Smelly urinals in high-traffic areas: causes, impact and how to fix it
Persistent urinal odour isn’t just an unpleasant nuisance. In high-traffic areas such as transport hubs, stadia, public venues, offices and accommodation, smelly urinals can create real operational, reputational and compliance challenges.
And the frustrating part?
The problem is often not poor cleaning. In many cases, it’s caused by hidden build-up deep within the urinal system, build-up that standard surface cleaning routines simply can’t reach.
In this article, we unpack the science behind persistent urinal odours and outline practical, preventative ways facilities teams can tackle the problem at source.
Why do urinals smell? The science beneath the surface
A lingering urine smell is the result of chemical and biological processes taking place within the plumbing.
As urine ages, compounds such as urea break down in the presence of water and bacteria, producing ammonia and other odorous by-products. Because these by-products are volatile, odours can become concentrated and noticeable even if a washroom looks clean on the surface.
Why smell matters: perception, experience and compliance
An odour in a washroom doesn’t just sit there. It affects how users perceive the entire environment, whether that’s a train station, office, hotel or entertainment venue. Proper washroom hygiene is not only a best practice but a legal expectation under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which require facilities to be clean, well-maintained and fit for purpose.
Failing to meet these standards can harm reputation, lead to complaints, and even attract regulatory scrutiny, particularly if poor hygiene contributes to slips, falls or health complaints.
Why smelly urinals are more common in high-traffic washrooms
Urinals in settings with constant footfall face a perfect storm:
- Heavy use means greater organic load entering pipes
- Inadequate flushing or airflow can leave residue behind
- Scale & mineral buildup from water deposits create niches for bacteria
- Surface cleaning alone can’t reach build-up deep in pipework
Even when fixtures appear surface-clean, odour-causing deposits can accumulate where day-to-day cleaning doesn’t reach, especially around traps and drains.
The true cost of smelly urinals
- Operational strain
Teams respond by increasing cleaning frequency, often using stronger chemicals to mask odour. But this doesn’t address the root cause, leading to repeated callouts and wasted labour.
- User experience & reputation
Odour leaves a lasting impression, and it’s almost always negative, regardless of how pristine the washroom looks. Poor washroom perception can influence how visitors judge a venue’s overall quality.
- Compliance & safety
UK guidance highlights the need for adequate washroom facilities, ventilation and maintenance. Ignoring odour issues can signal poor hygiene management and risk non-compliance with workplace health and safety expectations.
How to prevent smelly urinals in high-traffic areas
- Treat odour as a build-up signal
If the smell returns shortly after cleaning, it’s likely caused by deposits and organic build-up in traps and pipes, not surface residue. Addressing only the surface will always be a temporary fix.
- Combine routine maintenance with targeted treatments
Effective programmes pair daily prevention with periodic deep treatments like URIZAP Shock, designed to break down organic build-up at source, rather than simply masking odours.
- Improve ventilation
Good airflow helps dissipate odours and reduces humidity that can encourage bacterial growth.
- Train cleaning teams on purpose-built products
Ensuring staff can use solutions like URIZAP, designed to penetrate build-up, and maintain urinals effectively.
A smarter approach to fresh washrooms
Dealing with smelly urinals the right way starts with recognising that the issue is often below the surface. By focusing on solutions that attack build-up at its source, facilities teams can deliver consistently fresher washrooms, even in the busiest environments.
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