The bathroom is one of the most important spaces in any home and deserves to be kept fresh and clean. Many people clean their bathroom every day and give it a deep cleaning at least once a week. However, sometimes cleaning your toilet may not be enough if a stubborn urine smell lingers.
If your toilet continues to smell like urine after a thorough cleaning, it’s likely coming from hidden problem areas. Unlike general bacteria in toilet water, urine odors can persist if they’ve soaked into places cleaning brushes can’t reach. In this updated guide, we’ll show you exactly what to check and how to eliminate that unwanted odor.
Why Does My Toilet Smell Like Urine?
It’s important to identify the exact source of the urine smell so you don’t waste time scrubbing the wrong places. Common causes include leaks in the toilet tank or bowl, urine that has dripped onto the floor or toilet seat, or poor ventilation. In this guide, we’ll help you pinpoint the source and give you practical solutions to keep your bathroom fresh.
Common Reasons Why Your Toilet Smells Like Urine
1. Bad Wax Ring
Many people assume a lingering urine smell means their toilet is dirty. But if you’ve cleaned thoroughly and the smell persists, it’s time to inspect the bottom of the toilet. The wax ring beneath the toilet provides a seal between the bowl and the drain pipe. If this ring wears out or is improperly installed, it can cause leaks from the toilet base. When this happens, water mixed with urine may seep onto your bathroom floor, causing an unpleasant odor.
Over time, all wax rings deteriorate. If yours is old or poorly fitted, you may need to replace it. In most cases, hiring a plumber will solve the problem quickly and permanently.
2. Urine on the Floor
Sometimes the cause is much simpler than a plumbing issue. If you have young boys at home, they may accidentally miss the toilet bowl while urinating. Over time, splashes of urine can collect on the floor and around the base of the toilet, creating a persistent odor.
Teaching children good bathroom habits will help reduce these accidents. Additionally, pay extra attention to the floor around the toilet when cleaning — even using a scrub brush or toothbrush to reach tight spaces. Regular deep cleaning can help prevent odors from developing.
Related article: Common Reasons Why Your Toilet Bubbles
3. Poor Ventilation
Another common reason your toilet may smell like urine is poor ventilation. When a bathroom lacks proper airflow, odors from urine and waste can linger in the air and worsen over time. This is especially noticeable in bathrooms without windows or with non-functioning exhaust fans.
To resolve this, make sure your bathroom is well ventilated. Installing or repairing an exhaust fan can help circulate fresh air, removing moisture and odors. This will not only improve the smell but also prevent mold and mildew buildup.
4. Dirty or Damaged Toilet Seat
It’s easy to forget the toilet seat when cleaning, but it can easily harbor urine smells. Splashes from urination can settle around the hinges or under the seat, especially if young children are using the toilet. A damaged seat can also trap urine in cracks or worn areas.
To prevent this, make sure you regularly clean the entire toilet seat, including underneath and around the hinges. If your seat is cracked, broken, or heavily stained, replacing your toilet seat is an inexpensive fix that will improve both hygiene and appearance.
For thorough cleaning, it’s a good idea to occasionally remove the toilet seat entirely. This allows you to scrub hard-to-reach areas where urine might hide and cause lingering smells.
How to Get Rid of Urine Smell in the Bathroom (2025 Updated Guide)
A lingering urine smell in your bathroom can be frustrating and embarrassing. Since multiple factors can contribute to this issue, it’s important to identify the cause before cleaning. In this updated guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get rid of urine smell in the bathroom and keep it fresh.
Fixing the Toilet Wax Ring and Flange
If the odor seems to be coming from the base of the toilet, a damaged wax ring could be the culprit. When the wax seal is worn out or improperly installed, urine and water may seep through the base, leading to persistent smells. If this is the issue, you may need to replace the toilet flange and wax ring yourself or hire a professional plumber. Fixing this prevents further leakage and eliminates the source of odor.
Educate Young Boys
If you have young boys at home, sometimes playful or careless peeing habits can contribute to the smell. Gently educate them on proper bathroom habits and explain how their actions can lead to a bad-smelling bathroom.
Inspect the Exhaust Fan
A working exhaust fan is crucial for maintaining good ventilation in the bathroom. If your fan is broken or inefficient, it may allow odors to linger. If necessary, contact a technician to repair or replace the exhaust fan to ensure proper airflow and odor removal.
Thorough Cleaning Tips
If you suspect urine has splashed onto the floor, or if leaks from the toilet are present, start with a deep clean. First, address any repairs such as replacing the wax ring. Then thoroughly clean the floor and surrounding areas. Also, clean inside the toilet tank—bacteria and grime in the tank can also cause odors. Use a mixture of white vinegar and water for effective cleaning.
Don’t forget to wash shower curtains, bath mats, and other nearby fabrics that may have absorbed the odor. If smells persist, repeat the deep cleaning process. Always wear rubber gloves during cleaning to protect your hands.
Related article: Easy steps to fix a toilet clog by yourself
Cleaning Supplies You May Need:
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Baking soda
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Lemon juice
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White vinegar
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Washcloth
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Old toothbrush for scrubbing
Conclusion
By following this guide, you can quickly get rid of urine smell in the bathroom and enjoy a fresher, cleaner space. Whether the cause is an old wax ring, a leaking toilet, a faulty fill valve, poor ventilation, or everyday bathroom use, these simple solutions can help.
If your bathroom smells like urine, don’t ignore it—identify the source, clean thoroughly, and make any necessary repairs. With a little effort, you’ll restore your bathroom to a pleasant, odor-free environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1️⃣ Why does my clean toilet still smell like urine?
Even if the bowl looks clean, urine residue can build up under the rim, in the wax ring, or around the base of the toilet. Hidden leaks or trapped moisture may also cause persistent odors.
2️⃣ How do I get rid of the urine smell from my toilet?
Start by deep cleaning under the toilet rim and around the base. Use an enzyme-based cleaner for stubborn odors. If the smell continues, inspect the wax ring and toilet seal.
3️⃣ Can a damaged wax ring cause a urine smell?
Yes. If the wax ring is worn or damaged, urine and sewer gases can leak from under the toilet, causing a constant odor even after cleaning.
4️⃣ Is it safe to use bleach to remove urine smell from the toilet?
You can use a diluted bleach solution for disinfecting, but it may not completely eliminate urine odor trapped in seals or porous surfaces. Enzyme-based cleaners are more effective for breaking down urine proteins.
5️⃣ Why does the toilet smell worse after flushing?
If flushing makes the smell stronger, it could indicate a broken seal or vent pipe issue, allowing sewer gases to escape into the bathroom.
Hi, this is Robert Crossan, the owner of this website, has 17 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of toilets and plumbing systems. After completing the Level 2 Basic Plumbing course in 2005, I started working in both domestic and commercial buildings as a professional plumber. So I can figure out the core difference between different toilet models and brands. It also helped me monitor their work performance and setbacks.