Why You Shouldn’t Use Bleach to Clean Urine (And What to Use Instead)

Bleach is often the first product people reach for when something smells bad or looks unhygienic.

However, when it comes to urine, bleach is one of the worst cleaning choices you can make.

At Tidy Touch Housekeeping & Property Care, we regularly deal with urine stains and odorous in homes, rental properties and serviced accommodation, from pets, children, elderly relatives, or accidents that simply get missed.

And one thing we always explain to clients is this:

Bleach does not remove urine, it traps the smell and often makes it worse.

Why Bleach Doesn’t Work on Urine

Urine is a biological substance made up of uric acid crystals. These crystals bond tightly to surfaces such as:

• Carpets and rugs

• Mattresses

• Upholstery

• Grout and tiles

• Bathroom floors

Bleach can disinfect a surface, but it does not break down uric acid.

Once the bleach dries, the crystals remain and when moisture or humidity returns, so does the smell.

That’s why many people say:

“It was fine at first… then the smell came back.”

Bleach Can Make Urine Smells Stronger

When bleach comes into contact with urine residues, it can react with ammonia compounds and create a stronger, more unpleasant odour.

This is especially common in:

• Bathrooms

• Carpets

• Mattresses

• Poorly ventilated areas

So although bleach feels like the “strongest” option, it often locks the problem in rather than removing it.

Health & Safety Risks of Using Bleach on Urine

Mixing bleach with urine residue can release chloramine vapours, which may cause:

• Eye and throat irritation

• Breathing discomfort

• Headaches or nausea

This is particularly risky in small bathrooms or family homes and not suitable for high-standard cleaning.

What Actually Works: Enzyme-Based Urine Cleaners

The correct solution is an enzyme-based urine cleaner, sometimes referred to as a urine enzyme destroyer.

Unlike bleach, enzyme cleaners:

✔ Break down uric acid at a molecular level

✔ Remove the smell at the source

✔ Continue working after application

✔ Prevent odours from returning

✔ Are safer for most surfaces

Enzymes literally digest the urine crystals, rather than masking or disinfecting over them.

UK-Available Urine Enzyme Cleaners We Recommend

Below are reliable products that are easy to find in the UK and suitable for both pet and human urine.

Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odour Remover

• Professional-grade enzyme formula

• Works on fresh and old urine

• Safe for carpets, upholstery and mattresses

Available at: Amazon UK, Pets at Home

Best for: Carpets, sofas, repeated accidents

Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain & Odour Eliminator

• Designed specifically for urine odour crystals

• Continues working for hours after application

• Effective on deeply soaked areas

Available at: Amazon UK, Pets at Home

Best for: Old stains, mattresses, Airbnb properties

Astonish Pet Stain & Odour Remover

• UK brand and budget-friendly

• Enzyme-based, not bleach-based

• Ideal for light to moderate issues

Available at: Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Wilko (online), Amazon

Best for: Fresh accidents, everyday homes

Bio One Urine & Odour Eliminator

• Enzyme-based and eco-friendly

• No harsh fumes

• Safe for tiled floors, grout and bathrooms

Available at: Amazon UK, eco retailers

Best for: Bathrooms, care settings, eco-conscious homes

Products to Avoid for Urine Cleaning

Avoid using:

• Bleach

• Ammonia-based cleaners

• Standard disinfectant sprays

These do not remove uric acid and often cause odours to return.

Professional Tip: How to Use Enzyme Cleaners Properly

For best results:

1. Blot or remove excess moisture first

2. Apply the enzyme cleaner generously

3. Do not rinse or scrub dry immediately

4. Allow the area to air dry completely

Enzymes need time to work, rushing the process reduces effectiveness.

A Proper Cleaning Standard (Not a Quick Fix)

At Tidy Touch Housekeeping & Property Care, we don’t believe in harsh chemicals or quick fixes that create bigger problems later.

That’s why we use enzyme-based solutions when dealing with urine contamination ,because a clean home isn’t just about how it looks, but about what’s been properly removed.

Need Help with Persistent Odours?

If smells keep coming back or you’re dealing with rental complaints, pet accidents or hygiene issues, we’re happy to help.