Clean empty toilet, public urinals in a row. There is three in a row inside

Uric acid scale is a mineral build-up commonly found in urinal basins. It forms when urine combines with flush water.

“This scale most often accumulates directly underneath waterspouts and water disbursement rims in urinals, creating both an unsightly appearance and unpleasant odors,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., provider of waterless urinals. “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:
- Regular all-purpose spray cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants fail to dissolve the deposits.
- Scrubbing with powder cleaners and scouring pads 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.
- They are usually easy to apply.
- They have a neutral pH, making them safe to use per the manufacturer's instructions.
- They are proven effective.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
1.   Wear protective gloves and goggles.
2.   Remove any screens and debris from the urinal.
3.   Flush the urinal once or twice before cleaning.
4.   Apply the enzymatic cleaner thoroughly using a spray cleaner; focus on the problem areas right below the waterspouts.
5.   Allow 5-10 minutes for the enzymes to work.
6.   Wipe clean, then flush.
7.   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.

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

“Although this cleaning method will help address this cleaning challenge, recent purchasing patterns reveal [that] the third most common reason why waterless urinals are selected for men’s restrooms, directly behind saving water and cost savings, is to eliminate this uric acid scale problem,” says Reichardt.