Commode smells

[NotTooOldPaul]

I feel a bit strange posting this in the Elderly Parents board but I think it is the best place to ask.
My wife is 77 (the same age as me), she has a lot of problems with mobility and has now got a commode in our bedroom. I have no idea how to look after it. I empty it every morning, wash it and then put in a small amount of water and some Dettol.
My problem is the smell overnight. I seem to be sleeping in the stink of urine which is not pleasant.
Are there any ways of dealing with a commode that reduces the smell? I don’t want to get up and empty it 6 or 7 times every night.

Hi, when I was dealing with my Mum's commode I used to line it with scented bin liners, the ones I used were purple ones that were lavender fragranced from the £1 section at the supermarket (Tesco and Morrisons). I would also put 3 or 4 sheets of kitchen roll in the bottom which absorbs the liquid, making it easier to remove the bag and should help with the smell. It also made cleaning up much easier as it was one bag out one bag in, no need for a full clean each time. We found it helped make things a little less clinical too.

You can also get commode liners, which are basically absorbant pads that can help eliminate odour

Do you use the lids provided?

You can actually buy liners too

amzn.eu/d/aMr6aR2

Is she drinking enough water? Urine smells stronger when it's more concentrated.

Hate to say but I used to work in a nursing home and any urine left out for more than a few minutes will smell. I would make sure it's empty when you go to bed and then just try to wash out as soon as you wake up. An open window/air freshener like neutradol may help with the odour.

Dryer sheets?

What about something like those crystals that absorb urine when you go camping etc?

amzn.eu/d/14tr1CW

Or this: amzn.eu/d/iFFdYBN

The one we used when camping made the pee turn into a gel that you just disposed of and it didn't smell.

something with a lid, add zoflora and a little water to the bottom

www.amazon.co.uk/Aidapt-Commode-Bucket-Eligible-relief/dp/B0051TZYR4?

She could not manage a lid.
Those liners will be delivered by Amazon to me tomorrow

Are you certain nothing is going on the floor? Even an odd splash will build up. You could use change mats under it (and obviously make sure it’s all mopped/wiped etc)

It sounds hard and I’m sorry you are having to deal with it all

if there is a chance of any splashing on the floor, especially if vinyl or hard flooring, shaving foam is sprayed liberally around the floor and left for about 5 minutes and then wiped up with kitchen roll, it takes any lingering odour away, I also found that having a bit of water in the bowl helped to keep odours down and a good splash of cheap minty mouthwash to the water, it leaves it smelling minty and is a better odour Tesco has mouthwash in cool mint and fresh mint for 500ml for 45p - cheaper is best in this case

I am not sure. At the moment it is laminate and I an to get it covered in vinyl which will be easier to clean.
I do mop the floor most days

TCP covers smells more efficiently than dettol IMO.

Thanks to everyone who replied. I really appreciate all the helpful advice and support. I don't want to discus this with anyone who know me and my wife so anonymously on here was a great relief.
@Blushingm I have started using these bags and pads and they seem to be the perfect soloution. Thanks

I just wanted to say thank you for asking about this, using a commode is the next step for my husband and this kind of know how really does help!

@NotTooOldPaul its lovely that you care for your wife - hopefully things improve.

@NotTooOldPaul I was wondering as your wife has mobility problems whether you have found a work around for bathing/showering?

We have no rinse shampoo caps which have worked to an extent, and keeping on top (ish) with flannel wash, but the carers just seems to do a very superficial once over, have you had any luck?

For splashes on the floor, I wonder whether Simple solution, used for neutralising cat pee smells, would work on human urine?

For emergencies, soil neutralises smell, but it needs to be in sufficient quantity that the urine soaks into the soil. You then have to solve the disposal problem, if you don’t have a compost heap.

If you line the potty part with a plastic bag and then pop some clumping cat litter in the bottom, that prevents splashback and the cat litter absorbs the urine and stops the worst of the smell in the morning you can just tie the bag up and pop it in the bin. This is more cost effective than buying special pads or gels. Over time, you'll work out the right amount of litter needed.

Bleach?
Zoflora?