Rodent infestations can leave unpleasant lingering smells. To get rid of mouse urine odors, use the following steps.
- Ventilate the area
Open all windows and doors and let air circulate for at least 30 minutes.
- Clean away urine and droppings
Put on some latex gloves to prevent skin contact with bacteria and viruses. Mix one part of bleach and 10 parts of water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on urine or droppings. Let the mixture soak in for 5 minutes. Remove urine and droppings with paper towel. Do not use a broom or vacuum to clean the area as this can stir up dust, which poses a risk due to hantavirus.
- Disinfect the area
Mop all surfaces with a bleach solution and disinfect any items that came into contact with urine or droppings. Wash textiles, such as bedding and clothing, in hot water with laundry detergent. Use a steam cleaner to clean carpets and upholstery.
- Throw away cardboard and paper items
Toss any contaminated cardboard or paper items in the garbage.
- Leave books and important papers in the sun
Leave books and important papers that cannot be thrown away to dry in direct sunlight. Let them sit in the sun for several hours. Ultraviolet rays cause the hantavirus to deactivate.
- Spray surfaces with enzyme cleaner
If any lingering smells remain, spray the area with an enzyme cleaner.
