Help with getting rid of bad smell

sociable7

Hi there, a bit of a sensitive and personal issue but was wondering if you can help...

My grandparents live alone, their in their 80's. I try to go round as their grandson at least once a week. Keep them happy and that. But iv'e noticed the home smelling of urine at times. I've ignored it a few times but sometimes the smell is stronger. As their in the home 90% of the time, they probably don't know.

I know that my Grandad has bladder control problem , although im certain he doesn't wet beds or has accidents in random places round the house. I do think on his way to the bathroom (so passing landing and stairs) some may leak, and over time it builds. It only takes a few drops of urine to spread.

So what do you suggest? Any products that I can use to kill the bacteria and also freshen up the place.

I'm looking to move in there maybe later in year, the house seems lonely. I'm sure they'd love the company.

browneyedbazzi

Is the house carpeted? If so, the first step would be to get the carpets cleaned using a shampoo designed to clean urine and neutralise odours. You can hire decent carpet cleaners or, if you're going to live there and want to be able to clean them regularly it might be worth buying a vax/bissell cleaner yourself. If you keep an eye on the grab it board there's often an offer on reconditioned bissell machines for about £60.

If cleaning the carpets doesn't do the job, or the house isn't carpeted but smells then it's a trickier job to get the smell out of the floor boards. You might have to take up the carpets and underlay then treat and seal the floor boards. If you do a search of the forum I'm sure this was discussed on the 'In my Home' board before with lots of advice - possibly related to pet urine, but the same principles will apply.

1DayAAT

We have this same issue with my 87 year old Grandma to the point that my kids don't want to go to visit now 'in case it smells bad'.

We sneaked a discreet plug in behind the TV and this has helped!

dandelionclock30

I'd be talking to your grandad about it in a sensitive manner. If hes not making it to the loo and dribbling then theres things that can help. He could get a visit from a continence nurse, who would be able to advise him. He could ask at the G.P with your support about this.
I think its important to address the cause of the problem, because its really hard to get rid of the smell of urine once its in the floorboards. My friends uncle used to wet himself and the house smelled and when he died, the new owners had to put in new floorboards it was that bad.
You cant be steam cleaning carpets all the time and the problem will continue unless he sorts himself out.

monty-doggy

If he's becoming incontinent it would be a good idea to talk to his doctor/home help/social services. The problem will get worse and is probably relatively easy for the professionals to help.

Any carpet cleaner that is for pet odours will get rid of the smell.

tizerbelle

sociable7 wrote: »

I'm looking to move in there maybe later in year, the house seems lonely. I'm sure they'd love the company.

Do they want you to move in? Have they even asked you? Regardless of your grandparents health, you should not be deciding you are moving in simply because you want to and it meets some need/want of yours. They may be perfectly happy with their quiet, companionable (as opposed to your opinion - lonely) house.

HPoirot

For an immediate solution, Urine Neutraliser is your friend. I think it is used in the hospitality industry:

http://www.totalcleaningsupplies.co.uk/urine-neutraliser-trigger-spray-1-ltr-53-p.asp

sociable7

When their ill I stay over so its become a habit and theyd love it. I know most people say oldies are stubborn grumpy but Tbh, i think once you break them, theyre inspirational.. Plus im on my way to becoming a lawyer, im sure theyd love

Cottage_Economy

sociable7 wrote: »

When their ill I stay over so its become a habit and theyd love it. I know most people say oldies are stubborn grumpy but Tbh, i think once you break them, theyre inspirational.. Plus im on my way to becoming a lawyer, im sure theyd love

What?

Liking a visit once in a while is vastly different from someone moving in permanently.

Or are you angling to be left the house? Or a cheap/rent-free place to stay until you're qualified?

No wonder you don't like the smell of pee because you're angling to live there.

fabforty

sociable7 wrote: »

When their ill I stay over so its become a habit and theyd love it. I know most people say oldies are stubborn grumpy but Tbh, i think once you break them, theyre inspirational.. Plus im on my way to becoming a lawyer, im sure theyd love

Please ask them, don't just assume that 'they would love it'. An occasional house guest is one thing, becoming a permanent resident is completely different. (Not sure what you mean about them being inspirational once you break them!)