Take a close look around the entire bathroom and inspect for any lingering urine that may be causing odors. Carefully check under the rim of the toilet bowl and around the base of the toilet. Urine can often splash outside of the bowl during use.

Also examine the grout lines between tiles, as urine can soak into the porous grout and remain even after cleaning the surface. Check along all of the caulking around the tub, shower, and sink, as urine odors can collect there as well. Pay particular attention to corners and crevices in the bathroom. Any small amounts of urine left in these areas can create lingering odors.

Use a blacklight to illuminate any urine stains or residue. The stains will glow under the blacklight. You may need to get down on your hands and knees and closely inspect along floor edges and corners. Any lingering urine found should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Removing all traces of urine will help eliminate odors.

Clean All Surfaces Thoroughly

Even after cleaning, urine odor can linger if traces remain in the bathroom. It's important to thoroughly clean all surfaces in the bathroom to eliminate any lingering urine.

Use a specialized cleaner containing enzymes that break down urine and remove odors. Enzyme cleaners work to break down the compounds in urine that cause odors. Spray or wipe enzyme cleaner over any surfaces where urine may have gotten, including floors, walls, fixtures, and grout. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to work before scrubbing.

Scrub all surfaces, floors, walls, fixtures with the enzyme cleaner and a brush or sponge. Pay close attention to grout, caulking, corners, and crevices where urine can collect. Scrub vigorously to remove all traces.

After scrubbing, rinse all surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue. It's important to completely rinse away the urine and cleaner. Any leftover traces can continue to smell. Thoroughly rinse walls, floors, fixtures, and grout using a clean mop, sponge, or towel.

Seal Grout and Caulking

Urine contains ammonia and other compounds that can soak into porous materials like grout and caulking. Over time, the urine residue in these materials can break down and release unpleasant odors into the air.

One effective way to combat lingering urine smell is to seal the grout lines and caulking around your toilet, bathtub, and sinks. Using a grout sealer formulated for bathrooms can create a protective barrier and prevent urine from being absorbed. Make sure to follow the product instructions carefully. Applying a fresh coat of bathroom caulk around your fixtures can also help block odors.

When applying grout sealer and caulk, make sure the surfaces are completely clean and dry first. It may take applying multiple coats to fully seal in odors from urine-soaked grout or caulk. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another. Properly sealing grout and caulking can help prevent those materials from emitting urine odors into the bathroom air long-term.

Check Under Sinks

Look under bathroom sinks and vanities for any leaks, spills or buildup that could be trapping urine odors. A slow drip or unnoticed spill under the sink can allow urine smells to linger long after the original incident.

Inspect under all bathroom sinks, focusing on the drain pipes, supply lines, p-traps and shutoff valves. Look for staining, mineral deposits, rust, or moisture that may indicate a leak. Remove any built up grime or dirt, and thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas with odors.

Pay particular attention to the p-trap, which is designed to hold water and prevent sewer gases from entering the home. If the trap runs dry from a leak, it can allow odors to escape. Refill with water if needed. Also inspect for cracks or issues with the sink that may allow odors to rise up from the drain.

Check all supply lines and drain connections for drips, rust and proper fittings. Tighten as needed, and replace any corroded pipes or faulty parts. Look for pooling water, moist areas, or stains under the sink that could point to a leak source. Thoroughly clean and dry any problem areas after fixing leaks.

With bathroom vanities, also inspect the back and underside of the cabinet for spills, leaks or buildup that could be trapping odors. Remove all items, wipe down all surfaces, and use an odor eliminating cleaner on any problem areas.

Inspect Plumbing and Toilet

One of the most common culprits of lingering urine odors in bathrooms is issues with the toilet or plumbing. Small leaks or cracks in the toilet's wax ring seal or connections can allow odors to escape into the air over time. Even very minor leaks that may not be visibly detectable can still release enough urine smell to make the bathroom unpleasant.

It's a good idea to have a plumber inspect under the toilet and all the plumbing connections in the bathroom. They can check for any sign of leaks, damage, or loose parts that need to be sealed or replaced. This includes inspecting the wax ring seal between the toilet and floor, which provides a tight seal to prevent odors and leaks. If this seal is compromised, urine can seep into the flooring or subfloor and continue to emit odors long after the area is cleaned. A plumber can remove the toilet and check the condition of the wax ring, replacing it if needed.

Additionally, a plumber can inspect the shutoff valve connections, supply line, overflow tube, and any other plumbing hardware around the toilet and under bathroom sinks for potential leaks. Even small drips coming from worn washers or loose fittings can allow enough urine odor to linger. Having a professional inspect all the plumbing and toilet hardware for leaks, damage, and proper sealing is often the solution to persistent urine smells coming from the bathroom.

Clean Bathroom Exhaust Fan

The bathroom exhaust fan plays an important role in removing odors and moisture from the bathroom. Over time, dust and grime can build up on the fan blades and housing, which can trap unpleasant odors.

To thoroughly clean the exhaust fan:

• Turn off the power to the fan at the breaker panel. This will prevent shock while cleaning.

• Remove the fan cover and set aside. Be careful not to bend the tabs that hold it in place.

• Use a vacuum crevice tool to remove loose dust buildup from the fan blades and housing. Vacuum both sides of the fan blades.

• Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Wipe down the fan blades, motor housing and vent duct (as far as you can reach).

• Use a small brush to gently scrub stubborn grime. Take care not to get the motor wet.

• Rinse the fan blades with a damp cloth and let air dry completely before reinstalling the cover.

• Check that the fan is working properly before using the bathroom again.

Thoroughly cleaning the exhaust fan helps remove trapped odors and improves air circulation. This can make a big difference in controlling bathroom odors. Consider cleaning the fan twice a year for optimal results.

Replace Exhaust Fan

If your bathroom exhaust fan seems worn out or doesn't properly ventilate the bathroom, replacing it can help eliminate lingering urine odors.

Bathroom exhaust fans work to remove odors, humidity, and pollutants from the air. Over time, the fan motor can burn out or accumulate dirt and become less effective at this job. A very old or faulty fan may not be powerful enough to properly ventilate the bathroom.

Replacing an old and ineffective exhaust fan with a new one can make a big difference in reducing stubborn urine smells. Look for a fan with a high CFM rating (cubic feet per minute of air moved). Fans with a rating of 80 to 110 CFM or more are best for bathrooms.

Make sure to get the right size fan for your bathroom's ventilation ductwork. Measure the existing ducting and get a fan that will fit and move the most air possible. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safely installing the new fan.

Proper ventilation is key for keeping bathroom odors away. A new, quality exhaust fan can quickly clear out lingering urine smells and humidity after using the bathroom. Pair it with good cleaning habits to keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

Increase Ventilation

Improving the ventilation in your bathroom can help reduce lingering urine odors. Here are some tips:

• Run the bathroom exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes after showering or using the bathroom. Make sure the fan is properly vented to the outside, not just recirculating air.

• Consider installing a fan with a higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating if your current fan seems too weak. Look for a fan rated for the bathroom's square footage.

• Open a window while using the bathroom and for sometime after to allow fresh air to circulate. Even cracking open a window briefly can help.

• Add more ventilation ducts or vents if your bathroom lacks sufficient airflow. A heating/AC professional can advise on adding proper bathroom ventilation.

• Keep the bathroom door open as much as possible to allow air flow from other rooms.

• Consider installing a ceiling ventilator fan or ductless ventilation fan if your bathroom lacks an exterior vented fan. These help pull out humid air.

The goal is to thoroughly ventilate the bathroom after use to prevent moist air and odors from lingering. Improving overall airflow and circulation will create a fresher, cleaner-smelling bathroom over time.

Absorb Odors

Placing baking soda or activated charcoal in the bathroom can help absorb lingering odors.

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and absorbs both moisture and odors. Place an open box or bowl of baking soda in an out-of-the-way corner of the bathroom. Over time it will absorb bathroom odors. Replace the baking soda every month.

Activated charcoal also absorbs odors effectively. Place charcoal bags in areas around the bathroom to help remove smells. Charcoal bags can be hidden behind the toilet, under the sink, or inside cabinets. Replace the charcoal bags every few months when they stop absorbing odors effectively.

Baking soda and charcoal provide simple but effective ways to absorb persistent bathroom odors. Along with thorough cleaning and ensuring proper ventilation, odor absorbers can help eliminate unpleasant lingering smells.

Potential Medical Issue

Persistent urine odor may indicate an underlying medical condition. If you've thoroughly cleaned the bathroom and taken steps to eliminate odors but the smell of urine lingers, it's a good idea to consult a doctor.

Some potential medical causes include:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Bacteria in the urinary tract can cause a persistent urine smell. This requires antibiotic treatment.

• Kidney disease: Damaged kidneys allow buildup of waste products in the blood, which can create a urine odor even without incontinence.

• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes leads to increased glucose in the urine, which bacteria feed on, producing odor.

• Liver disease: This causes an accumulation of waste products that give urine an ammonia-like smell.

• Incontinence: Loss of bladder control results in urine leakage, which can lead to lingering odors even after cleaning. This may indicate a UTI or other medical issue.

• Prostate disease: An enlarged prostate in men can cause incomplete bladder emptying, allowing urine to pool.

If the urine smell persists despite your best cleaning efforts and there is no obvious source like leaks or spills, see your doctor. They can check for infections, kidney function, diabetes, and other problems. Treating the underlying condition will eliminate the odor at its source.