditions, poor ventilation, and infrequent deep cleaning make the smell harder to remove.
Bathrooms with moisture problems may also trap odours. If dampness is common in your home, these monsoon home care tips to prevent dampness naturally can help improve overall bathroom hygiene.
Things to Check Before Using Home Remedies
Before cleaning, identify where the smell is strongest:
- Toilet seat and hinges
- Floor around the commode
- Wall behind the toilet
- Drain area
Also check:
- Tile condition (cracks absorb urine)
- Grout cleanliness
- Ventilation or exhaust fan working
Avoid mixing different cleaners, as this can create harmful fumes.
Home Remedies to Remove Urine Smell From Toilet
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
This is one of the most effective natural remedies.
How to use:
- Sprinkle baking soda around the toilet base, floor edges, and affected areas
- Pour diluted white vinegar (1:1 with water) slowly
- Let it fizz and sit for 15–20 minutes
- Scrub gently and rinse with water
Baking soda neutralises odour while vinegar breaks down urine residue.
2. Lemon and Salt Solution
Lemon works well for mild to moderate smell.
Steps:
- Mix lemon juice with salt
- Apply to smelly areas
- Let it sit for 10 minutes
- Scrub lightly and rinse
This method leaves a fresh smell without chemicals.
3. Hot Water Flush for Drain Area
Sometimes the smell comes from the floor drain.
- Pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water into the drain
- Add a little baking soda if needed
If drain blockage or smell is frequent, this kitchen sink blockage guide explains similar natural solutions that apply to bathroom drains as well.
4. Vinegar Wipe for Toilet Seat and Hinges
Urine often gets trapped under the seat hinges.
- Dip a cloth in diluted vinegar
- Wipe seat, hinges, and underside
- Dry thoroughly
Do not leave vinegar sitting on metal parts for too long.
5. Baking Soda Overnight Treatment
For stubborn smells:
- Sprinkle baking soda before bedtime
- Leave overnight
- Clean in the morning
This works well when toilets are heavily used during the day.
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Routine
- Remove loose dirt and hair
- Apply baking soda to affected areas
- Use vinegar solution and wait
- Scrub gently with brush
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry the area
If walls near the toilet also smell, this bathroom mold removal guide explains how moisture and odour often go together.
Safety Tips While Cleaning Toilets
- Do not mix vinegar with chemical cleaners
- Wear gloves
- Ensure good ventilation
- Avoid acid-based cleaners on marble floors
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning
Using strong chemicals repeatedly can damage tiles and fittings. If you’re aiming for safer alternatives throughout the home, these pest control tips without chemicals explain why natural methods are often better long-term.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cleaning only the toilet bowl
- Ignoring grout and floor edges
- Using fragrance sprays instead of cleaning
- Skipping drying after washing
- Cleaning irregularly
These mistakes allow odour to return quickly.
Do vs Avoid Table
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Clean toilet base regularly | Mask smell with spray |
| Use baking soda | Use harsh acids daily |
| Dry floor after cleaning | Leave moisture |
| Clean hinges and seat | Ignore hidden areas |
Real-Life Indian Household Experiences
Ramesh Iyer – Thane, Maharashtra
Ramesh noticed a strong urine smell in his common bathroom despite daily mopping. After inspecting closely, he found residue around the toilet base and grout lines. By using baking soda and vinegar twice a week and drying the floor after cleaning, the smell reduced significantly. “The mistake was cleaning only the bowl,” he realised.
Pooja Saxena – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Pooja faced repeated complaints from children about bathroom smell. She initially used strong cleaners, which caused headaches. Switching to lemon and baking soda made cleaning safer and more effective. “Now the bathroom smells fresh without chemicals,” she said.
How to Prevent Urine Smell From Returning
- Clean toilet base every alternate day
- Dry floor after use
- Use exhaust fan regularly
- Flush drain weekly with hot water
- Address moisture issues
If bad smells appear in storage areas too, this cupboard smell removal guide offers useful natural tips.
FAQs
1. Why does urine smell come back quickly?
Hidden residue in grout, hinges, or drains is usually the reason.
2. Can vinegar damage tiles?
Diluted vinegar is safe for most ceramic tiles but avoid on marble.
3. How often should toilet floors be cleaned?
Light cleaning daily and deep cleaning once a week is ideal.
4. Are air fresheners effective?
They only mask smell and do not remove the cause.
5. Is baking soda safe for daily use?
Yes, it is gentle and safe for regular cleaning.
Simple Checklist
- ✔ Clean base and hinges
- ✔ Use baking soda weekly
- ✔ Dry after cleaning
- ✔ Ventilate bathroom
- ✔ Avoid harsh chemicals
Summary
Urine smell in toilets is common but manageable. Using simple home remedies like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon helps remove urine smell from toilet areas safely and effectively. Regular cleaning, proper drying, and attention to hidden spots prevent odour from returning.
Including natural bathroom care in your regular cleaning routine keeps your home fresher, safer, and more comfortable for everyday use.
Safety note: If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing any home maintenance task mentioned in this article, it’s safer to consult a qualified professional.
