Discover how enzymatic cleaners can tackle pet urine, stains, and odors on concrete.
Concrete may be tough as nails, but when it comes to organic stains and pet accidents, it's surprisingly porous. Enter: enzymatic cleaners. These bio-powered stain-fighters are here to save your slab.
TL;DR
Enzymatic cleaners are a powerful, pet-safe way to remove urine, odors, and organic stains from porous concrete surfaces by breaking down the source at a molecular level. They’re perfect for cat or dog messes, and handy for grease, food spills, and general odor control too.
In This Article
Why Enzymatic Cleaners Work on Concrete
Concrete is full of tiny pores and crevices, making it a sponge for liquids, odors, and bacteria. Traditional cleaners might bleach a stain or mask a smell, but they don’t eliminate the source.
Enzymatic cleaners, on the other hand, use biological catalysts (enzymes) to break down organic waste like urine, feces, and food spills at the molecular level. That means they don't just cover up the stench, they digest it!
How to Use Enzymatic Cleaner on Concrete
Follow these steps to kick odor and stain to the curb:
1. Sweep the Surface
Sweep the area to remove dust, debris, and any surface-level grime.
2. Saturate the Area
Dilute the enzymatic cleaner concentrate with water according to the manufacturer's directions, then soak the stain or odor zone thoroughly with the solution.
3. Let It Sit
The enzymes need time and moisture to work. Let it sit and keep moist by regularly misting with a hose. Cover the area with plastic to help keep it damp and extend working time.
4. Rinse and Repeat (If Needed)
Rinse with clean water and let dry before evaluating progress. Strong odors or tough old stains might need multiple rounds, so repeat the process as needed.
Other Uses for Enzymatic Cleaners on Concrete
Here are some other ways you can put enzymatic cleaners to work on your concrete surfaces:
Oil and Grease Stains
That mysterious garage puddle or barbecue grease splatter? While they might not replace a degreaser for heavy automotive oil, enzymatic cleaners can help break down organic oils and fats.
Pet Waste
Enzymatic cleaners are ideal for cleaning up pet waste, vomit, or any other gross biological surprise your furry friends might leave behind.
Mold and Mildew Odors
While they’re not a mold-killer, some enzymatic cleaners help reduce the musty odor left behind by mold or mildew on damp concrete surfaces, like in basements or shaded patios.
General Odor Control
If your garage smells funky or the basement has a musty scent that won’t go away, a round of enzymatic cleaner can help freshen up the air by targeting unseen organic buildup.
Pro Tips
- Avoid using bleach or ammonia before enzymatic cleaners. These can kill the enzymes and lock in the odor.
- Test first. It’s always a good idea to test cleaners in an inconspicuous area to avoid altering the concrete surface or color of decorative concrete.
- Use a UV blacklight. For mystery pet pee smells, UV lights can help locate hidden urine spots.
Enzymatic Concrete Cleaner FAQ
How to get rid of cat pee smell on concrete?
Use an enzymatic cleaner made specifically for pet urine. Fully soak the affected area, cover it with plastic to retain moisture or mist it with a hose regularly, and let it sit. Repeat if necessary. Concrete’s porosity means this might take more than one treatment, but it works!
Can you use enzymatic cleaner on concrete?
Yes, you can use enzymatic cleaner on concrete! In fact, enzymatic cleaners are one of the most effective ways to treat organic stains and smells on porous surfaces like concrete. Just be sure to saturate the area and allow enough time for the enzymes to work.
How to clean dog urine from a concrete patio?
Start by hosing off the area, then apply a generous amount of enzymatic cleaner. Let it sit (covered if possible). Scrub and rinse with water. For large patios, work in sections and repeat for persistent smells.
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Sarah Etler
Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.
