My DH has ruined the bedroom carpet from the bed to the bathroom. He wears Depends (actually Tranquility brand) but pushed them down before he starts towards the toilet. I plan to take the carpet up and put down vinyl. What is the best way to handle urine on vinyl? I know wet vinyl can be slippery. Also, I use a "Swifter" mop and it doesn't absorb large volumes of liquid. I thought about putting down newspapers on the vinyl, so I can pick them up and throw them away. But I don't want to create a fall hazard. Suggestions will be appreciated.
Does he walk pretty well, Judy? If he shuffles, anything you put down could cause a fall. I would use the doggie urine pads because they absorb the wet and you just throw them away. Or, buy cheap vinyl tablecloths with the backing turned upward, which will absorb the urine also; then just wash them. Hugs to you.
JudyTBT, I had a medical rehab specialist come to evaluation my home. He suggested I take up the carpet and put down 12x12 tiles that have been coated with a no skid material. I followed the instructions, it took two days to complete and I am very happy and clean. They are attractive tiles, you can choose your own colors, I have them all thru the house. I run the steam mop thingy over it and then if there are ny accidents, I just clean them up with Clorox clean up and a paper towel. Wish I had done this years ago.
vinyl is less pricey but to me would be counterproductive with an AD person who can slip on wet floors. the no slip tiles are an investment but like shellsheeker says are lasting and able to be cleaned easily and durable. and no slipping. putting anything down on top of vinyl would make me concerned. you sure don't need a fall on top of the urine cleanup. it could be you! any flooring that is skid resistant would be a much better investment in my humble opinion.
There is non-slip vinyl! See for example: http://www.armstrong.com/assets/commflooringna/literature/downloads/27054_F7841.pdf I would worry about anything with seams, because my husband is rapidly ruining the laminate in his area.
Forget vinyl floors....I bought a pallet of Fresh scent kitty litter, and solved many problems at the same time....No worries about mopping up, no slipping, and you never have to sweep or vacuum the carpet. You just keep adding kitty litter to the carpet. and if it smells, use fresh scent with baking soda... It is much cheaper than vinyl floors, and you can also get the color you want in the kitty litter by adding food coloring. Mine had grey, mixed with shades of blue, green and red.... The only drawback is that it sticks to your bare feet, so you need to wear shoes or slippers....
I kinda agree with Phranque. I had all new carpet installed in 2010. I didn't handle it well the first few times Lloyd peed on that new carpet, but I did not tear it up because it was what we both wanted. It was Stainmaster so I just used a Little Green Machine with warm water and went over the spots where he'd had accidents. He has passed away and I still have my carpet. You may try white vinegar in a carpet machine, too. I have used it for smelly laundry that survived a fire and it worked. By the way, Phranque, I can mentally feel the kitty litter sticking to my feet now. Thanks! YUCK! Such an innovative idea. And all it takes is a pallet. Much more frugal than tearing up carpet.
No they are sealed. They have a special grout that is used to set them and then they are sealed. I can use the clorox clean up or the steamer with no problem. Like I said, I wish I had done this years ago. There is no way to get the carpet clen b/c the liquid goes into the pad and then under the pad. My house smells much better also.