Uric acid scale frequently builds up in conventional water-based urinals located in high-traffic restrooms.

The mineral build-up forms when urine combines with flush water. The scale most often accumulates directly underneath waterspouts and water disbursement rims in urinals, creating both an unsightly appearance and unpleasant odors. The scale can also build up on the floors directly below the urinal.

Cleaning professionals consider removing this scale one of their most challenging cleaning tasks. Making matters worse, the longer the scale remains on the urinal or the floor below, the more difficult it becomes to remove.

Standard cleaning products are usually not effective against uric scale. For example, regular all-purpose spray cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants fail to dissolve the deposits. Scrubbing with powder cleaners and scouring pads also can damage the urinal’s inner bowl glazed surface and water disbursement rims.

Enzymatic cleaners are often the most effective cleaning solution because they:

• Effectively break down uric acid scale, mineral deposits, and related odors.
• Are usually easy to apply.
• Have a neutral pH, making them safe to use per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Waterless Co. Inc. offered this step-by-step cleaning process:

• Wear protective gloves and goggles.
• Remove any screens and debris from the urinal.
• Flush the urinal once or twice before cleaning.
• Apply the enzymatic cleaner thoroughly using a spray cleaner; focus on the problem areas right below the waterspouts.
• Allow 5-10 minutes for the enzymes to work.
• Wipe clean then flush.
• Repeat if necessary (may take more than one application).

Once the uric scale is removed, the urinal can be cleaned as usual using a sanitizing or disinfecting cleaning solution.

The May/June 2025 issue of ISSA Today Magazine is now available in digital format.

Check out how women in the industry are navigating top leadership roles; see what happened at the ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.; and learn why climate risk reporting is not something you should do but something you must do. Discover the benefits of credentialing to elevate yourself and your company, and don’t miss news and updates on all that ISSA is doing for its members. Wrap it all up with an inside look at Betco and how the company is celebrating 75 years of success.

Straight Talk

A Unified Voice

President’s Message

It’s Time to Show Up

ISSA In Action!

An inside look at what ISSA is doing for its members today

Digital Product Passports

An ID card unlocking the future of the cleaning industry

Voices for the Cleaning Industry

Making a difference on Capitol Hill

Credentialing

What can it do for you and your company?

AI and Technology

A smarter path forward in sales and marketing

Women in Leadership

How women are redefining leadership in facility solutions

Understanding Climate Risk Reporting and Transparency

Why this matters in the cleaning industry

From Planning to Performance

How EOS turns strategy into action for industry leaders

Member Spotlight on Betco

A 75-year legacy of innovation, family, and industry leadership

View the Table of Contents to see everything available in this issue.

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