Male mice mark their territory with urine, so it is very common for garages with mice infestations to smell like urine. Mouse urine has a pervading and persistent smell that can be difficult to remove. So, acting quickly and eradicating your garage of mice is essential. Once it’s cleared out, quickly removing the urine stains and odor is vital.
There are several methods for getting rid of mouse urine odors. You might have to use a few methods to treat the urine stains, so here are six you can try out in your garage.
The 6 Ways to Get Rid of Mouse Urine Smell in Garages
1. Apply Disinfectant
One of the best ways to clean up mouse urine is to use a disinfectant. Many disinfectants are specifically designed to remove animal stains, and you can often find them at your local pet store or online stores.
When shopping for a disinfectant, look for products containing enzymes. Enzymes break down the protein in the urine, making it easier to scrub it off. When using a disinfectant, thoroughly soak and saturate the urine stains with the formula so that the ingredients can fully penetrate and break down the proteins.
2. Bleach and Water Mix
Unlike dog and cat urine, you can use bleach to clean up rodent urine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend using a one-part bleach to a 10-part water solution. Thoroughly soak the area with the bleach solution and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, mop up the area and let it dry thoroughly. If the smell still lingers, repeat the process a second time. When working with bleach, make sure to follow safe practices. The garage should be well-ventilated, and you should wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and goggles.
3. Create a Cross Breeze
With any cleaning method you use, it’s best to create a cross breeze. A cross breeze helps circulate air and keep your garage ventilated. The best way to do this is to open all the windows and entry points in your garage.
If your garage only has one entrance, install fans on the opposite side of it. The fans should face the entrance so that the air flows toward it.
4. Steam Clean Carpets, Fabric, and Furniture
Steam cleaning is another effective method for deep cleaning your garage. It is a method you should use if your garage has carpeting or furniture. Like disinfectants, you can find several kinds of cleaners specifically made for removing pet stains. Make sure to follow the instructions for the best results. Depending on how old the urine stains are, you may have to repeat the steam cleaning process a few times.
5. Replace Insulation
Sometimes, mice burrow into the insulation in your garage. If that is the case, there’s a great chance that the insulation is soaked with urine. If you’ve thoroughly cleaned your garage and still smell a lingering odor, it could be a sign that the smell is coming from your insulation.
You can call a contractor to schedule an inspection. Sometimes, the insulation is salvageable. In severe infestation cases, you may have to replace it completely.
6. Use Odor-Neutralizing Items
Several household items can neutralize or absorb odors. Baking soda and vinegar are everyday items that neutralize smells. Since urine has a high pH level, baking soda can neutralize it. Vinegar contains properties that break down the urine and make the stains easier to move.
You can also try using products that absorb odors. A popular odor absorber is activated charcoal, which has pores that absorb odors. They’re also an economical option because you can usually recharge and reuse them by laying them out in sunlight for a few hours.
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How to Prevent Mice From Returning
All your hard work to deodorize your garage will go to waste if you don’t implement safety measures to keep mice from returning.
The first thing you want to do is seal any cracks and repair any holes that mice can enter. Reinforce the weak spots that mice can quickly chew through to create an entry point.
Next, cut back any tree branches that are too close to your garage. You’ll also want to clear branches hovering over the roof so mice can’t land on your garage.
Clean up any clutter in your garage to remove materials mice can use for nesting material. Too much clutter can also create hiding spaces for mice.
Remove all food from your garage or keep it in heavy-duty sealed containers. Food that mice can eat includes bird seeds, dog food, and grass seeds. Move trash cans away from your garage entrance and ensure their lids lock tightly and securely.
Lastly, you can try placing fake owls around your garage to scare away mice. They will fool some mice, especially if they look realistic. Just keep in mind that mice can also learn over time that the owls don’t move and may not try to avoid them.
Conclusion
Cleaning up mouse urine is hard work, and it may take time for the odor to completely disappear. It’ll take a lot of ventilation, disinfecting, and using odor-neutralizing items to combat urine odors.
Once your garage is free of stains and odors, set up preventative measures to protect it from re-infestation. This will ensure that all your efforts aren’t wasted and that your garage remains odor-free.
- Related read: How to Clean Mouse Urine from Wood (7 Ideas and Tips)
Featured Image Credit: MainelyPhotos, Shutterstock
