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My spouse has incontinence. Both bladder and bowel. I smell pee all the time. The odor is overwhelming. I have tried over and over to show them the toilet. It just doesn’t work. I try to control the odor but it lingers. I have al the supplies for discarding the soiled diapers and do so immediately out to the garbage in the garage. Double bag it too. I Try to change them often sometimes they resist. I smell it in the bed that we share even though it’s padded on their side. The laundry is tremendous keeping up with sheets and clothes. I use disinfectant cleaners, Lysol spay super size dog pads on my bathroom floor. This all gives me the most stress. Do others have this problem and what do they do about keeping their homes from smelling like a nursing home?

There is a product called 'Pooph'. It comes in a spray bottle and you can get it at WalMart. I have never seen a product that worked like this for smells.

I was a homecare CNA for 25 years and the urine and fecal stink is just something you get used to. This product is like a miracle. It will get that gross and disgusting smell out of bedding, clothes, carpets, and furniture.

You should have vinyl covers on your furniture that has upholstery and if you've got wall-to-wall carpeting it's time to get rid of it if you have an incontinent person in the house. You definitely should have a waterproof mattress pad. Yes, the 'Pooph' spray will help the smell if the mattress has been pissed on, but it will not get rid of the stains.

I always found it to be best if a care client's bedding, towels, washcloths, and chux pads are white. This way you put them in the washer on the hottest setting it has, and hit them with a couple scoops of OxyClean crystals or 20 Mule Team borax laundry booster and some bleach. That will take care of these things. No stains and no smells. Also, run a cup of bleach and some OxyClean or 20 Mule Team to wash your washer. It's cheaper and works better than washing machine cleaner.
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Reply to BurntCaregiver
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Are you getting him to the bathroom? By that I mean do you say "George, it's time to go to the bathroom" and you physically help him get up if need be. You can also use a "bribe" of some sort. "George, let's get to the bathroom then have a snack" or go for a walk, get a drink, get the mail anything that will get him moving. Do not expect him to "remember' to get up and use the bathroom you are at the point where YOU are the one that has to get him to the bathroom. Do this every 2 hours. Sounds like a lot but it will help.

Get a WATERPROOF mattress pad in addition to the absorbent padding you are using. If at anytime the urine has gone through the padding your mattress will smell of urine.

Any furniture he sits on should also be protected. Absorbent padding. Be careful if you put plastic down on furniture it can become slippery and can be dangerous when getting up.
Be careful of the pads on the floor. Placing the plastic side down on a floor can make it slippery. (I hope you do not have carpet in the bathroom, if so remove it.) If you have any of the little rugs in the bathroom remove them as well.

I used OdorBan it can be diluted to any number of strengths from air freshener, added to laundry for odors, washing floors and can be used as a sanitizer.
Clorox also has a Urine Remover that works well.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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"Smells Be Gone" is a great product for items that cannot be washed. One spray may not do it. Let it dry between uses. Got the awful smell out of my husband's pillow! That sold me on it over 10 years ago. Smells like water or ozone.

Baking soda put in the washing machine with normal detergent, use Vinegar as a softener through a dispenser. Combo works wonders on the cloth items.

Both my parent are incontinent - have disposable underwear and the caregivers do a fantastic job of keeping the old urine smell out of the house.

We use reusable underpads and wash immediately. (Lots of wash every day, but less expensive and more environmentally friendly than disposables.)
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Reply to RainbowHeart
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I think you know he can not remember where the toilet is and no amount of prompting will help with that. Sorry, but those days appear to be over.

It is way past time that he is in adult diapers or pullups for accidents. Take him to the bathroom every X hours and change his incontinence product if wet.

Best of luck getting this under control.
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Reply to againx100
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I would put rubbing alcohol in the trash can and anywhere else it could safely go. I use a combination of that and a potent bug spray in the outside garbage can. It helps when younger grandchildren who are still in diapers are visiting.

I realize this will not solve your major problems but it might help with the exterior garbage. I live in SC where the heat and humidity help bugs thrive so this is my small solution. I literally just pour some right into the garbage can and often in the trash bag before I place it. It does at least really cut down on the attraction from bugs as well as the odors.
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Reply to Riverdale
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I got the product "Poof". I sprayed this on the mattress after steam cleaning it with the Little Green Pet Cleaner which is a portable steam cleaner that has a liquid cleanser that breaks down urine. Also, Depends and disposable bed pads.
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Reply to JanPeck123
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testing
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Reply to careformydad
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Stress3d: Although it's not a proven way to get rid of malodor, some caregivers have put Vicks Vaporub under their nostrils.

Also, sleep in a separate bedroom.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Try using Odoban. It works well on laundry and cleaning floors. Also, by a large whole house cartridge air freshener.
Personal care homes are better equipped for caretaking since they have house keeping and handle large laundry amounts of laundry.
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Reply to Onlychild2024
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Oh boy, I have been dealing with this for 9 years!

Yes, the soiled diapers go out immediately, but NOT to my garbage can in the garage. That causes the whole garage to stink, and the smell will come in to the house every time you open the door from the house to garage.
Instead, I have a plastic garbage can out in my back yard to dispose of soiled diapers. Then, on garbage day I haul it all to the big garbage can that goes out to the street for pick up. It will be heavy, so I take a few trips.

The smells will linger in anything that is in proximity to the soiled diaper; the sheets, blanket, pants, etc. I do laundry every day. Usually 2 to 3 loads.
And using about a quarter cup of cleaning vinegar in the laundry will help to neutralize odors. Some items I need to wash multiple times to get the smell out.

Diapers should be changed at least 3 times daily, if not more often. Get a good brand of super absorbent diapers. And thoroughly wash their private parts - I do this first thing in the morning - with warm soap and water, using disposable wipes.

I buy washable underpads 30 x 36 inches. These go on his recliner, and on his hospital bed. Double them up, so you can remove the top wet one, and still have a clean dry pad underneath. Even though have a water-resistant backing, in time wetness will soak through, so having a backup underneath is helpful to keep the bed dry. There are times when the underpad becomes so soiled, I ball it up and throw it away. It simply won't be worth the time, and the water and electric usage needed to try and wash it. I go through about a dozen of these a year.

And consider getting two twin beds instead of a shared bed. There are hospital bed mattresses that are essentially a foam pad covered in a waterproof covering.
I only use a fitted sheet on the mattress, then a blanket on top. I have a dozen blankets, as those get washed daily too. Try large throw blankets, and twin size blankets. Something not too bulky so its easier to wash and fold. I have a whole cabinet now in the bedroom to hold the blankets.

Why is the person using the toilet? If they are incontinent, they can be in a diaper full time. That might be easier (?) than worrying about the mess around the toilet.

Also, buy disposable underpads. I like to use one on top of the washable underpad, especially when I anticipate a bowel movement. Actually, two disposables when changing a poopy diaper, again, washing thoroughly with warm soap and water, to get in all the nooks and crannies, the disposable pad will be dirty and soaked. Roll it up under the patient, and dispose of it, then you still have a clean dry pad to finish cleaning as needed.

Open the windows from time to time to air out the house.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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Southernwaver Oct 17, 2024
Try a product like this when you wash clothes.
https://www.amazon.com/Enzyme-Laundry-Booster-Odor-Remover/dp/B0CJH9DRM6/ref=asc_df_B0CJH9DRM6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693802909430&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8581728974025081146&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014051&hvtargid=pla-2291061177969&psc=1&mcid=9efb299de6df3482a871d58a8dc1ac87
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Diluted white vinegar is good for washing and soaking and wiping duen
id say better than bleach
we use a nappy bin to contain disposables
don’t forces to wear rubber gloves and to watch if your floorings delicate

Amazon do large containers of cleaning vinegar
they recommend using it to clean pet beds for smells as well

also if you add vinegar to wash it softens towels without any lasting smells

good luck
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Reply to Jenny10
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Use bleach when washing all sheets.

Change out carpeting to vinyl floors.

Keep cans of lysol everywhere.
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Reply to brandee
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Soft goods are what hold onto odors. Carpets especially. You'd do well to pull them up and lay down vinyl plank flooring or even linoleum.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Cleaning+products+for+human+urine&rh=p_72%3A2661618011&dc&crid=15YACCRG6AUW1&qid=1728933021&rnid=2661617011&sprefix=cleaning+products+for+human+urine%2Caps%2C330&ref=sr_nr_p_72_1&ds=v1%3A0OwbSFl1SKTIrJ2DFLwTlNeFOQkH3SNB6VXbQGpUBFE

Above is a link to the highest rated urine odor remover products on the market currently.

The following is a link to Medline Extrasorb chuck pads which you lay down on furniture and on your husbands bed.

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-EXTSB3036A350-Extrasorbs-Disposable-DryPads/dp/B00BL6FUX4/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=50X7OMNVWEEE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WRFx4xqz8dmdISzg68HDLbuV4zLQl51LhgnEzCokvIMh3Q0_B0M8fH59nXGdh_nnPM_oNJZuaTOkUaP9hW9gjD_kZYjJ3e-nz4qSygCSRsWIaGwfj4CmoePOrlLTMrx9LKqerP_xFjnS7x-Y8t1PTfEiDtmoAughk2ZmSjsUmx5Ps-fcN73KWUWd8cnyrZHv9Q6BwzwTM7kOe29dsEDvMCgDgIhhP0__dGRLQXv4v3QBxizwIidNUvnt7qBG_XaIEcqVhV0buryG1Fe_P53pMVktuoo3-l70uk-fp3IwcAQ.quP0Y5vanGXNLSeveg8iZkQH04Repi2J4viEuXsEkuQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=medline+ultrasorbs+bed+pads&qid=1728933380&rdc=1&sprefix=Medline+%2Caps%2C250&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Also, use vinegar and Oxi Clean Odor Blasters in your laundry washes each time.

An Ionic Air Purifier is particularly good at removing odors in a room. Imo, as it EMITS a bit of an ozone odor itself, not unpleasant. Many different models are available on Amazon, of course.

I would personally move into another bedroom to sleep in peace if this were me, because I have a very strong sense of smell. Or at least sleep in a different bed in the same room so you're not directly exposed to urine or feces. Caregiving is hard enough w/o that thrown in! You need restful sleep, my friend. My DH has sleep apnea and RLS so he moved into the spare room years ago. It has nothing to do with love, but with quality sleep in older age. I'd have been fine moving to the spare bedroom myself, it's beautiful, he just chose to move himself.

If you hit this issue on ALL fronts with these suggestions, you should be rid of the odors permanently and hopefully.

Wishing you the best of luck with a difficult situation.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Try and air purifier. Worked wonders on my litter box odors. Pooph does work but not long term.
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Reply to lkdrymom
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Pooph
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Reply to cover9339
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Till u can get some of the products suggested, put bowls of vinegar around. My Mom stayed in our old family room where a bathroom and the laundry room were. I put bowls of vinegar out of her reach. Within 2 hrs I saw a difference, a day even more.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Look in the house section of target or wal mart, Lowe’s or Home Depot for odor ban and things like that.

Or see if there is a janitoral supply store near you. They have everything.

and order a black light from Amazon because I suspect things are leaking out and on to the floor and possibly soaking in.

There are also enzyme type washing detergent that really eat up biological things.
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Reply to Southernwaver
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My late husband had severe urine incontinence until he got his supra pubic catheter placed, and wore Depends when still mobile. I too would do his laundry daily, and shower him every other day, using extra large body wipes for the in-between.
But if and when he got up at 3:00 a.m. to pee and he had already soaked through everything, pj's, pads, blanket and the like, I would immediately throw everything in the wash. Yes even at 3:00 a.m.
And I have to say that my house never smelled like pee or a nursing home.
Even the EMT's who had to come on a regular basis for a while to pick my husband off the floor after he'd fallen, always commented how good my house always smelled. Now I did and still do use Glade plug-ins to keep my house smelling fresh and good.
And even when my husband became bedridden the last 22 months of his life and the hospice aides were only coming twice a week to give him a bed bath, and my hired aide who came in the mornings to put him on the bedside commode to poop right there in our living room, my house never smelled. After putting about 6 inches of water in the bedside commode, I would put several squirts of Poo-Pourri in the water and never had an issue with my living room or house smelling like poop.
So long story short, you may want to try throwing your spouses pee/poop soaked clothes and bedding immediately in the wash after they soil them even if it's at 3:00 a.m.
And perhaps having a bedside commode right next to their side of the bed so they don't have to travel far, might be helpful as well.
I know that the incontinence issue can be a deal breaker for some, and it's ok if it is for you as well.
And if that is the case, you may want to start looking into the appropriate facility to place them in.
I wish you the very best as you try and get this all figured out for the both of you.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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BLG2024 Nov 29, 2024
Does your spouse have Parkinson's? Your situation sounds very similar to mine. The fecal incontinence right now is occasional. Sometimes he can make it to the toilet. If it's messy he can go straight to the shower. But when he is weak, and can't move off the toilet, then cleaning him is such a challenge. He's not bedridden, but sometimes can't get back onto the wheelchair from the toilet/ ends up on the floor. I don't know at what point I can still manage moving him, helping him up, etc. and then the cleaning up.
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You can go on line and look for charcoal odor eliminators. That's the best thing I have heard but I'm sorry I haven't tried them so I'm not sure.

For personal use I would put some essential oils on a scarf .

Sorry you are going through this, best of luck
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Reply to Anxietynacy
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You might try getting a powerful UV blacklight flashlight. I've bought a couple of them on fleabay. A lot of people use them to find unseen pet stains. You could use it to find areas that need addressed that you never knew or thought of.
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Reply to jwellsy
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Southernwaver Oct 12, 2024
Definitely this
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Go to the top timeline in blue of AgingCare site. Move cursor to far right and click on the magnifying glass. Type in "Eliminating Urine and Fecal Odors" and you will see about 20+ answers pop up. We frequently get queries about this and just now I cannot remember the specific compounds recommended, but there are more than a few. This is certainly a problem and when you have folks living with you with fecal and urine incontinence then you are actually living with the same problem that the nursing homes are dealing with. That said you might visit, ask to speak with housekeeping, and ask about special products they find effective.
I am so sorry. I wish you the best of luck. You aren't alone in this problem.
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