Cleaning a urinal toilet properly means removing visible stains, eliminating bad smells at their source, and killing bacteria that cause recurring hygiene problems. 

The right process, tools, and cleaners can turn even a heavily stained, foul-smelling urinal into a clean, fresh, and sanitary fixture. 

When done correctly, urinal cleaning does more than improve appearance, it prevents odor buildup, reduces bacteria growth, and extends the life of the fixture.

This blog explains how to clean a urinal, step by step, while addressing common problems like urine stains, persistent smells, and hidden bacteria. You will learn why urinals smell even after cleaning, how to remove toilet bowl stains safely, and how to maintain long-term cleanliness. 

Understanding Why Urinal Toilets Get Dirty

Urine Scale and Mineral Buildup

Urinal toilets are constantly exposed to urine, which contains minerals and uric acid. Over time, these substances harden into uric scale. This scale sticks to porcelain and plumbing surfaces, creating yellow or brown stains that regular cleaners cannot remove.

Bacteria Growth in Hidden Areas

Bacteria thrive beneath urine scale and inside drain areas. Even if the surface looks clean, bacteria may still be present, causing persistent odors. This is why basic wiping does not solve long-term urinal cleaning issues.

Splash Zones and Surrounding Surfaces

Urinals create splash-back during use. Walls, floors, and the sides of the urinal often collect urine residue. If these areas are ignored, smells spread throughout the restroom, even after the urinal bowl is cleaned.

Poor Cleaning Methods

Using the wrong products, skipping dwell time, or failing to scrub critical areas leads to incomplete urinal cleaning. Many people disinfect without first removing scale, which traps bacteria underneath.

Water Quality and Hardness

Hard water accelerates mineral buildup in urinal toilets. Areas with high calcium content see stains form faster, making regular descaling essential for effective urinal cleaning.

Tools and Supplies Needed for Urinal Cleaning

Protective Equipment

Gloves protect your skin from bacteria and cleaning chemicals. Eye protection is recommended when using descalers or strong cleaners, especially in commercial settings.

Cleaning Brushes

A urinal brush with firm bristles is essential for scrubbing the bowl. Smaller detail brushes help clean around rims, edges, and drains where stains collect.

Urinal-Specific Cleaners

Use cleaners designed for urinal toilets. Enzyme-based cleaners break down urine residue, while descaling cleaners dissolve hardened stains.

Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths effectively wipe down external surfaces and splash zones without spreading bacteria.

Optional Odor Control Accessories

Urinal screens and deodorizer blocks help reduce odors between cleanings but should never replace proper urinal cleaning.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Urinal Properly

Step 1: Prepare the Area

To clean urinal properly put on gloves and ensure good ventilation. Remove any urinal screens or blocks. Flush the urinal to wet the surface and loosen debris.

Step 2: Apply Cleaner from the Top

Apply the urinal cleaner under the rim and along the flushing edge. Allow the cleaner to flow downward, covering the entire bowl evenly.

Step 3: Let the Cleaner Dwell

Dwell time is critical. Let the cleaner sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it can break down urine scale and bacteria. Rushing this step reduces effectiveness.

Step 4: Scrub Thoroughly

Scrub the bowl with a urinal brush. Focus on stained areas, seams, and the drain opening. Use a smaller brush for tight spaces.

Step 5: Flush and Rinse

Flush the urinal to rinse away loosened residue and cleaner. Inspect the surface and repeat if stains remain.

Step 6: Disinfect External Surfaces

Wipe the outside of the urinal, flush handle, nearby walls, and floor areas. These zones often hold odor-causing bacteria.

How to Remove Toilet Bowl Stains in Urinals

Identifying Stain Types

Yellow and brown stains usually indicate uric scale, while white chalky residue points to mineral buildup. Knowing the stain type helps choose the right cleaner.

Using Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners digest organic matter rather than masking odors. They work best for recurring stains and smells when used regularly.

When to Use Descaling Cleaners

For thick, hardened stains, a descaling cleaner may be necessary. These dissolve mineral buildup but must be used carefully to protect porcelain.

Repeat Cleaning Cycles

Severe stains may require multiple applications. Allow full dwell time between cycles to gradually remove buildup without damage.

Avoiding Abrasive Tools

Steel wool and harsh scrapers can scratch the urinal surface, making future stains stick more easily.

Eliminating Urinal Smell at the Source

Why Urinals Smell Even After Cleaning

Odors often come from bacteria trapped beneath scale or inside drains. Surface cleaning alone cannot reach these areas.

Cleaning the Urinal Drain

Pour enzyme cleaner directly into the drain. This breaks down buildup inside the pipes where smells originate.

Addressing Surrounding Areas

Clean walls, partitions, and floors around the urinal. Odors linger in porous surfaces and splash zones.

Proper Use of Deodorizers

Deodorizers help control smells temporarily. Use them only after deep urinal cleaning for best results.

Maintaining Airflow

Good ventilation reduces lingering odors and helps surfaces dry faster, preventing bacteria growth.

Urinal Cleaning Frequency and Maintenance

Daily Light Cleaning

A quick wipe-down and flush helps prevent fresh urine from drying and forming stains.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Scrubbing the bowl, drain, and splash zones weekly reduces buildup and bacteria.

Monthly Descaling

In high-traffic restrooms, monthly descaling prevents heavy uric scale from forming.

Adjusting for Usage Levels

Busy restrooms require more frequent urinal cleaning than low-use areas.

Monitoring Odors

Persistent smells signal hidden buildup and indicate the need for deeper cleaning.

Common Urinal Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping Dwell Time

Cleaner needs time to work. Immediate scrubbing reduces effectiveness.

Using the Wrong Products

Household cleaners may not dissolve urine scale. Use products made for urinal toilets.

Ignoring Drains

Most odors originate in drains. Skipping this area causes smells to return quickly.

Overusing Harsh Chemicals

Strong acids can damage porcelain and plumbing when used too often.

Inconsistent Cleaning

Irregular urinal cleaning allows stains and bacteria to rebuild rapidly.

Helpful Urinal Cleaning Reference Table

Long-Term Urinal Care Tips

Use Water-Efficient Flush Settings

Proper flushing reduces residue left behind after use.

Choose Quality Cleaning Products

Reliable products designed for urinal cleaning deliver better long-term results.

Train Cleaning Staff Properly

Consistency and correct technique are key to effective urinal maintenance.

Inspect Fixtures Regularly

Early detection of odor or stain prevents major buildup issues.

Stick to a Schedule

Routine urinal cleaning saves time and effort compared to deep restoration cleaning.

Key Takeaways

• Learn why urinal toilets develop stains, odors, and bacteria over time
• Understand the correct tools and cleaners needed for urinal cleaning
• Follow a step-by-step process to remove toilet bowl stains and odors
• Discover how to clean urinal drains and splash zones properly
• Prevent recurring smells with smart maintenance habits
• Keep urinals hygienic without damaging surfaces

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a urinal toilet properly requires more than a quick scrub. True cleanliness comes from understanding how stains form, why odors persist, and where bacteria hide. 

By using the right tools, allowing proper dwell time, and maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule, you can remove toilet bowl stains, eliminate smells at the source, and keep urinal toilets hygienic for the long term. 

Whether in a home or commercial setting, proper urinal cleaning improves hygiene, appearance, and overall restroom experience.

Keep your restroom fresher and cleaner every day with professional-grade solutions from True Toilet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean a urinal toilet?

Light cleaning should be done daily, while deep urinal cleaning is recommended weekly. High-traffic areas may require more frequent attention.

What is the best way to remove toilet bowl stains from a urinal?

Using an enzyme-based cleaner or a urinal descaler with proper dwell time is the most effective way to remove toilet bowl stains safely.

Why does my urinal smell even after cleaning?

Odors usually come from bacteria trapped under urine scale or inside drains. Cleaning the drain and descaling the bowl solves this issue.

Can household cleaners be used for urinal cleaning?

Some household cleaners work for light cleaning, but they often fail to remove uric scale. Urinal-specific cleaners work better.

How do I prevent urinal stains from coming back?

Consistent cleaning, proper flushing, and regular enzyme treatments help prevent stains and odors from returning.