How to Remove Dog Urine Smell From Concrete

Unsealed concrete tends to hold in dog urine odors because it is porous and the urine is able to seep deep into the actual concrete. If your dog has been urinating on your concrete patio, driveway or porch, you will have to do some deep and thorough cleaning to remove the smell.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Product

The cleaning product you use can help determine how successful your efforts to eliminate the urine odor on your concrete will be. Most cleaning products both clean the area and remove odors.

Bleach is commonly used to disinfect and clean areas where animals have soiled, including dog kennels and animal shelters. You can use bleach to deep clean areas where your pet has soiled by applying a solution that contains 1 part bleach and 10 parts water, according to the University of Florida Shelter Medicine program. Leave the bleach in place for a full 10 minutes and then rinse it away with clean water. Make sure to wear protective clothing while cleaning with bleach.

Commercial enzyme cleaners can also be used to eliminate urine odors in concrete. These products work by breaking down the uric acid in the urine. You can find enzyme-based cleaners that are specifically made to work on concrete by going to your local pet supply store or ordering them online. Make sure you follow the product use directions closely so that the product works as intended.

If you prefer to avoid commercial products and want to use a homemade cleaner, you can try using undiluted white vinegar to lift the odor. You can also try a mixture that contains 2 parts of water and 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Both of these homemade cleaners need to sit on the concrete between 5 and 10 minutes to be effective.

Cleaning and Sealing Your Concrete

1. Rinse the concrete thoroughly with hot water.
2. Apply the cleaning solution of your choice to the concrete and give it plenty of time to absorb into the surface. Apply the cleaner over the entire area, as the original urine stain may have spread within the concrete.
3. Scrub the area down with a stiff-bristled brush.
4. Rinse the cleaning product away completely with water and allow the area to dry.
5. Apply a sealant to the newly cleaned concrete. Concrete sealants are available at most home supply stores or online. Make sure the product is specifically designed for concrete and that you follow all application instructions exactly as they are given on the product. If you really want to be sure the odor is gone, apply a sealant specifically designed to block odors.