They're sturdy, they're simple, they're cheap. But block walls, common for basement walls or foundations, are often unsealed. The porous building material, -- concrete masonry units, cinder blocks or other -- easily absorbs dog urine, leaving stains and odor. To keep a block wall odor- and stain-free, remove the stains and seal the wall.
Soak up liquid urine from the concrete with paper towels, changing to fresh ones until the area's dry. Scrub the block wall with the scrub brush to remove dirt, dust and other debris.
Spray the wall with an enzyme-based cleaning spray. The enzymes work to break down urine, removing the stain and odor. An unsealed block wall will absorb the spray, so you need to apply enough to saturate the block. Don't be surprised if you have to spray layer after layer. Cover the block surface with a plastic tarp to reduce the cleaner evaporation. Leave it covered and let the cleaner dry completely. Repeat this step if necessary.
Seal the concrete block wall with a silicate-based concrete sealer by pouring sealer into a paint tray and applying it to the wall with a paint roller or brush. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions before applying a second coat. The finished surface should repel urine, making it much easier to clean. Don't let urine stand, though. Wipe it up immediately, and apply enzymatic cleaner to keep pets from thinking the block wall is a urine depository.
Tips
If your block wall is already sealed, soak up the urine with paper towel and clean with an enzyme cleaner to ensure you take care of removing the odor. While you may not detect the urine odor, your dog will and may choose to use the spot again.
Choose a colored concrete sealer to add color and cover up stubborn stains.
Warnings
Do not use commercial cleaning products or hot water to treat urine stains and odors; these can actually set the stain, making it more difficult to treat and remove. Enzymatic cleaners are more expensive than common household cleaners; ultimately they're cheaper, since they're the only way to wholly rid a space of urine residue and they passively deter a dog from peeing in the same spot repeatedly because a scent remains.
Warnings
Do not use commercial cleaning products or hot water to treat urine stains and odors; these can actually set the stain, making it more difficult to treat and remove. Enzymatic cleaners are more expensive than common household cleaners; ultimately they're cheaper, since they're the only way to wholly rid a space of urine residue and they passively deter a dog from peeing in the same spot repeatedly because a scent remains.
Tips
If your block wall is already sealed, soak up the urine with paper towel and clean with an enzyme cleaner to ensure you take care of removing the odor. While you may not detect the urine odor, your dog will and may choose to use the spot again.
Choose a colored concrete sealer to add color and cover up stubborn stains.
Items You Will Need
- Paper towels
- Scrub brush
- Enzyme-based cleaning spray
- Plastic tarp
- Silicate concrete sealer
- Paint tray
- Paint roller or paintbrush
References
Tips
- If your block wall is already sealed, soak up the urine with paper towel and clean with an enzyme cleaner to ensure you take care of removing the odor. While you may not detect the urine odor, your dog will and may choose to use the spot again.
- Choose a colored concrete sealer to add color and cover up stubborn stains.
Warnings
- Do not use commercial cleaning products or hot water to treat urine stains and odors; these can actually set the stain, making it more difficult to treat and remove. Enzymatic cleaners are more expensive than common household cleaners; ultimately they're cheaper, since they're the only way to wholly rid a space of urine residue and they passively deter a dog from peeing in the same spot repeatedly because a scent remains.
Writer Bio
Deborah Lundin is a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and as a small business owner. She studied medical science and sociology at Northern Illinois University. Her passions and interests include fitness, health, healthy eating, children and pets.