Have you ever wondered, “ Why does my urine smell bad all day? ” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The smell of your urine can vary for many reasons, and most of the time it’s not serious [1] . In fact, when we’re healthy and well hydrated, urine usually has a very subtle or practically neutral odor. If you notice an unpleasant smell in your urine, it’s possible that something as simple as what you ate for lunch or how much water you drank is behind the unexpected “aroma.” Here we’ll explain what can cause your pee to smell bad, how to fix it, and when it might be a sign of something that deserves medical attention. Let’s get to it!
What does urine smell like?
Urine is mostly made up of water and various waste products filtered by your kidneys. Under normal conditions, a well-hydrated person produces clear, nearly odorless urine. However, when there is little fluid and a lot of waste, urine is concentrated and may smell stronger, sometimes with a characteristic ammonia-like odor [2] . Additionally, some foods and medications (hello, asparagus! 👋) can give your urine very distinctive odors, even in small amounts.
Sometimes, an unusual urine odor can be an indicator of a health condition. Below, we review the most common types of odor that may occur and their probable causes:
Urine with an ammonia odor
If your urine smells like ammonia (that strong smell similar to cleaning products), the most common cause is dehydration. Lack of water causes waste products (like urea) to concentrate and can give off that strong ammonia smell. That's why first-morning urine often smells stronger: you went without drinking fluids all night, and your urine came out more concentrated than usual.
Another reason is that certain bacteria can convert urea into ammonia. This means that an ammonia-like smell could suggest the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract. Be careful, an ammonia smell doesn't always indicate an active urinary tract infection. If there are no other symptoms (such as pain or burning when urinating), it could just be natural bacteria or urine that has been retained for a long time. In any case, if your urine persistently smells like ammonia even after drinking enough water, it's worth consulting a doctor to rule out an incipient infection or other problems.
What to do? Drink more water: By staying hydrated, the ammonia smell usually diminishes or disappears. Emptying your bladder frequently (not holding it in) also helps prevent urine from becoming so concentrated or "fermented."
Urine that smells sweet or fruity
Noticing a sweet smell (even fruity or syrupy) in your urine can be a turn-off. One possible cause is diabetes. When diabetes isn't well controlled, excess sugar (glucose) in the blood eventually passes into your urine, giving it an unusually sweet smell. Additionally, in severely uncontrolled diabetes, the body produces ketones (compounds that smell fruity, like rotten apples or nail polish remover), which can also be noticed in your breath and urine; this can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication.
Another possible reason is a rare metabolic disease. For example, there is "maple syrup urine disease," a genetic disorder in infants where urine smells like caramel or maple syrup. Phenylketonuria and some liver diseases can also give urine a "musty" or rancid smell. These are rare conditions, but doctors are familiar with them because body and urine odor can be a clue in the diagnosis.
What to do? If you suddenly notice that your urine smells sweet and your food isn't explaining it, look for other symptoms: extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. See a doctor soon: a urine and blood glucose test will clarify the situation.
Urine that smells like fish
If you detect a fishy odor, one possibility is trimethylaminuria, a genetic metabolic disorder ("fish odor syndrome") where the body doesn't properly break down trimethylamine, and it's excreted through sweat, breath, and urine. It's rare, usually noticeable from a young age, and the odor is persistent.
If the odor appears suddenly, a bacterial cause is more likely: certain urinary tract infections can produce a foul-smelling, fishy odor. In women, bacterial vaginosis produces fishy-smelling discharge that is sometimes mistaken for urine odor. Even eating a lot of fish can intensify odors in sensitive individuals.
What to do? If your urine smells fishy and your diet doesn't explain it, see your doctor. They can rule out infection (urine culture) and, depending on symptoms, evaluate metabolic causes. Trimethylaminuria is managed with diet and sometimes medication. If it's an infection, an appropriate antibiotic will resolve the problem and the odor.
Urine with a strange smell after eating (asparagus, coffee, garlic, etc.)
Urine can carry food compounds with pungent odors. This is normal and temporary: once these compounds are eliminated, the odor disappears.
Asparagus
They contain asparagusic acid, which, when metabolized, produces sulfurous substances with a strong odor (like boiled cabbage). Not everyone notices it, and some don't even smell it. It's harmless and disappears with time and water.
Coffee
Coffee provides aromatic compounds and is also a diuretic, which can cause mild dehydration. The result: more concentrated urine that smells strong, sometimes with a hint of coffee. Drink water with your coffee to reduce this odor.
Garlic (and onion)
Rich in sulfur compounds that are released through urine and sweat. Although they leave an odor, garlic has healthy and antimicrobial properties. The effect is temporary.
Vitamins and supplements
Some B vitamins (B2, B6, B12) and supplements may change color and odor ("phosphorus yellow," "vitamin" odor). This is the excess being eliminated. Hydration and recommended doses are sufficient. If you don't take supplements and it still smells "like medicine," consult a doctor.
Dehydration and urine odor
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of strong odor: the body conserves water, and urine becomes highly concentrated (more urea, uric acid, etc.). It's usually noticed in the morning, when hot, sweating, or after taking diuretics (coffee, alcohol). The solution: drink 1.5–2 liters daily (more if it's hot or you exercise). With good hydration, urine clears and the odor diminishes.
Medications that change the smell of urine
Some medications (e.g., penicillin or other antibiotics), vitamins, and herbs can alter odor and color. Antidiabetics may also be helpful in certain individuals, as well as garlic supplements. It's not harmful in and of itself: these are compounds that the body eliminates. Check the package insert or call if you notice any changes; the odor usually disappears after completing the treatment.
How to eliminate strong urine odor?
Practical tips to reduce urine odor (tackle common causes such as urine concentration):
- Drink enough water: aim for ~2 liters a day (more in hot weather or during exercise). Diluting your urine reduces odor.
- Don't hold back the urge: urinate regularly to avoid "stagnation."
- Proper intimate hygiene: Clean the area thoroughly (for women, from front to back); clean underwear daily.
- Balanced diet: less heavy fats, strong spices, and excess protein; more fruits and vegetables. Moderate coffee, alcohol, and garlic/onion consumption if their aftertaste bothers you.
- Mild infusions or lemon water: they help you urinate a little more (without overdoing it).
- Cranberries: useful for preventing minor infections (they do not replace antibiotics if there is an infection).
- Parsley and cilantro: Mild diuretics; may help with body odor.
Tip: Identify the cause. If it's due to food or coffee, it will go away on its own. If it persists without explanation, move on to the next step.
Urinary tract infection: strong odor without pain
There may be a "silent" urinary tract infection (asymptomatic bacteriuria) where the only sign is a foul odor, especially in older adults. A urinalysis (dipstick or culture) confirms the infection. E. coli is the most common. If confirmed, appropriate antibiotics eliminate the infection and the foul odor.
Important: This is more common in women, pregnant women, people with diabetes, or weak immune systems. In these groups, consider infection even if there is no pain.
When to worry and see a doctor?
- The bad smell persists for several days without any obvious dietary cause.
- The odor is accompanied by urinary urgency, burning or pain when urinating, fever, chills, lower back pain, nausea.
- There is blood in the urine or it appears very cloudy with pus.
- Suspected diabetes: excessive thirst, excessive urine output, sweet/fruity odor, tiredness, blurred vision.
- Pregnancy: Discuss any changes; increased risk of UTIs, sometimes without symptoms.
- History/metabolism: If there are congenital disorders in the family and you notice “musty” or other odors, consult.
A urine test can detect bacteria, sugar, ketones, etc., and guide treatment. Don't let that leave you wondering.
Urine odor neutralizing products
Useful when you cannot dispose of urine immediately (traveling, camping, camper, boats, dry or portable toilet).
Because being able to pee in a dry or portable toilet inside a van is cool... but if you have a really strong pee smell and it permeates the van... that's NOT COOL. What should you do in these cases?
Urine solidifier (odorless)
Superabsorbent powder (SAP polymer) that converts liquid into gel and usually includes a neutralizer or light fragrance. It's added after urination to a bag or container: it solidifies in seconds, traps odor, and facilitates safe handling and disposal.
Guess what? We have this solution in our store! (wink, wink...)
Urine odor absorber
Well-designed disposable urinary bags include a superabsorbent polymer with a neutralizer. Key differences:
- ✅ Neutralizer bags: solidify and eliminate odor; the resulting "gel" is virtually odorless.
- ❌ Generic bags without neutralizer: They may gel, but the odor remains, especially with heat or poor sealing.
The ones we sell at PlanPee are, obviously, odor neutralizers. Plus, they're wonderfully convenient... since you don't have to open the bag for it to work: as seen in the video, you just put the bag with liquid in it and... PeeMagic! 💫
Turns pee into solid (and odorless)
💛 Absorbent and odor-neutralizing powder that solidifies urine in seconds. Perfect for dry toilets, campers, RVs, or anywhere without a drain.
- Solidifies pee in a few seconds
- Neutralizes odor and makes cleaning easier
- Ideal for dry toilets, camping and vans
Pack of 30 bags for €12
Frequently asked questions about bad urine odor
Is it normal for urine to smell stronger in the morning?
Yes. It's more concentrated after hours without drinking or urinating. With hydration and urination throughout the day, the odor softens.
My urine smells bad even though I drink a lot of water, why?
It could be due to foods (coffee, garlic, asparagus), supplements, or a mild infection. Some medical conditions also play a role. Monitor for other symptoms and, if they persist, seek medical attention.
Does bad smelling urine always indicate infection?
No. The most common is hydration/diet. However, if the odor is very strong and doesn't go away, it could be an asymptomatic infection: it's best to get it checked out.
What diseases cause bad odor?
Diabetes (sweet/fruity), liver or metabolic disorders (mold/sulfur), urinary tract infections (foul), some STIs (due to inflammation and secretions), and rare genetic disorders (trimethylaminuria, phenylketonuria). DON'T WORRY... Chances are you've eaten something heavy (read the article above!)
How to make urine smell better quickly?
Drink 1–2 large glasses of water, urinate frequently, opt for a mild herbal tea (parsley/green tea), and ventilate the bathroom. Avoid "masking" the condition with unusual remedies without knowing the cause.
Can I use anything to make my pee smell nicer?
Better aim for "less unpleasant": water, a clean diet, and, if necessary, odor neutralizers after urinating. Please don't add perfumes to your urine.
Sources
- medlineplus.gov
- mayoclinic.org
- wikipedia.org
- tena.com
- mundodeportivo.com
- lasexta.com
Conclusion
The smell of your urine reflects your daily habits. Most causes are mundane and easy to correct: hydration and diet. If the odor persists unexplained or appears with other symptoms, consult a professional. And if you're going camping or to a festival, a good neutralizer in your backpack keeps unwanted "aromas" at bay. 😉🚽✨
