Simple Sooution or Nature's Miracle from a pet store. Add it to the laundry. Enzymes break down the organic material and the smell.

In regards to hydration, I wouldn't rely on just what her intake is. Try foods with a high water content like applesauce or watermelon. Also experiment with delivery method, try bendy straws instead of just a cup, light weight water bottles with a small spout opening, etc. Keep offering.

The fabric of the pants makes a difference, too. Try 100% cotton. It won't absorb the odor the way synthetic fibers do.

Anonymous wrote:I tried using white vinegar in the washer. It seemed to do the trick.

This was my trick on cloth diapers.

Hospice nurse here----a rinse free shower cap is the answer to your prayers when trying to wash someone's hair who isn't capable of taking a shower. Warm it up in the microwave and it feels like a spa treatment.

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/no-rinse-shampoo-cap/ID=prod3946583-product?ext=gooPersonal_Care_PLA_No_Rinse_Cleansers_prod3946583_pla&adtype=pla&kpid=sku3945432&sst=2662eb76-bcb8-3a09-5bf9-000015d4459e&kpid=sku3945432

OP I think some assisted living facilities double up on pull-ups, maybe this cuts down on the smell.

I wouldn't put Pine Sol or tea tree oil in a washer.

I would check with her doctor and make sure she doesn't have a urinary tract infection.

I tried using white vinegar in the washer. It seemed to do the trick.

Your elderly what?

Maybe you can try diaper laundry detergent? They have some products to get out "funk" from build up. "Funk rock" from Rockin' Green is one that may help. We've dealt with a lot of ammonia smell over our diapering years, and a good wash routine shouldn't leave anything smelling bad!

Like a pp said, do a rinse first, then wash in the hottest water you can, and rinse again if needed.

Can you put in another layer of (waterproof?) carpet, like an area rug - that you could take out and clean more easily if there were too many accidents? I'd considered this for my kids but they didn't end up being too messy in bed.

Good luck, OP!

Anonymous wrote:Another thing you need to consider is that your relative is not drinking enough water and is probably dehydrated.

She is definitely not drinking enough water, but then, she might be drinking what her body needs (what is different of my body's needs for example). In the same way she sleeps A LOT but the doctor said it is normal in her age.

About the water, I can't do much besides offer it - she is very stubborn and if I try to put the cup on her mouth or keep insisting, she will try to bite or just throw the cup on the floor. When she is thirsty, she does ask for it though.

with clothes or underwear, we find it best to soak in whatever cleaner you are using in a tub or basin. then wash.

Another thing you need to consider is that your relative is not drinking enough water and is probably dehydrated.

On the washer, try using the hottest setting and doing a post-wash rinse (and even a pre-wash rinse setting). That's essentially what the sanitary cycle does.

I know a lot of hospitals/nursing homes use the dry powder on hair to avoid showers. It now comes in spray form that they sell in the drug store, but I find it to be kind of expensive.

For things like rugs, try Nature's Miracle, sold at pet stores. It works on enzymes to eliminate the smells.

I know they also sell little discs at baby stores to put in with the diaper pails to help absorb the odor -- those may help in the laundry hamper. I've used the odor absorbing jells, and they do help, but it's hard to find ones that don't have their own flowery smell.

I posted a couple of weeks ago about an accident my elderly had when she soaked the bed and peed on the rug. Anyway, I was able to get rid of the smell through a "sanitary cycle" in the washer.

We just moved and my new washer does not have a sanitary cycle. I need some tips from BTDT people who have dealt with this issue.

1- her pants are not even wet normally but I guess just being in contact with the pull ups makes them very smelly. More so the pants she wears to sleep.

2 - without the sanitary cycle, I have washed her clothes TWICE and they still smell!!! (and I did put baking soda inside the washer)

I googled the issue and there are lots of tips out there, but I want to make sure some of those really work and are ok before going on a shopping spree.

Has anyone ever used a product called "odor block?" Does it really work?

Have you used a diaper pail for adult's diaper/pull ups - does it work? I have never used one for my children. If so, which brand is the best to contain odor?

Some people say to use tea tree oil inside the washer - does it really work? will it damage my washer?

Others say to use pine sol in the washer - same question as above.

How do you deal with the clothes before washing? Does a covered hamper suffice?

And last but not least - someone mentioned a tip from a nurse to use shaving cream for delicate skin to clean the elderly privates. Apparently it is amazing to clean out the area and get rid of the odor (when bathing frequently is not an option I mean). Has anyone here tried it? Does it really work?

And since we are talking about not being able to take a bath often - any tips on how to best clean the hair, more so the smell of unclean hair (oils build up and such)?


I want to gain control over these issues before her bedroom and bathroom gain that peculiar smell of urine, and since the are is carpeted, it is even more important that I deal with this as soon as possible.

Thanks for any tips and feedback!